Customs and Logistics Manager

CUSTOMS & LOGISTICS MANAGER – Aircraft Component Specialist

Job Summary

The client is a specialist aircraft component services provider, located in West Sussex, UK. They provide aircraft component repair management, sales, purchasing and exchanges of components from commercial aircraft. A young company, they have seen rapid growth and due to this, they now require a Customs & Logistic Manager. It is a great opportunity to join an honest, hard working team who value each other and the business. Having started out 10 years ago as a team of 2, they are now a team of 20+ and growing.

Responsibilities and Duties:

The main purpose of this extremely varied role is full cycle, end to end management, oversight & accountability of all Import/Export shipments & associated customs operations. You will develop & manage necessary strategies to provide the most effective transport solutions for all of your internal clients/departments in line with business objectives. Ensure all shipments are the most cost effective solution available ensuring required delivery dates are met and adhered to. Monitoring and tracking all open shipments proactively resolving any issues as soon as they arise.
Proactively managing all customs operations associated to shipments, maintaining electronic records of shipments (quotes & job status) and reconciling freight forwarder and Customs invoices and arranging shipments to and from customers, vendors and suppliers both domestically and internationally.

• Obtain quotations from Freight Forwarders, negotiate best possible rates and discounts
• Learn Custom regulations relevant to shipments and serve as an SME to your colleagues
• Communicate with colleagues, customers and their agents in a proficient manner, both verbally and in written formats
• Manage all customs operations, processes, procedures and protocol in line with all applicable compliance and legislation
• Manage shipments in company’s ERP system, and other electronic formats
• Provide support to other departments and colleagues within the company as required
• Willingness to learn, adhere to & understand all import and export procedures, regulations and controls with a working knowledge of Import/Export Control Legislation to include (not limited to) Import/Export controlled goods, Import/Export compliance screening & forms, HS Tariff/commodity codes (investigate and identify)
• Resolve all manner of import/export shipping queries/issues with commitment that the best solution is adopted and delivered
• Develop key service relationships with freight forwarders for an effective and efficient service
• Ensure accurate paperwork completion as per customer, country and customs specific requirements
• Obtain, audit & process Import/Export entry data recognizing and logging errors accurately
• Control all logistics and customs related documentation, records, inboxes and comms
• Implement strategies to enhance supply chain efficiency and minimize lead times
• Monitor and analyse logistics costs, identify areas for improvement, and implement cost-saving initiatives. Negotiate contracts and rates with logistics providers to optimize freight expenses and minimize overheads.
• Identify and mitigate potential risks and disruptions in the supply chain, such as customs delays, trade disputes, or transportation issues. Develop contingency plans to address emergencies and minimize operational impacts
• Identify process inefficiencies and implement measures to streamline customs clearance and logistics operations. Leverage technology, automation, and data analytics to enhance efficiency, visibility, and accuracy in tracking shipments and managing inventory

Requirements:

• Knowledge of Export and Import procedures, controls, regulations, legislation and compliance highly desirable
• Experience of working in a logistics/supply chain/freight operations environment is desirable
• Customs experience (imports, exports or ideally both) with a great understanding of Customs procedures, Inward processing & Customs Tariffs
• Experience in customs for aviation is advantageous
• Passion to develop in depth knowledge and skills within customs & logistics
• Proactive, self-motivated, flexible and driven to succeed in a busy environment
• Strong problem-solving ability
• Analytical thinker
• Excellent communication skills at all levels, verbal and written
• Ability to develop and maintain professional relationships with customers, suppliers and internal departments
• Professional and confident telephone skills
• Strong organization, time management and negotiation skills
• Excellent administration skills
• Ability to multi-task, prioritize and meet deadlines
• Strong computer literacy, highly proficient in the use of Microsoft Word, Excel and Outlook
• Ability to work well under pressure
• Quick learner with natural curiosity and the desire to achieve
• Able to adapt to ever changing environment/mission scope and switch between tasks whilst maintaining high-level attention to detail
• Reliable, able to follow directions from business requirements and respect policies and procedures within the company
• Must hold a full UK driving license and have own transport