An exciting opportunity has arisen for an experienced and meticulous Customs Manager to lead customs operations within a specialist logistics organisation serving the fine art and cultural sector.
This is a senior, hands-on management role, responsible for overseeing the entire customs lifecycle across road, sea, and air movements, ensuring compliance with international trade and cultural property regulations.
You’ll manage and develop a small team of two Entry Clerks, ensuring accuracy, consistency, and adherence to all procedures.
While fine art logistics experience is a strong advantage, it’s not essential — we welcome applications from candidates with robust customs management backgrounds who are eager to expand into this specialist niche.
Key Responsibilities
- Lead and oversee all customs activities for road, air, and sea shipments.
- Ensure compliant execution of import entries (permanent, temporary, and relief).
- Manage the discharge (acquittal) of T-forms to prevent penalties.
- Maintain full compliance with international trade and cultural property regulations.
- Keep up-to-date with changes in customs laws, tariffs, and trade agreements.
- Mentor and manage a small team, fostering operational excellence.
- Oversee Temporary Admission (TA) procedures, ensuring deadlines and record accuracy.
- Manage bonded warehouse compliance and customs audit readiness.
- Serve as the key contact for all external customs audits.
Essential Requirements
- Minimum 5 years’ experience in customs management.
- Strong working knowledge of import/export customs regimes, valuation, classification (HS Codes), and NCTS.
- Experience managing or mentoring team members.
- Proficiency in Temporary Admission (TA) and Customs Warehousing procedures.
- Fine art or cultural logistics background preferred but not essential.
What’s on Offer
- Competitive salary of £50,000 – £65,000, depending on experience.
- Leadership role within a small, highly skilled team.
- Opportunity to develop expertise in fine art and cultural logistics.
- A dynamic, respected environment offering professional growth and responsibility.
