Customs Manager

Customs Manager

• Annual Salary: £50,000 - £65,000 per annum
• Location: Acton, London
• Job Type: Full-time, Office-based
• Hours: 9am - 6pm or 8am - 5pm (with 1 hour's lunch)

We are seeking an experienced and meticulous Customs Manager to lead our customs operations. This crucial management position is responsible for overseeing the complete customs lifecycle of all shipments-road, sea, and air-ensuring full compliance with international trade laws and regulations.

Day-to-day of the role:

• Customs Operations & Management:

  • Oversee and ensure compliant execution of customs procedures for all road freight movements, including the accurate raising of import entries and the timely discharging of T-forms to avoid customs penalties.
  • Act as the final authority for all customs declarations related to air and sea freight import shipments, ensuring proper valuation, classification, and application of specific regimes.
  • Take ultimate responsibility for the company's entire customs compliance program, monitoring changes in customs regulations and trade agreements to mitigate risk.

• Specialised Procedures & Record Keeping:

  • Manage the entire process for items imported under Temporary Admission (TA), including maintaining meticulous records and monitoring expiry deadlines.
  • Control and maintain the integrity of our bonded warehouse records and inventory control system, ensuring full compliance with customs audit requirements.
  • Serve as the primary point of contact for external customs audits, providing detailed documentation and comprehensive reports to satisfy regulatory bodies.

• Team Leadership:

  • Manage, mentor, and train a small, dedicated customs team, setting performance standards and ensuring procedural consistency across all modes of transport.

Required Skills & Qualifications:

• A minimum of 5 years of dedicated experience in customs management, with significant experience in logistics or a related sector.
• Sound Road Freight knowledge.
• Extensive practical knowledge of import/export customs regimes, valuation, classification (HS Codes), and experience with the New Computerised Transit System (NCTS).
• Deep understanding of complex customs procedures, including Temporary Admission (TA), Customs Warehousing, and regulations.
• Proven ability to lead, develop, and manage a small, high-performing team.
• Exceptional liaison skills for engaging with customs authorities, internal operations teams, and clients.

Benefits:

• Competitive salary range of £50,000 - £65,000 per annum.
• 25 days holiday, plus bank holidays.
• Statutory pension scheme.
• Free parking available.