Customs Manager
Location: Liverpool Salary: £DOE Job Type: Full-Time, Permanent
An exciting opportunity has arisen for an experienced Customs Manager to join a well-established international logistics and supply chain organisation. This leadership role is responsible for overseeing customs operations, developing high-performing teams, ensuring regulatory compliance, and driving operational excellence across multiple locations.
This position would suit a customs professional with strong leadership capabilities, extensive customs knowledge, and a passion for delivering excellent customer service while improving operational performance.
The Role
As Customs Manager, you will provide leadership and direction to a team responsible for import, export and transit customs activities. You will ensure that customs processes are compliant, efficient, and aligned to both business and customer requirements.
You will work closely with customers, operational teams, senior stakeholders, and regulatory bodies to maintain service standards and identify opportunities for growth and continuous improvement.
Key Responsibilities
Lead and develop customs teams across multiple operational locations
Ensure customs declarations and associated processes are completed accurately and in line with current legislation
Promote a culture of compliance, quality, and operational excellence
Review workflows and implement process enhancements to improve efficiency and service delivery
Act as an escalation point for operational and customer-related customs matters
Monitor industry, legislative and regulatory developments and communicate relevant changes to operational teams
Support customer retention and business development initiatives through expert customs guidance
Build strong relationships with customers, internal departments, and external stakeholders
Manage workforce planning, performance reviews, coaching, and employee development activities
Contribute to operational projects and continuous improvement programmes
Provide leadership support during periods of change and business growth
Produce management information and operational reports to support decision-making
About You
Significant experience within customs operations, freight forwarding, or international trade compliance
Previous people management experience within a fast-paced operational environment
Strong understanding of UK customs regulations and border compliance requirements
Experience managing performance, employee development, recruitment, and engagement activities
Excellent communication and stakeholder management skills
The ability to balance operational priorities while maintaining high levels of accuracy and compliance
Strong problem-solving and decision-making abilities
Desirable Experience
Experience working with customs software and port community systems
Knowledge of wider government import/export control systems and associated regulatory processes
Experience within logistics, freight forwarding, shipping, or supply chain environments
Project or change management experience
What's on Offer
Performance-focused leadership role
Career development opportunities within a growing international business
Collaborative and supportive working environment
Comprehensive benefits package
How to Apply
If you are keen to apply, please contact Adam Norris at Reed or apply now.
Neutral 2–4 sentence summary of what working at this company is like, drawn from public reviews and press coverage. Tone, collaboration style, pace, benefits highlights.
£45,000 – £60,000 (Glassdoor, Levels.fyi, 2025)
