Overview

Plymouth | Full-Time | Permanent

This is an opportunity to take ownership of customs operations within a large, fast-moving import environment. You’ll play a key role in shaping best practice, supporting business growth, and ensuring compliance across high-volume international shipments.

About the Role:

We’re looking for an experienced Customs Manager to join a busy import function handling significant shipment volumes each year. This is a hands-on leadership role where you’ll oversee customs processes, drive compliance, and support operational improvements across the wider business.
You’ll work closely with internal teams and external stakeholders, ensuring all imports meet UK, Northern Ireland, and Republic of Ireland regulations, while continuously improving processes and standards.

What You’ll Be Doing:

  • Leading and developing a customs team, supporting performance and best practice
  • Overseeing tariff classification and regulatory compliance across imports
  • Managing customs clearance processes, including documentation and entry instructions
  • Reviewing and monitoring C88, E2, deferment, and MSS reporting
  • Ensuring compliance with CFSP and customs warehousing requirements
  • Handling ROI and EU documentation, including TSS and EU import entries
  • Keeping up to date with HMRC and EU regulatory changes
  • Supporting customs audits, checks, and process improvements
  • Working with Port Health and managing specialist certification requirements
  • Delivering internal training and guidance on import/export requirements
  • Leading projects relating to evolving regulations (including CBAM and EUDR)
  • Monitoring import costs and identifying efficiencies and savings

What Our Client Is Looking For:

  • At least 3 years’ experience in a customs management role
  • Strong knowledge of UK, Northern Ireland, and ROI customs regulations
  • Proven experience within import operations
  • Expertise in tariff classification (UK & EU)
  • Solid understanding of customs warehousing and CFSP procedures
  • Experience with customs documentation, including Rules of Origin and tariff preferences
  • Familiarity with compliance frameworks and certification requirements (e.g. NIRMS / APHA)
  • Strong analytical skills with confidence using data and systems (Excel essential)
  • Excellent attention to detail and organisational ability
  • Confident communicator, able to engage with stakeholders at all levels
  • Ability to manage workload effectively in a fast-paced environment
  • Leadership capability with experience developing teams

What’s on Offer

  • Competitive salary
  • Pension scheme
  • Employee discount
  • Cycle to work scheme
  • Long service recognition

May also suit someone willing to relocate to Devon?

Apply now, strictly confidential and interviews being held almost immediately.