We're working with an international retail business, seeking an experienced Customs Operations & Compliance Manager to lead cross-border customs activity across the UK and EU for a 3 month contract. Main responsibilities will include duty management, freight coordination, and supporting a high-volume consumer goods operation with significant import values.
This role sits within the logistics and supply chain function and plays a critical part in ensuring goods move efficiently between suppliers, distribution centres, and sales channels. The ideal candidate must have a background in retail or consumer goods environments.
Key Responsibilities:
* Full accountability for customs clearance processes across UK-EU trade flows
* Management of duty management systems, customs entries, and month-end close
* Oversight of bonded warehouse arrangements, CFSP, AEO and related approvals
* Coordinating with Finance and Tax teams on duty, VAT, freight forecasting and reporting
* Liaising with global freight forwarders and transport partners to ensure smooth end-to-end movement
* Ensuring all vendor documentation, licences and import approvals are accurate and compliant
* Producing regular reporting on costs, volumes, risks and operational performance
* Building strong relationships with internal stakeholders and external industry partners
* Ensuring compliance with HR, Health & Safety and site operating procedures
* Managing budgets, resources and financial targets for the function
* Maintaining inventory security and audit-ready processes (SOX, AEO, Risk, Security)
Key Requirements:
* Significant experience in customs operations, duty management and freight forwarding
* Strong knowledge of customs procedures, trade compliance and import legislation
* Experience working with high-volume imports and warehouse/inbound operations
* Experience working cross-culturally with UK, EU, US and Far East partners
* Proven people management experience
* Confident user of customs, import and duty management systems
Handle Recruitment is acting as an Employment Business in relation to this vacancy.