Operations Manager – Customs & Compliance | Feltham, Middlesex | Full Time | £42,000.00 - £50,000.00 subject to experience
Our client is seeking an experienced and highly organised Operations Manager – Customs & Compliance to oversee the day-to-day operational activities of the business while ensuring full compliance with HMRC regulations, Border Force requirements, and internal quality standards.
The successful candidate will have a strong background in customs clearance, compliance, warehouse operations, and people management, with the ability to lead operational improvements and maintain high service standards.
The Role
Oversee the day-to-day operational activities of the business while ensuring full compliance with HMRC regulations, Border Force requirements, and internal quality standards.
Key Responsibilities
Customs & Compliance
- Oversee all import and export customs clearance activities
- Ensure compliance with HMRC legislation, CDS requirements, ETSF procedures, and AEO standards
- Maintain compliance with Border Force and Trading Standards regulations
- Liaise directly with HMRC, Border Force, Trading Standards and other regulatory authorities
- Investigate customs queries and implement corrective actions where required
- Ensure all customs records and compliance documentation are maintained accurately
Operations Management
- Manage the daily operations of the customs, warehouse and transport teams
- Monitor staff performance and ensure operational KPIs are achieved
- Allocate workloads and ensure all shipments are processed efficiently
- Identify operational improvements to increase productivity and reduce errors
- Support management with planning, reporting and operational performance
Audits & Quality Assurance
- Prepare for and manage internal and external compliance audits
- Conduct regular operational and customs compliance audits
- Identify areas of non-compliance and implement corrective actions
Standard Operating Procedures (SOPs)
- Develop, implement and regularly review Standard Operating Procedures (SOPs)
- Ensure all operational procedures remain compliant with HMRC and company policies
- Train staff on new procedures and ensure consistent implementation across the business
Staff Management
- Supervise and mentor operational staff
- Conduct performance reviews and identify training requirements
- Ensure employees follow company procedures and compliance standards
- Promote a culture of accountability, teamwork and continuous improvement
Requirements
Essential
- Minimum 5 years’ experience within freight forwarding, customs or logistics operations
- Extensive knowledge of UK customs procedures and CDS
- Strong understanding of HMRC regulations, Border Force procedures
- Experience managing customs compliance and operational audits
- Proven experience leading operational teams
- Excellent communication and organisational skills
- Ability to write and implement operational procedures and SOPs
- Strong problem-solving and decision-making abilities
- Proficient in Microsoft Office and freight forwarding software (e.g. Boxtop, ASM Sequoia or similar)
Desirable
- Experience managing an ETSF facility
- Knowledge of bonded warehousing and transit procedures
- Customs qualifications or relevant compliance certifications