DHL Global Forwarding (DGF) is part of the DHL Group. With 31,000 freight forwarding experts across 190+ countries, DGF specialises in Air, Ocean and Rail Freight. We are recognised as a Top Employer and Great Place to Work, committed to excellence, partnership and a culture of compliance.
Role Overview
The Regional Customs Manager – North is responsible for ensuring all import and export activities within the region are fully compliant with applicable customs laws and trade regulations, while optimising efficiency and cost. The role oversees accurate preparation and submission of customs documentation, manages duties and taxes, leverages trade agreements to minimise financial exposure, and acts as the key point of contact for customs authorities, brokers and internal stakeholders.
Key Responsibilities
* Ensure full compliance with customs legislation, trade regulations and internal policies across the Northern region.
* Monitor regulatory changes and assess their impacts on operations.
* Provide expert guidance on customs laws to stakeholders, embedding a strong compliance culture.
* Oversee the accurate and timely preparation, validation and submission of all customs documentation.
* Implement standardised processes and controls to minimise errors and ensure audit readiness.
* Manage customs duties, VAT and other import/export costs, ensuring accuracy and identifying opportunities for cost optimisation.
* Leverage duty relief programmes and preferential trade agreements.
* Identify, assess and mitigate customs-related risks and lead investigations and root-cause analysis.
* Prepare internal audit reports and present compliance performance to senior management.
* Collaborate with procurement and supply chain teams to optimise trade flows and minimise landed costs.
* Lead and develop a regional customs/compliance team, fostering a high-performance culture.
* Drive continuous improvement and automation initiatives to enhance efficiency, accuracy and compliance.
Skills and Experience
* Proven experience in customs management within logistics, supply chain or freight forwarding.
* Experience with air and/or ocean freight operations preferred.
* Excellent analytical and problem-solving skills.
* Strong leadership and stakeholder-management capability.
* Continuous improvement mindset focused on streamlining processes.
* Balance of compliance focus, commercial awareness, clear communication and strategic thinking.
Benefits
* Competitive salary and generous holiday entitlement.
* Pension scheme with life assurance.
* Professional employee assistance and wellbeing programme.
* Competitive voluntary benefits including retail, entertainment, gym membership, cycle-to-work scheme, eye-care contribution and additional discounts.
* Training and development opportunities with a focus on internal promotion.
Other Information
37.5 hours per week. Reports to Head of Customs UK DGF & Freight.
Applicants may be required to provide a full 5‑year employment history and a criminal record check.
We hire talented people from all backgrounds and are committed to creating a workplace that ensures mutual respect and focuses on results. We are an equal opportunity employer.
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