On-site near Heathrow - Mandarin-Speaking Customs Ops Lead

Mandarin Recruitment; Greater London; On-site; GBP 40,000 - 70,000; Full time

Job summary

Mandarin Recruitment is recruiting a Customs Brokerage Supervisor for an on-site role near London Heathrow. You will manage daily UK import/export clearance activities and ensure full HMRC compliance, working closely with clients and authorities.

The ideal candidate has over three years in UK customs brokerage or international logistics, with proven team leadership and strong knowledge of CDS, HS codes, import VAT, and origin rules.

Qualifications

• Chinese speaking/background with legal entitlement to work in the UK
• Fluent in Mandarin and proficient in English
• On-site position near Heathrow Airport
• 3+ years of experience in UK customs brokerage or international logistics
• Proven team management experience leading a customs team
• Experience in air freight, freight forwarding, express courier, or cross-border logistics preferred
• Familiar with UK import/export clearance processes and HMRC regulations
• Proficient in using CDS and associated declaration systems
• Solid understanding of HS Codes, Import VAT, Customs Duties, Rules of Origin, and compliance standards
• Ability to independently handle customs inspections, clearance exceptions, and customer complaints
• Strong risk identification ability and compliance awareness
• Strong sense of responsibility, detail-oriented, rigorous, and execution-focused
• Excellent team management, communication, coordination, and customer service skills
• Adaptable to fast-paced logistics environment with strong stress management

Responsibilities

• Oversee daily UK import/export clearance activities
• Ensure full compliance with HMRC regulations
• Lead customs team in daily operations
• Coordinate with clients, carriers, and HMRC
• Handle inspections, clearance exceptions, and customer complaints
• Identify and mitigate compliance and risk issues
• Maintain high levels of accuracy, timeliness and service quality

Skills

Mandarin proficiency

English proficiency

Team leadership

UK customs knowledge

CDS knowledge

HS codes & VAT

Compliance awareness

Problem solving

Tools

CDS (Customs Declaration Service)

Job description

Mandarin Recruitment is recruiting a Customs Brokerage Supervisor for an on-site role near London Heathrow. You will manage daily UK import/export clearance activities and ensure full HMRC compliance, working closely with clients and authorities.

The ideal candidate has over three years in UK customs brokerage or international logistics, with proven team leadership and strong knowledge of CDS, HS codes, import VAT, and origin rules.