Job Title: Customs Manager
Location: Sittingbourne, Kent
Salary: £34,400 - £38,000 DOE
Company Overview:
An innovative service provider within the Fresh Produce sector in the UK. Operating independently, we leverage the expertise and network of the Terradace Group. Since our inception in 2014, we have grown phenomenally. Our mission is to deliver exceptional service without compromise, fostering strong relationships with our teams, customers, and suppliers.
Role Summary:
As a customs Manager, you will oversee the Customs Handling and HMRC Clearance of Deep-Sea Containers & Road Freight. You will manage container transportation and POs data within our internal MRP system, ensuring timely delivery to avoid demurrage charges.
Main Responsibilities:
- Communicate effectively with customers, vendors, shippers, carriers, and all involved parties.
- Liaise with the Warehouse Team on weekly and daily container arrival plans.
- Create and maintain container arrival folders with necessary HMRC Customs Handling documentation.
- Manage the Prophet Arrival Planner (Purchase Orders) for the Warehouse, including data maintenance and amendments.
- Plan arrivals according to Shipment Schedulers and Customer needs.
- Verify key data elements for entry in adherence to federal/international regulations.
- Complete "Peach" Applications and HMRC CHIEF Declarations (Road Freight).
- Manage and liaise with Customs Clearance Agencies, shipment companies, and transport companies.
- Coordinate with the accounts department on Custom Clearance & Transportation Charges.
- Update Purchase Orders with clearance-related invoices.
Qualifications and Skills:
- Good standard of education, including Maths and English at GCSE level or equivalent.
- At least two years of experience in customs handling within a similar industry.
- Strong administrative skills with attention to detail.
- Effective decision-making and interpersonal skills.
- Ability to work under pressure and meet challenging deadlines.
- Excellent planning, organizational, and communication skills.
- Adaptable, flexible, and able to work unsupervised.
- Customer-focused with a results-driven approach.
- Strong team-working abilities.
Measure of Performance/Key Deliverables:
- Internal KPIs
- Minimizing errors causing demurrage charges
- Accuracy in processing Peach Applications
- High customer service levels and minimal complaints
- Efficient workload management and attention to detail
- Strong internal relationships and continuous improvement