Assistant Customs Manager

Do you have extensive experience within customs compliance and import/export operations? Do you have strong people and management skills?

I am looking for an Assistant Customs Manager for a Staines-based client who specialises in international freight and customs clearance. The Assistant Customs Manager will report to the General Manager and work closely with the Customs Manager to facilitate the smooth movement of goods and ensure customs compliance. The successful candidate will be office-based, working 40 hours per week, either from 8am or 9am with a 1-hour lunch break, and will go on to supervise a small team within customs and freight forwarding.

About You:

As the Assistant Customs Manager, you will have an excellent understanding of both customs and import/export procedures. You will have strong communication and people management skills and will feel comfortable eventually managing a small team. You will have a good working knowledge of various freight/customs systems as well as the ability to create basic Microsoft Excel spreadsheets. 

Main duties: 

• Import/Export Documentation: Prepare and review import/export paperwork, including commercial invoices, packing lists, bills of lading, and certificates of origin.
• Customs Compliance: Assist in ensuring adherence to customs laws and regulations, including tariff classifications, valuation, determination of country of origin, and customs documentation.
• Customs Clearance: Coordinate with customs brokers and freight forwarders to facilitate the efficient clearance of goods through customs.
• Risk Management: Identify and mitigate potential customs compliance risks, including issues related to customs audits, penalties, and duty drawbacks.
• Process Improvement: Identify opportunities for process improvements and efficiency gains within the customs compliance function. 
• Training and Development: Provide training and support to internal teams on customs compliance requirements and procedures.
• Communication: Communicate effectively with internal stakeholders, customs authorities, and external partners to resolve customs-related issues and ensure timely delivery of goods.

Key requirements: 

• 5 years' experience within customs compliance - essential.
• Experience handling imports and exports - essential.
• Good understanding of customs systems, preferably Descartes, Conex, Boxtop or Integration Point - essential.
• Good IT skills, particularly with Microsoft Excel (ability to create spreadsheets, import/enter customs data, format cells, create basic formulas, etc) - essential 
• Experience using CDS - essential.
• Professional certification in customs compliance (e.g., Certified Customs Specialist) - ideal but not essential.
• Strong leadership skills with the ability to oversee a small team of up to 4 employees in time.

Benefits & Package:

• Salary circa £38,000 - 40,000 per annum.
• 23 days holiday + bank holidays.
• Pension scheme.
• Healthcare benefit programme with GP access.
• Parking on site.