Customs Manager

Reed; Liverpool; On-site; GBP 60,000 - 80,000; Full time

Job summary

Reed in Liverpool is seeking an experienced Customs Manager to lead import, export and transit customs activities across multiple locations. You will develop teams, ensure compliance with UK customs regulations and drive operational excellence.

You will work with customers, operations and regulatory bodies to maintain service standards, identify opportunities for improvements, and deliver compliant, efficient workflows. Strong leadership and communication are essential.

Qualifications

• Extensive customs operations and trade compliance experience.
• Previous people management in fast-paced ops.
• Strong knowledge of UK customs regulations.
• Experience in performance & staff development.
• Excellent communication and stakeholder management.
• Ability to balance priorities with accuracy and compliance.
• Strong problem-solving and decision-making skills.

Responsibilities

• Lead and develop customs teams across multiple locations.
• Ensure declarations and processes are accurate per legislation.
• Promote culture of compliance, quality, and excellence.
• Review workflows and implement efficiency improvements.
• Act as escalation point for operational and customer customs matters.
• Monitor regulatory developments and communicate changes.

Skills

Leadership

Customs operations

Stakeholder management

Regulatory compliance

Tools

Customs software

Job description

Job Description

Customs Manager

Location: Liverpool
Salary: £DOE
Job Type: Full-Time, Permanent

An exciting opportunity has arisen for an experienced Customs Manager to join a well-established international logistics and supply chain organisation. This leadership role is responsible for overseeing customs operations, developing high-performing teams, ensuring regulatory compliance, and driving operational excellence across multiple locations.

This position would suit a customs professional with strong leadership capabilities, extensive customs knowledge, and a passion for delivering excellent customer service while improving operational performance.

The Role

As Customs Manager, you will provide leadership and direction to a team responsible for import, export and transit customs activities. You will ensure that customs processes are compliant, efficient, and aligned to both business and customer requirements.

You will work closely with customers, operational teams, senior stakeholders, and regulatory bodies to maintain service standards and identify opportunities for growth and continuous improvement.

Key Responsibilities

• Lead and develop customs teams across multiple operational locations
• Ensure customs declarations and associated processes are completed accurately and in line with current legislation
• Promote a culture of compliance, quality, and operational excellence
• Review workflows and implement process enhancements to improve efficiency and service delivery
• Act as an escalation point for operational and customer-related customs matters
• Monitor industry, legislative and regulatory developments and communicate relevant changes to operational teams
• Support customer retention and business development initiatives through expert customs guidance
• Build strong relationships with customers, internal departments, and external stakeholders
• Manage workforce planning, performance reviews, coaching, and employee development activities
• Contribute to operational projects and continuous improvement programmes
• Provide leadership support during periods of change and business growth
• Produce management information and operational reports to support decision-making

About You

• Significant experience within customs operations, freight forwarding, or international trade compliance
• Previous people management experience within a fast-paced operational environment
• Strong understanding of UK customs regulations and border compliance requirements
• Experience managing performance, employee development, recruitment, and engagement activities
• Excellent communication and stakeholder management skills
• The ability to balance operational priorities while maintaining high levels of accuracy and compliance
• Strong problem-solving and decision-making abilities

Desirable Experience

• Experience working with customs software and port community systems
• Knowledge of wider government import/export control systems and associated regulatory processes
• Experience within logistics, freight forwarding, shipping, or supply chain environments
• Project or change management experience

What's on Offer

• Performance-focused leadership role
• Career development opportunities within a growing international business
• Collaborative and supportive working environment
• Comprehensive benefits package