Customs Assistant Manager

Assistant Manager – UK Customs Centre of Excellence

Our client is a global leader in healthcare innovation, with a diverse network serving customers in over 160 countries. They develop pioneering solutions across medical devices, diagnostics, and nutrition, helping people live healthier, more fulfilling lives. Their diabetes care division designs, develops, and manufactures advanced blood glucose monitoring technology for both home and hospital use, including industry-leading continuous glucose monitoring systems.

We are seeking an experienced Assistant Manager to join the UK Customs Centre of Excellence, based in Witney, Oxfordshire. This role is central to managing the daily operations of a centralised customs team supporting all UK affiliates. You will lead process improvements, ensure compliance with UK and international trade regulations, and collaborate with global teams to optimise customs operations. The right candidate must have experience with leadership in a pharmaceutical / medical company which is also non – negotiable.

Please note, this is a fully on-site position which requires 5 days per week in office in Witney and this is non – negotiable.

Key Responsibilities

• Oversee daily customs operations for all UK affiliates, ensuring compliance with HMRC regulations and global trade policies.
  
  
• Lead and mentor a team of four, providing training, support, and performance guidance.
  
  
• Manage import/export processes, ensuring timely and accurate documentation and customs clearance.
  
  
• Identify and mitigate customs and trade compliance risks.
  
  
• Drive continuous improvement initiatives to enhance processes and efficiency.
  
  
• Prepare and review reports on customs activities, compliance status, and team performance for senior management.
  
  
• Liaise with internal stakeholders, suppliers, customs authorities, logistics providers, and brokers.
  
  
• Develop and deliver customs training programs for UK-based teams.
  
  
• Maintain documentation in line with retention policies and keep risk registers up to date.
  
  
• Support product classification, country of origin reviews, and special customs procedure codes.
  
  
• Ensure broker due diligence, including SLA/KPI reviews and feedback to leadership.
  
  
• Serve as a subject matter expert on classification, valuation, and customs procedures.
  
  Skills & Experience Required
  
  
• Must be able to commute to Witney office 5 days a week (relocation is a possibility for the right candidate)
  
  
• Must have a level 4/5 degree in logistics and customs
  
  
• Must have sound knowledge of preferential aspects of origins
  
  
• Bachelor’s degree in international Trade, Business Administration, or a related field (preferred but not essential).
  
  
• Equivalent knowledge or practical experience in customs operations and compliance.
  
  
• Strong knowledge of UK Customs regulations and international trade laws.
  
  
• Experience in cross-functional, international environments.
  
  
• Proficiency in customs software, Microsoft Office Suite, and ERP systems (e.g., SAP, SAGE, AS400).
  
  
• Relevant certifications (e.g., Certified Customs Specialist) are advantageous.
  
  
• Excellent leadership, communication, and organisational skills.
  
  
• Strong problem-solving skills and attention to detail.
  
  Benefits
  
  
• Competitive salary.
  
  
• Defined-contribution pension scheme.
  
  
• Share ownership opportunities.
  
  
• Private healthcare and life assurance.
  
  
• Flexible benefits package tailored to individual needs.
  
  
• A dynamic, inclusive work environment with opportunities for career progression.
  
  
• Access to on-site wellbeing initiatives, including yoga, running groups, and community projects.
  
  Equal Opportunities
  Our client is an equal opportunities employer committed to fostering an inclusive workplace