Customs Operations Manager: Lead Compliance & Performance

CEVA Logistics; Felixstowe; On-site; GBP 60,000 - 80,000; Full time

Job summary

CEVA Logistics is seeking an experienced Customs Operations Manager in Felixstowe to lead a customs team, ensuring accurate import/export declarations and transit movements with strict adherence to HMRC regulations. The role requires driving excellence, maintaining high service standards, and supporting the workforce in achieving outstanding customer experiences.

Some travel to Liverpool is mandatory. The position is Monday to Friday, based in Felixstowe, with responsibilities spanning

Qualifications

• Significant experience in customs operations required.
• Proven track record of leading high-performing teams.
• Strong knowledge of HMRC regulations and customs procedures.
• Familiarity with Destin8 and CNS systems.

Responsibilities

• Lead, motivate and develop a customs team, creating a high-performance and customer-focused culture.
• Manage the day-to-day customs operation, ensuring service levels, productivity and quality standards are consistently achieved.
• Ensure all import, export and transit declarations are completed accurately and in line with HMRC and other government regulations.
• Drive quality assurance processes, ensuring compliance procedures are consistently followed across the operation.
• Monitor changes in customs legislation and government regulations, communicating updates and providing guidance to the team.
• Build and maintain strong relationships with customers, acting as a key point of contact and attending customer meetings where required.
• Identify opportunities to improve processes, eliminate waste and increase operational efficiency through continuous improvement initiatives.
• Work closely with internal stakeholders to support business growth, deliver innovative solutions and share best practice.
• Lead workforce planning and capacity management to ensure resources are aligned with customer demand.
• Take ownership of recruitment, onboarding, employee engagement and retention activities.
• Support commercial initiatives and customer implementations, contributing to successful business growth.
• Promote a culture of learning, collaboration and continuous development across the department.

Skills

Customs operations

Team leadership

HMRC regulations

Destin8

CNS

Communication skills

Customer relationship

Tools

Destin8 system

CNS system

Job description

CEVA Logistics is seeking an experienced Customs Operations Manager in Felixstowe to lead a customs team, ensuring accurate import/export declarations and transit movements with strict adherence to HMRC regulations. The role requires driving excellence, maintaining high service standards, and supporting the workforce in achieving outstanding customer experiences.

Some travel to Liverpool is mandatory. The position is Monday to Friday, based in Felixstowe, with responsibilities spanning