Customs Operations Manager

Location: Felixstowe
Salary: Up to £48,000 + Bonus & Benefits
Job Type: Full-time

We are recruiting on behalf of a well-established international logistics and supply chain organisation for an experienced Customs Operations Manager. This is an excellent opportunity to lead a busy customs function, driving compliance, service excellence, and team performance within a fast-paced operational environment.

The role is based in Felixstowe with occasional travel to other UK locations and offers the opportunity to play a key role in operational strategy and continuous improvement initiatives.

Key Responsibilities

• Lead, motivate and develop a customs operations team, ensuring the timely and accurate processing of customs documentation and border-related activities.
• Maintain full compliance with customs legislation, regulatory requirements, and internal operational standards.
• Implement and monitor quality control measures to ensure high levels of accuracy and customer service.
• Stay informed of legislative and regulatory updates, communicating any changes and ensuring operational readiness.
• Review existing processes and identify opportunities to improve efficiency, productivity, and service delivery.
• Build and maintain strong working relationships with customers, partners, and internal departments.
• Support business development activities by contributing operational expertise and identifying service enhancement opportunities.
• Manage employee performance through regular coaching, training, and development planning.
• Support recruitment, onboarding, retention, and employee engagement initiatives.
• Resolve complex operational issues and customer escalations in a professional and timely manner.
• Oversee resource planning to ensure workloads are effectively managed and service levels are consistently achieved.
• Attend customer meetings when required, providing operational insight and support.
• Ensure reporting and period-end operational activities are completed accurately and within agreed deadlines.

Skills & Experience Required

• Strong understanding of UK customs regulations, import and export procedures, tariff classifications, and compliance requirements.
• Proven leadership experience within a customs, freight forwarding, or international trade environment.
• Excellent communication and stakeholder management skills, with the ability to build effective relationships at all levels.
• Strong organisational skills and the ability to manage multiple priorities in a fast-moving environment.
• Commercially aware with a focus on service quality, customer satisfaction, and operational performance.
• Confident decision-maker with a proactive approach to problem-solving.
• High attention to detail and commitment to compliance and accuracy.
• Competent user of Microsoft Office applications, including Excel, Outlook, Word, and Teams.

Benefits

• Hybrid working arrangements.
• Private medical cover.
• Annual performance bonus.
• Opportunity to join a growing international logistics and trade operation.
• Significant leadership responsibility with scope to influence business performance.
• Ongoing career development and progression opportunities.
• Supportive and collaborative working environment.

To apply, please submit your CV outlining your relevant customs management experience and leadership background.