Customs Manager

Are you an experienced Customs professional looking for a role where you can take ownership of import and export activities for a UK business with international operations?

We're partnering with a leading business in Suffolk who are recruiting for a Customs Manager to lead all customs and foreign trade activities across the UK and Ireland. This is a key position where you'll be the subject matter expert for customs, working closely with HMRC, customs brokers and internal stakeholders to ensure goods move efficiently and in line with UK regulations.

Alongside customs, you'll also support the business with wider compliance activities, helping to maintain good governance and meet regulatory requirements.

The Role

As the Customs Manager, you'll be responsible for managing customs operations and ensuring import and export processes run smoothly and compliantly.

Your responsibilities will include:

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• Taking ownership of all UK and Ireland import and export activities
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• Acting as the main point of contact for HMRC, customs brokers and logistics partners
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• Managing customs procedures and ensuring all import and export documentation is accurate
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• Supporting the business with customs queries, duty costs and import VAT matters
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• Monitoring changes to UK customs legislation and advising the business on any impact
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• Maintaining Authorised Economic Operator (AEO) requirements and supporting customs audits
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• Building strong relationships with external customs advisers and trade specialists
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• Identifying opportunities to improve customs processes and reduce risk across the supply chain
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• Supporting wider compliance activities, including governance, regulatory reporting and internal policies
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• Providing guidance and training to colleagues on customs and trade compliance where required
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About You

Our client is looking for someone with strong customs knowledge who enjoys working across both operational and strategic activities.

You'll ideally have:

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• Experience managing UK import and export operations
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• A strong understanding of UK customs legislation and HMRC requirements
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• Experience working with customs brokers, freight providers and international supply chains
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• Knowledge of customs procedures, import VAT, duties and tariff classifications
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• Experience supporting or maintaining AEO status would be advantageous
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• The ability to build strong relationships with internal and external stakeholders
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• Excellent organisational skills and attention to detail
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• A practical, solutions-focused approach with the confidence to work independently
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Exposure to wider compliance, governance or regulatory activities would be beneficial, but customs experience will be the primary focus for this position.

What's on Offer

This is an opportunity to join a successful business where customs play a vital role in day-to-day operations.

You'll have ownership of the customs function, work closely with senior leaders and external authorities, and have the opportunity to influence processes while supporting the continued success of the UK business.

If you're an experienced Customs professional looking for your next challenge, we'd love to hear from you.