Head of Customs UKI

CMA CGM; Felixstowe; On-site; GBP 125,000 - 150,000; Full time

Job summary

A leading logistics provider is seeking a Head of Customs for its UK & Ireland operations. The ideal candidate will lead customs operations ensuring compliance with UK and Irish regulations while developing and overseeing multi-site customs teams. Strong leadership and stakeholder management skills are essential. The role offers a benefits package that includes competitive annual leave, pension plans, and discounts on various services.

Benefits

Competitive annual leave entitlement

Pension and life assurance

Employee discounts on various brands

Qualifications

• Proven experience in leading customs operations within a global logistics environment.
• Substantial experience of managing multi-site teams.
• Strong track record of maintaining AEO accreditation.

Responsibilities

• Develop and execute the UK & Ireland customs strategy.
• Lead and oversee multi-site customs teams.
• Ensure compliance with UK and Irish customs legislation.
• Represent CEVA with customs authorities and regulatory agencies.
• Identify and implement process improvements across customs operations.

Skills

Customs compliance

Leadership

Stakeholder management

Regulatory interpretation

Job description

YOUR ROLE

We are seeking an experienced and highly capable Head of Customs for our UK & Ireland teams where you will lead all customs operations, compliance activities, and regulatory governance across the region.

This is a critical senior role responsible for ensuring full adherence to HMRC, Irish Revenue, and EU/UK customs requirements while driving efficient, accurate, and compliant cross-border flows for all CEVA products.

The postholder will serve as the senior customs authority for the UK&I, providing strategic direction, operational leadership, customer expertise, and robust risk management in a complex and fast-paced matrix environment.

WHAT ARE YOU GOING TO DO?

As the Head of Customs for UK&I you will:

• Develop and execute the UK & Ireland customs strategy in alignment with global customs governance and business objectives.
• Lead, develop, and oversee multi-site customs teams, promoting capability, consistency, and high performance.
• Ensure full compliance with UK and Irish customs legislation, the Union Customs Code (as applicable), AEO requirements, and internal compliance standards.
• Represent CEVA with customs authorities, trade bodies, and regulatory agencies including HMRC, Irish Revenue, Border Force, and DEFRA.
• Identify and implement process improvements to enhance accuracy, speed, efficiency, and financial performance across customs operations.
• Optimise customs technologies such as CDS, AIS, and ICSS2, ensuring readiness for regulatory and system changes.
• Support major customers with specialist customs guidance, including classification, valuation, origin, duty optimisation, and special procedures.
• Partner with commercial teams to develop value-added customs services and support business growth.
• Manage the in-country Customs P&L, including budgeting, forecasting, cost control, and revenue generation.

WHAT ARE WE LOOKING FOR?

Our ideal candidate will be an experienced customs professional with a proven background in leading customs operations, compliance, or brokerage ideally within a 3PL or global logistics environment. They will demonstrate substantial experience of managing multi-site teams and working directly with UK and Irish customs authorities, alongside a strong track record of maintaining AEO accreditation and successfully navigating customs audits.

We are looking for someone who is confident interpreting complex regulatory requirements, making high-stakes compliance decisions, and managing detailed customs data and reporting. Strong leadership, communication, and stakeholder management skills are essential, together with the ability to drive operational performance, anticipate and mitigate risk, and support customers and internal teams with authoritative customs guidance.

WHAT DO WE HAVE TO OFFER?

With a genuine culture of reward and recognition, we want our employees to grow, develop and be part of our journey. We offer a benefits package that includes competitive annual leave entitlement with a fantastic holiday buy scheme, pension and life assurance along with access to an employee benefits platform that offers discounts on gym memberships and money off vouchers for a diverse range of retail, travel and hospitality brands. There’s no doubt that you will be compensated for your hard work and commitment so if you’d like to work for one of the top Logistics providers in the world then please do get in touch to find your next role.

ABOUT TOMORROW

We value your professional and personal growth. That’s why we share plenty of career opportunities for you to thrive within CEVA. Join CEVA for a challenging career.

CEVA Logistics UK&I is committed to attracting, acquiring and retaining the best possible candidates in an equal and inclusive way that is consistent with employment legislation and best practice. We aim to select the best available person for every vacancy irrespective of age, disability, colour, race, nationality, ethnic or national origin, religion or belief, political beliefs, sex, sexual orientation, gender reassignment and marital or civil partnership status.
Please note that candidates will be subject to the necessary right to work checks for the UK and Ireland.