We are seeking an experienced and highly knowledgeable Customs team leader to lead our UK customs operations in the post-Brexit environment. The ideal candidate is fully proficient in all UK customs regimes, procedures, and compliance frameworks, and can confidently manage complex import, export, transit, and special-procedure workflows.
This role requires both strategic oversight and hands-on operational excellence, ensuring that every customs activity is executed accurately, efficiently, and in full compliance with HMRC regulations.
Key Responsibilities
Customs Operations & Compliance
The Customs Director will oversee and manage all UK customs regimes, including:
Import & Export Declarations
*Full Import Declarations
*Export Declarations
*Simplified Frontier Declarations (SFD)
*Supplementary Declarations
*Entry Summary Declarations (ENS – Safety & Security)
*Exit Summary Declarations (EXS)
*Goods Movement Reference (GMR) – GVMS
*CDS (Customs Declaration Service) management
Transit Procedures
*Common Transit Convention (CTC)
*NCTS (New Computerised Transit System)
*Transit Accompanying Document (TAD)
*Movement Reference Numbers (MRN)
*Transit guarantee management
*High-risk / controlled goods transit procedures
Special Customs Procedures
*Inward Processing (IP)
*Outward Processing (OP)
*Customs Warehousing
*Temporary Admission
*Temporary Exportation
*End-Use / Authorised Use
*Returned Goods Relief (RGR)
Tariff & Duty Management
*UK Global Tariff (UKGT)
*Preferential duty rates under FTAs
*Rules of Origin (including EU-UK TCA)
*MFN regime
*Developing Countries Trading Scheme (DCTS)
*Duty suspensions & tariff quotas
*Postponed VAT Accounting (PVA)
Storage & Movement
*Freeports regime
*Temporary Storage
*Inventory-linked port systems
Safety, Security & Border Controls
*ENS / Safety & Security declarations
*Pre-lodgement model (GVMS ports)
*Border Target Operating Model (BTOM)
*SPS and security checks
Leadership & Team Management
*Lead and supervise a team of 5 customs officers
*Allocate workloads and set operational timelines
*Ensure accuracy, compliance, and high-quality output
*Provide training, guidance, and performance oversight
Client Interaction
*Maintain professional and timely communication with clients
*Be available to support clients on Saturdays when required
*Manage urgent situations with clarity and authority
Operational Excellence
*Organise workflows with precision
*Monitor import/export flows and prevent delays
*Ensure full compliance with HMRC and international regulations
*Continuously improve processes and internal standards