Customs Operations Director

Axxess International Inc.; Montreal; Hybrid; CAD 110,000 - 160,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Group insurance coverage

RRSP with employer contributions

7 personal days + vacation

Training paid for by Axxess

Remote work 2 days/week after prob.

Employee assistance program

Team activities

Job summary

Axxess International, a Montreal-based customs broker and international freight forwarder, seeks a Director of Customs to lead the Canada Customs team. Reporting to the Vice-President, Canada Customs, you will manage the department’s operations, budget, and a team of leaders, coordinators, agents and clerks, ensuring service quality and regulatory compliance.

You will drive process improvements, develop talent, and coordinate with senior management, leveraging extensive knowledge of customs

Qualifications

• Ten years of relevant professional experience in similar roles.
• CCS and LCB professional certifications.
• Bachelor’s degree in management or equivalent.
• In-depth knowledge of customs clearance processes and Canadian customs laws.
• Proficiency in tariff classification, customs valuation and origin of goods.
• Experience managing staff and supporting team leaders.
• Budget management and use of performance indicators.
• Bilingual English and French, written and spoken.

Responsibilities

• Achieve department financial and operational objectives within the budget.
• Plan activities, allocate resources and supervise work to meet priorities and deadlines.
• Monitor productivity, quality and profitability indicators and adjust as needed.
• Maintain service quality and follow up on client requests; resolve issues.
• Ensure compliance with customs requirements and procedures.
• Coach and engage team leaders and employees; support development.
• Identify training needs and drive process improvements during technology changes.
• Promote collaboration with other departments and inform senior management of results and risks.

Skills

Leadership

Budget management

Staff coaching

Change management

Bilingual EN/FR

Education

Bachelor's degree in management

Tools

Descartes ITM

Document management system

Job description

A customs broker and international freight forwarder, Axxess is a family-owned business serving importers and exporters since 1998.

Our team members make a difference through the personalized service they provide to our clients. They are knowledgeable, respectful and caring, and they enjoy taking on new challenges!

At Axxess, we are committed to supporting our experts throughout their careers. We provide the tools you need to develop your full potential and contribute directly to the team’s success.

Interested? We are looking for our next Director of Customs to join our Canada Customs team!

Reporting to the Vice-President, Canada Customs, you will manage your department’s operations and a team of team leaders, coordinators, agents and clerks. You will be responsible for achieving financial and operational objectives, managing the budget and maintaining service quality. Working with senior management, you will improve work processes and support your team’s development.

You will enjoy benefits such as

• The option to work remotely two days per week after completing the probationary period;
• Group insurance coverage;
• A registered retirement savings plan with employer contributions;
• Seven personal days in addition to annual vacation;
• Training paid for by Axxess;
• A stimulating, collaborative work environment with team activities;
• Access to an employee assistance program.

Your main responsibilities will be to

• Achieve your department’s financial and operational objectives within the allocated budget;
• Plan activities, allocate resources and supervise work to meet priorities and deadlines;
• Monitor productivity, quality and profitability indicators, and implement adjustments as needed;
• Maintain service quality, follow up on client requests and resolve situations requiring your involvement;
• Ensure compliance with customs requirements and the consistent application of procedures;
• Coach and engage team leaders and employees, assess their performance and support their development;
• Identify training needs and opportunities to improve processes, and coordinate implementation, including during technological changes;
• Promote collaboration with other departments and keep senior management informed of your department’s results, risks and operational issues.

What we are looking for

• You have at least ten years of relevant professional experience in similar roles;
• You hold CCS and LCB professional certifications;
• You hold a bachelor’s degree in management or the equivalent;
• You have in-depth knowledge of customs clearance processes, Canadian customs laws and regulations, and the computer systems used in this field;
• You are proficient in tariff classification, customs valuation and the origin of goods;
• You have solid experience managing staff and supporting team leaders;
• You can manage a budget, set objectives and use performance indicators to improve results;
• You communicate confidently in both English and French, verbally and in writing;
• You are familiar with the Descartes ITM system or a document management system;
• You demonstrate leadership, active listening and sound judgement. You know how to engage a team and support it through change;
• You are independent and proactive, and you can analyse complex situations to make informed decisions;
• You demonstrate emotional intelligence and resilience when handling difficult situations, while maintaining respectful working relationships.

The following will be considered an asset

• A university certificate in management or business administration.

Axxess International values the diversity of the people we hire and serve. We promote a work environment where individual differences are recognized, valued and respected, allowing everyone to develop their full potential and contribute their talents and strengths.

Work Schedule: Monday to Friday, 8:30 a.m. to 5:00 p.m.

Work Location: Montreal Office