Global Customs Operations Manager

Kuehne + Nagel; Park Central; On-site; GBP 120,000 - 180,000; Full time

Job summary

Kuehne + Nagel is seeking a senior leader to head customs operations across a global network, driving consistency, quality and operational excellence. You will steer large-scale initiatives and partner with internal Shared Service teams to centralize standardized activities.

The role focuses on delivering productivity gains through process optimization and technology-enabled transformation, onboarding new business opportunities, and building strong stakeholder relationships across functions.

Qualifications

• 15+ years of experience in logistics, freight forwarding, customs, shipping, or a related operational environment.
• Proven leadership experience managing international teams and driving organizational transformation.
• Strong business and commercial acumen, including experience managing budgets, costs, or P&L responsibilities.
• Fluent English; additional European languages are an advantage.

Responsibilities

• Lead and continuously improve customs operations across a global network, driving consistency, quality, and operational excellence.
• Deliver productivity and efficiency gains through process optimization, automation, and technology-enabled transformation.
• Drive outsourcing and centralization of standardized customs activities in partnership with internal shared service teams.
• Identify, develop, and implement innovative operational solutions that support business growth and scalability.
• Support the onboarding of new customs business opportunities, ensuring smooth and efficient operational implementation.
• Build strong relationships with customers and internal stakeholders to understand business needs and deliver value-added solutions.
• Lead cross-functional projects across operations, technology, sales, business development, and compliance functions.
• Inspire and develop teams while fostering a culture of accountability, continuous improvement, and operational excellence.

Skills

Leadership

Stakeholder management

Strategic planning

Change management

Data analysis

Budget & P&L

Job description

• Lead and continuously improve customs operations across a global network, driving consistency, quality, and operational excellence.
• Deliver productivity and efficiency gains through process optimization, automation, and technology-enabled transformation.
• Drive the outsourcing and centralization of standardized customs activities in partnership with internal shared service teams.
• Identify, develop, and implement innovative operational solutions that support business growth and scalability.
• Support the onboarding of new customs business opportunities, ensuring smooth and efficient operational implementation.
• Build strong relationships with customers and internal stakeholders to understand business needs and deliver value-added solutions.
• Lead cross-functional projects across operations, technology, sales, business development, and compliance functions.
• Inspire and develop teams while fostering a culture of accountability, continuous improvement, and operational excellence
  15+ years of experience in logistics, freight forwarding, customs, shipping, supply chain, or a related operational environment.
• Proven leadership experience managing international teams and driving organizational transformation.
• Strong business and commercial acumen, including experience managing budgets, costs, or P&L responsibilities.
• Demonstrated success delivering productivity improvements, operational efficiency programs, or large-scale transformation initiatives.
• Strong analytical capabilities with the ability to convert data and insights into business decisions.
• Experience leading complex, cross-functional projects in an international matrix organization.
• Excellent stakeholder management and communication skills, with the ability to influence at all levels.
• Fluent English is essential; additional European languages are an advantage.
  As a member of the Freight Forwarding team Kuehne+Nagel, you will play a key role in transporting goods, optimising processes, and fulfilling our customers' promises. And by transporting medicines, toys and important machine parts, you are not only delivering goods, you are making small and big moments possible for people all around the world. At Kuehne+Nagel, our contribution counts in more ways than we imagine., Logistics shapes everyday life - from the goods we consume to the healthcare we rely on. At Kuehne+Nagel, your work goes beyond logistics; it enables both ordinary and special moments in the lives of people around the world.

As a global leader with a strong heritage and a vision to move the world forward, we offer a safe, stable environment where your career can make a real difference. Whether we help deliver life‑saving medicines, develop sustainable transportation solutions or support our local communities, your career will contribute to more than you can imagine.