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For Companies At a Glance
- Tasks: Lead and manage customs operations, ensuring compliance and driving efficiency.
- Company: Established UK-based freight forwarding group at Heathrow.
- Benefits: Competitive salary, career progression, and autonomy in a dynamic environment.
- Other info: Fast-paced environment with opportunities for continuous improvement.
- Why this job: Shape the customs function and make a real impact in logistics.
- Qualifications: Experience in customs operations and strong stakeholder management skills.
The predicted salary is between 65000 - 65000 £ per year.
Location: London Heathrow (Office-Based / Hybrid Options Available)
Salary: £65,000 per annum
Hours: Monday to Friday 8:30 - 19:00
About the Role
We are working with a well-established UK-based SME freight forwarding group who are looking to appoint an experienced Customs & Compliance Manager to take ownership of their customs function for their UK operation reporting into their London Heathrow branch. This is a key leadership role responsible for managing, developing, and continuously improving all customs operations across import and export activity within one of the company's core UK hubs. You will ensure full HMRC compliance while driving efficiency, accuracy, and commercial value across the customs function. This is an excellent opportunity for someone who enjoys a blend of hands-on customs operations and strategic development, within a busy international freight environment at a major UK airfreight gateway.
Key Responsibilities
- Lead and manage the UK customs function.
- Ensure full compliance with HMRC regulations and UK customs legislation.
- Oversee customs declarations including CFSP, NCTS, customs warehousing, and duty regimes.
- Maintain and develop AEO compliance standards and internal audit processes.
- Act as the key point of contact for all customs-related queries and escalations at Heathrow.
- Review, improve, and implement customs processes, SOPs, and control frameworks.
- Liaise with HMRC, external authorities, airlines, and internal stakeholders.
- Support customs strategy and regulatory compliance across airfreight operations.
- Identify cost-saving opportunities and drive operational efficiencies.
- Support systems integration and customs workflow improvements.
About You
The ideal candidate will have:
- Strong background in customs operations, compliance, or brokerage.
- Experience within freight forwarding, 3PL, logistics, or airfreight environments.
- Solid understanding of UK customs legislation and procedures.
- Experience with AEO standards and audit compliance (highly desirable).
- Strong stakeholder management skills, particularly within fast-paced operational environments.
- Ability to lead a customs function and drive continuous improvement.
What's on Offer
- Salary up to £65,000 per annum.
- Senior role based at a major Heathrow freight hub.
- Opportunity to lead and shape the customs function.
- Strong SME environment with autonomy and visibility.
- Long-term career progression within a growing logistics business.
If you are an experienced Customs & Compliance professional looking for a leadership role within a fast-paced Heathrow freight environment, we would love to hear from you.
Locations
Customs & Compliance Manager in Guildford, Surrey employer: WR Logistics
Contact Detail:
WR Logistics Recruiting Team
StudySmarter Expert Advice 🤫
We think this is how you could land Customs & Compliance Manager in Guildford, Surrey
✨Tip Number 1
Network like a pro! Reach out to your connections in the customs and compliance field. Attend industry events or webinars to meet potential employers and get your name out there. Remember, it’s all about who you know!
✨Tip Number 2
Prepare for interviews by researching the company and its customs operations. Be ready to discuss how your experience aligns with their needs, especially around HMRC compliance and AEO standards. Show them you’re the perfect fit!
✨Tip Number 3
Don’t just apply and wait! Follow up on your applications through our website. A quick email or call can show your enthusiasm and keep you on their radar. It’s all about making that personal connection!
✨Tip Number 4
Showcase your achievements! When discussing your past roles, highlight specific examples of how you improved customs processes or ensured compliance. Numbers and results speak volumes, so let them know what you’ve accomplished!
We think you need these skills to ace Customs & Compliance Manager in Guildford, Surrey
Some tips for your application 🫡
Tailor Your CV: Make sure your CV is tailored to the Customs & Compliance Manager role. Highlight your experience in customs operations and compliance, and don’t forget to mention any relevant achievements that showcase your skills in a fast-paced environment.
Craft a Compelling Cover Letter: Your cover letter is your chance to shine! Use it to explain why you’re the perfect fit for this role. Mention your understanding of UK customs legislation and how you can drive efficiency and compliance within the customs function.
Showcase Your Leadership Skills: Since this is a key leadership role, make sure to highlight your experience in managing teams and driving continuous improvement. Share specific examples of how you've led customs functions or improved processes in previous roles.
Apply Through Our Website: We encourage you to apply through our website for a smoother application process. It’s the best way for us to receive your application and get you one step closer to joining our team at StudySmarter!
How to prepare for a job interview at WR Logistics
✨Know Your Customs Inside Out
Make sure you brush up on UK customs legislation and procedures before the interview. Being able to discuss specific regulations and how they apply to the role will show that you're not just familiar with the basics, but that you’re ready to take ownership of the customs function.
✨Showcase Your Leadership Skills
Since this is a key leadership role, prepare examples of how you've successfully led teams or projects in the past. Think about times when you improved processes or drove efficiencies, as these experiences will resonate well with the interviewers.
✨Prepare for Stakeholder Management Questions
Expect questions about how you manage relationships with various stakeholders, including HMRC and internal teams. Have specific examples ready that demonstrate your ability to communicate effectively and resolve conflicts in fast-paced environments.
✨Highlight Your Continuous Improvement Mindset
The company is looking for someone who can drive continuous improvement. Be prepared to discuss how you've identified cost-saving opportunities or implemented new processes in previous roles. This will show that you’re proactive and focused on adding commercial value.