Description
About us
At Debenhams Group, we don’t stand still. We lead, evolve, and redefine online fashion. With bold ambitions and big energy, we’re on a mission to get back to our very best, delivering the strongest propositions to our customers in the most engaging, innovative, and efficient ways possible.
Your Team
Reporting to the Group Head of Inbound, you will manage an area providing customs support excellence to all aspects of the boohoo group’s supply chain, from B&M guidance & the customs support for delivery of international customer parcels & returns as well as product & documentation compliance to our wholesale partners.
The department has successfully managed the implementation of a customs bonded warehouse operation at our Burnley DC and will soon embark on a similar project for the Sheffield facility.
The Role
Role
The International Customs Manager plays a pivotal role in ensuring compliance with international customs regulations and optimising duty costs. This role involves:
- In-depth knowledge of global trade regulations
- Tariff classifications
- Collaborate with suppliers to ensure accurate information for customs declarations
- Educate suppliers about customs requirements and changes
- Handle international customs-related issues, disputes, and investigations
- Develop strategies to resolve trade-related challenges
- Contribute to the development of international trade strategies and policies
- Provide insights on market access and regulatory implications
- Identify opportunities for process enhancement and trade process automation
- Drive continuous improvement initiatives within the customs and global trade function
What you'll be doing
- Processing and managing all accurate documentation
- Minimising duty expenses
- Facilitate the smooth movement of goods across borders
- Provide training and guidance to internal teams on customs compliance and best practices
- Identify opportunities to streamline customs procedures, automate tasks, and enhance efficiency
- Stay informed about emerging customs and trade regulations that could impact the business
- Prepare for and support customs audits, inspections, and verifications as needed
- Collaborate with quality control teams to ensure accurate product descriptions and classification
- Communicate customs-related information to customer service teams to address inquiries and manage customer expectations
- Identify potential customs-related risks and develop strategies to mitigate compliance issues.
What We're Looking For
- Bachelor's degree or relevant experience in international trade, supply chain management, business, or a related field. Master's degree is a plus
- Strong understanding of global customs regulations, trade agreements, optimisation strategies, Incoterms and international logistics
- Previous experience in customs bonded warehousing, customs compliance, duty optimisation and import/export operations within the fashion retail industry
- Analytical skills to interpret tariff schedules, trade agreements and customs valuation methods
- Detail-oriented mindset for accurate data entry and documentation preparation
- Communication skills to collaborate with cross-functional teams, suppliers, and customs authorities
- Strong organisational skills to manage multiple tasks and deadlines
- Problem-solving skills and the ability to make informed decisions under pressure
- Attention to detail and accuracy in customs declarations and compliance documentation
Working with us
At Debenhams Group, we are a diverse portfolio of five core brands (boohoo, boohooMAN, PrettyLittleThing, Karen Millen, and Debenhams) alongside a dynamic marketplace model and a growing financial services division, it keeps us pretty busy!
We don’t stand still, we lead, evolve, and redefine online fashion. With bold ambitions and big energy, we’re on a mission to be the best, delivering the strongest propositions to our customers in the most engaging, innovative, and efficient ways possible.
We thrive on change, innovation, and pace. Every challenge is an opportunity, and every day is a chance to push boundaries. If you’re someone who embraces the unknown, thrives in a fast-moving, high-growth environment, and is ready to shape the future of retail, you’ll love it here. We want visionaries, disruptors, and doers, people who bring fresh thinking, relentless energy, and the drive to make an impact.
Be bold. Be creative. Be a community.
What Happens Next
- If we believe you could be a great fit for the role, we’ll invite you for an informal conversation via phone or Microsoft Teams with a member of our Talent Team (Please note we won't be reviewing applications until w/c 2nd June but will do our best to get back to you asap after that date)
- If successful, you’ll then meet with the Line Manager to discuss your experience in more detail and explore the value you can bring to the team
- Most of our hiring processes consist of two stages. You may also be asked to meet with Senior Leadership and/or present a task/project
Why join us
2025 is a year for making bold moves, delivering real results, and driving forward with unstoppable momentum. If that excites you, then you belong at Debenhams Group.
Let’s lead the change together. 🚀
Benefits Include: (subject to level and eligibility)
- Highly competitive bonus scheme, company pension, share schemes, private medical cover, and life assurance
- Access to an on-site gym (Techno Equipment) and free weekly yoga and fitness classes
- 40% discount across four brands and 20% off at Debenhams
- A comprehensive wellbeing package to support your health and lifestyle
- Some of our offices are dog-friendly, so your furry friend can join you at work
- Ongoing learning and development opportunities with great internal career progression
- On-site canteen serving breakfast, lunch, snacks, and hot drinks daily
- Free season ticket loan
