Customs Manager

Job Title: Customs Manager

Location: Solihull

The Lounge team is growing!

We are looking for a Customs Manager to join our rapidly growing business. Since 2015 Lounge has grown from an eCommerce underwear brand designed to bless women with Comfort Made Sexy, into an Omnichannel modern fashion house inspired to make a woman feel empowered, beautiful, sexy, and comfortable in one's skin.

You will be responsible for managing all customs-related activities, ensuring compliance with import regulations, and driving operational efficiency in the movement of goods from overseas markets to the UK. The role will also involve overseeing the establishment and management of a bonded warehouse. The ideal candidate will have a strong understanding of customs processes, international trade compliance, and a keen eye for detail.

What you will do at Lounge:

• Oversee all customs processes for importing goods from China, Vietnam, Cambodia, and Bangladesh.
• Ensure compliance with UK customs regulations, international trade laws, and tariffs.
• Manage and maintain accurate customs documentation, including import declarations, invoices, packing lists, and certificates of origin.
• Work closely with the finance and logistics teams to ensure proper tariff classifications and valuation of goods.
• Lead the project to establish a bonded warehouse, ensuring all legal, financial, and operational requirements are met.
• Manage day-to-day operations of the bonded warehouse, including inventory control, customs clearance, and compliance with relevant laws and regulations.
• Monitor the flow of goods into and out of the bonded warehouse to ensure timely clearance and delivery to distribution centers or retail outlets.
• Liaise with customs authorities, freight forwarders, and third-party logistics providers to ensure smooth clearance of goods and troubleshoot and resolve any customs clearance issues or delays.
• Develop and implement strategies to minimise customs-related risks and costs.
• Work closely with international suppliers and vendors to ensure proper documentation and compliance with customs requirements.
• Advise suppliers on best practices for customs procedures, ensuring efficient and accurate processing of imports.
• Maintain up-to-date records of all imports, customs duties, and taxes paid, ensuring full compliance with audit requirements.
• Prepare regular reports for senior management, highlighting key customs metrics, risks, and compliance issues.
• Keep abreast of changing customs regulations, industry best practices, and emerging trends to drive continuous improvement and ensure the team is kept up to date on all compliance.

We'd love it if you:

• Have at least 5 years of experience in customs management or international trade, preferably in the fashion or retail sector.
• Possess strong knowledge of UK and EU import/export regulations, tariffs, and customs procedures.
• Have experience managing customs clearance for goods imported from Asia (particularly China, Vietnam, Cambodia, and Bangladesh) which is highly desirable.
• Have previous experience in setting up or managing a bonded warehouse which is a significant advantage.
• Have an in-depth understanding of customs and import/export documentation.
• Demonstrate strong problem-solving abilities with a keen attention to detail.
• Exhibit excellent communication skills, with the ability to work collaboratively with internal teams and external stakeholders.
• Show strong organisational skills and the ability to manage multiple tasks and priorities in a fast-paced environment.
• Be proficient in customs management software and other relevant tools.