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Import Customs Manager Job Overview
A leading international logistics provider, with decades of experience delivering multi-modal transport solutions across a global network, is seeking an experienced and motivated Imports Customs Manager to oversee all inbound clearance operations.
The successful candidate will be responsible for ensuring the efficient, compliant, and timely clearance of all international shipments, managing the end-to-end customs process, and leading a small team to deliver operational excellence while minimising clearance delays and compliance risks.
We are looking for a confident and passionate professional with proven leadership skills, who can motivate and develop their team to consistently meet service and quality targets. You will be hands-on in customs entry processing, ensure all procedures comply with HMRC regulations, and implement effective processes for managing duty and tax payments, reconciliations, and billing. This role reports directly to the Managing Director.
Key Responsibilities:
- Lead, mentor, and develop the imports & customs team (approx. 4 staff), including performance reviews, leave, and absence management.
- Act as the main point of contact for customs-related queries from customers, authorities, and internal teams.
- Process customs clearance entries (CDS) for courier and cargo shipments across multiple UK airports, leading by example.
- Create jobs and invoices within the company's logistics system, generate customs documentation, and maintain SPX/known cargo compliance.
- Manage internal customs systems linked with ASM (Sequoia) and process ETSF acceptances/releases.
- Keep up to date with customs legislation, tariffs, and procedural changes, and share updates with the team.
- Oversee HS code classification, valuation, and origin declarations.
- Ensure full compliance with HMRC requirements, including deferment and FAS account reconciliation.
- Maintain strong communication with Operations and Finance teams.
- Handle both low-value bulk clearances (BIRDS) and high-value clearances.
Import Customs Manager Job Requirements
- Proven management and leadership experience.
- Strong background in courier imports and low-value bulk clearance (BIRDS).
- ETSF procedures experience.
- Proficiency with Descartes (e-Customs), ASM (Sequoia), CDS, and CNS (Chief).
- Excellent administrative skills, detail-oriented, and results-driven.
- Ability to work independently and collaboratively with a flexible, "can-do" approach.
- Strong multitasking skills with the ability to work under pressure and meet deadlines.
- Export customs clearance (end-to-end).
- MOU & AEO experience.
Import Customs Manager Salary & Benefits
- Circa £47,000 (negotiable)
- Monday to Friday 8am-4pm
- Full benefits to discussed
Bennett & Game Recruitment are acting as a Recruitment Agency in relation to this vacancy.
Bennett and Game Recruitment are a multi-disciplined technical recruitment agency based in Chichester, West Sussex operating across the UK with specialist teams covering a range of industries.We are acting as a Recruitment Agency in relation to this vacancy, and in accordance with GDPR by applying you are granting us consent to process your data, contact you about the services we offer, and submit your CV for the role you have applied for.
