Transportation Customs Manager

JD.com; Coventry; On-site; GBP 60,000 - 90,000; Full time

Job summary

JINGDONG Logistics (JD Logistics) in the UK seeks an experienced Customs Manager to oversee end-to-end import customs clearance for cross-border shipments. You will coordinate with brokers, forwarders, and internal teams to ensure compliant and timely clearance, while building a small team as the business grows.

The role requires 5+ years in customs and UK import clearance, strong tariff and documentation knowledge, and experience with cross-border e-commerce or retail imports.

Qualifications

• Bachelor’s degree or above in International Trade or related field.
• Minimum of 5 years’ experience in customs, customs clearance, international logistics, or cross-border operations.
• Proven UK import customs clearance and port clearance experience.
• Strong understanding of tariff classification, duties, and trade documentation.
• Experience in cross-border e-commerce, retail import, freight forwarding, or customs brokerage.
• Experience leading a small team (1–2 people) is an advantage.

Responsibilities

• Take ownership of UK import customs clearance for cross-border shipments, including port clearance coordination.
• Manage customs brokers, clearance agents, freight forwarders, carriers, and other service providers.
• Coordinate with internal retail teams and cross-functional stakeholders.
• Ensure compliance with UK customs regulations and trade requirements.
• Develop customs KPIs and reports, analyse clearance lead times and costs.
• Build and lead a small customs team as the business grows.

Skills

Customs clearance

Stakeholder coordination

Data analysis

Team leadership

Education

Bachelor’s degree or above in International Trade, Logistics, Customs, or related field

Job description

Who We Are

Who We Are At JINGDONG Logistics (JD Logistics), part of JD.com, we are a leading technology-driven supply chain and logistics solutions provider under JD.com. Built on deep expertise in automation, smart fulfilment, and data intelligence, we operate end-to-end logistics services that empower businesses and enhance customer experience. Our integrated networks span warehouse management, line-haul transportation, last-mile delivery, bulky items logistics, cold chain, and cross-border operations, ensuring speed, reliability, and precision at every stage. Our Global Reach JINGDONG Logistics has developed one of the most extensive logistics infrastructures in the world, managing more than 3,600 warehouses with over 34 million square meters of space. Our Global Smart Supply Chain Network combines highly automated warehousing with robust international transportation solutions, enabling seamless cross-border movement. Today, we operate 130+ bonded, direct mail, and overseas warehouses across 23 countries and regions, supported by our global brands, JoyLogistics and JoyExpress, as we continue scaling JD.com’s international logistics footprint. Learn more about who we are and what we do: https://www.jingdonglogistics.com/

What We Offer

What We Offer Joining JD Logistics means helping shape the future of global supply chain and logistics. You’ll work with smart warehousing, autonomous delivery, and innovative technology that keeps goods moving worldwide. With a competitive salary, great locations, and a supportive, people-first culture, you’ll have the space to take on meaningful challenges, grow your skills, and make a real impact in a fast-evolving industry.

About The Team

About The Team You’ll be joining the JINGDONG Logistics team, which values collaboration, ownership, and a commitment to delivering high-quality results in a fast-paced, dynamic environment. We are seeking an experienced and hands-on Customs Manager to oversee customs clearance activities for cross-border shipments imported into the UK. This role will be responsible for managing end-to-end import customs clearance processes, with a strong focus on port clearance, service provider management, and close coordination with internal stakeholders, especially the retail business team. The successful candidate will act as the key point of contact between customs brokers, logistics service providers, and internal business functions to ensure shipments are cleared efficiently, compliantly, and on time. As the business grows, this role is also expected to build and manage a small team of 1–2 people, driving process standardisation, service performance, and customs compliance.

Key Responsibilities

1. UK Import Customs Clearance Management Take ownership of customs clearance operations for cross-border shipments entering the UK, including port clearance coordination and day-to-day execution. Oversee import declaration activities, document review, duty and tax coordination, customs inspections, and exception handling to ensure smooth customs release. Monitor customs clearance timelines, release status, and operational issues, and drive timely resolution to minimise delays, port storage, and additional charges.
2. Service Provider Management and External Coordination Manage day-to-day communication and performance of customs brokers, clearance agents, freight forwarders, carriers, and other relevant service providers. Set clear service expectations, turnaround time requirements, and escalation mechanisms with external partners. Regularly assess service provider performance in areas such as clearance lead time, issue response, exception rate, compliance, and cost effectiveness.
3. Internal Stakeholder Management and Cross-Functional Collaboration Serve as the key customs point of contact for internal retail teams and support the execution of import-related business requirements. Work closely with logistics, warehousing, procurement, finance, legal, tax, customer service, and other internal teams to ensure smooth process alignment and accurate information flow. Provide customs-related guidance to internal stakeholders, including import requirements, declaration standards, lead time expectations, and risk implications.
4. Compliance and Risk Control Ensure all import operations comply with UK customs regulations and relevant trade compliance requirements. Review and control key customs elements such as commodity classification, declaration data, supporting documents, import qualifications, and clearance accuracy. Stay up to date with changes in UK customs policy, import regulations, and cross-border trade requirements, and translate those into internal process updates.
5. Reporting, Data Analysis, and Process Improvement Build and maintain customs-related KPIs and management reports, including clearance lead time, inspection rate, exception rate, additional cost, and service provider performance. Use data analysis to identify bottlenecks, control points, and improvement opportunities across the customs process. Drive standardisation, visibility, and continuous improvement of customs operations.
6. Team Management and Capability Building Build, lead, and develop a small customs team of 1–2 people in line with business growth. Allocate work effectively, provide coaching and guidance, and support team capability development. Establish clear working mechanisms within the team to improve execution, responsiveness, and problem-solving capability.

Requirements

Education Bachelor’s degree or above in International Trade, Logistics, Supply Chain, Customs, Business, or a related field.

Experience Minimum of 5 years’ experience in customs, customs clearance, international logistics, or cross-border supply chain operations. Proven experience in UK import customs clearance and port clearance operations is highly preferred. Experience in cross-border e-commerce, retail import, freight forwarding, customs brokerage, or supply chain companies is preferred. Prior team management experience, or potential to lead and develop a small team, is an advantage.

Technical Competencies Strong understanding of UK import customs clearance procedures, customs control requirements, and trade documentation. Good knowledge of tariff classification, declaration logic, duties and taxes, and exception handling processes. Strong capability in service provider management and cross-functional stakeholder coordination. Able to handle complex customs issues independently and drive resolution across multiple parties..

Preferred Qualifications Experience in UK retail import, cross-border e-commerce, or high-volume import operations. Familiarity with VAT, EORI, IOR, product compliance, and import eligibility requirements. Experience handling customs inspections, holds, disputes, and duty/tax-related issues. Exposure to customs system implementation, process digitisation, or operational transformation projects.

Equality Statement

At JINGDONG Logistics, we’re committed to building a diverse and inclusive workplace where everyone can thrive. We’re proud to be an equal opportunity employer and make all employment decisions without regard to race, color, religion, gender, gender identity or expression, sexual orientation, national origin, disability, age, veteran status, or any other protected characteristic.

About us

What started as one bold idea in China has grown into one of the world's most trusted technology and supply chain businesses. Today, JD.com (JINGDONG) serves more than700 million customers, using technology, logistics and innovation to create smarter, faster and more connected experiences. From retail and logistics to technology, healthcare and beyond, we're solving real-world challenges and making everyday life easier. As we continue to grow, so do the opportunities for the people who grow with us. Our global business Our teams work across 20+ countries and regions, building smarter supply chains and helping businesses and communities connect across borders. From technology hubs and retail operations to logistics networks and corporate teams, we're creating opportunities to learn, collaborate and make an impact on a global scale. Whether you're joining us in Europe, the Middle East, Asia or the Americas, you'll be part of one global team working towards a shared purpose. So let's do this. Let's deliver joy.