Customs Team Manager

Aerospace; Cheltenham; On-site; GBP 40,000 - 50,000; Full time

Job summary

A leading aerospace company in Cheltenham seeks a Customs Supervisor responsible for managing a team to ensure compliance with customs regulations. The ideal candidate will have extensive customs knowledge, problem-solving skills, and experience in logistics. This role offers competitive benefits and supports flexible working arrangements.

Benefits

Non-contributory Pension

Life Assurance

Private medical cover

Flexible holiday options

Qualifications

• Strong background in customs with leadership or supervisory experience.
• Extensive knowledge of customs regulations and procedures.
• Proven ability to lead and motivate a team.

Responsibilities

• Leading and supervising a team of customs specialists.
• Ensuring timely processing of customs entries.
• Implementing compliance procedures and handling audits.

Skills

Leadership

Problem-solving

Customs knowledge

Communication

Analytical skills

Education

Background in customs, logistics, or supply chain

Tools

Customs software

ERP systems (ORACLE/GTM)

Job description

Job Description Summary

Reporting to the Logistics and ITC Leader, you will be responsible for managing and supervising a team of customs professionals to ensure timely, accurate and compliant clearance of import and export shipments. Key duties include leading the team, delegating tasks, managing workloads, and resolving complex issues while ensuring adherence to customs laws and regulations. This role requires strong leadership, problem‑solving skills, and extensive knowledge of customs procedures and documentation.

Job Description

Roles and Responsibilities

• Team Leadership & Mentoring: Leading, supervising, training, and providing daily guidance to a team of customs specialists.
• Customs clearance oversight: Ensure the accurate and timely processing of customs entries for all shipments.
• Operations Management: Managing workloads, allocating tasks, monitoring progress, and ensuring that all customs entries are completed in a timely manner to meet deadlines and key performance indicators (KPIs).
• If or when necessary, provide cover for the Customs Import Specialist, providing clearance instructions for New Production and Customer Repairs shipments.
• Compliance Oversight: Ensuring all operations adhere to internal standards, guidelines, and all national customs laws and regulations (e.g. HMRC).
• Compliance and regulation: Implement and enforce customs compliance procedures, stay updated on all relevant laws, and handle audits and inspections.
• Stakeholder Communication: Liaising with clients, internal departments, freight forwarders, port authorities, and customs officials to ensure smooth processes and build strong relationships.
• Process Improvement: Identifying opportunities for increased efficiency, developing and implementing compliance procedures, and driving continuous improvement initiatives.
• Introduce and monitor key performance indicators (KPIs).
• Conduct Audits: Perform self‑assessments and compliance audits, implementing corrective actions as necessary.
• Documentation & Auditing: Overseeing the management of all required documentation, ensuring accurate record‑keeping, and preparing for and managing customs audits.
• Oversee HS classification and manage the database in the ERP system.
• Responsible for the business’ IP reporting to HMRC.

Required Qualifications

• A strong background in customs, logistics, or supply chain management, with leadership or supervisory experience in a customs‑related role. Preferably within the Aerospace Industry.
• Extensive knowledge of customs regulations, import/export procedures, and relevant government portals and software.
• Proven ability to lead, manage, and motivate a team, providing constructive feedback and fostering a positive team culture.
• Strong analytical, decision‑making, and problem‑solving skills to handle complex situations and emergencies effectively.
• Excellent written and verbal communication, negotiation, and interpersonal skills.
• Proficiency with customs software and ERP systems is required. ORACLE/GTM experience advantageous.

Desired Characteristics

• Able to work independently while managing tight deadlines.
• Leading by example, being honest, ethical and consistent in actions.
• Able to collaborate and work effectively during busy times with occasional high workload.
• Open to new ideas, willing to change strategies, and able to handle unexpected challenges or setbacks.

Flexible Working

GE supports and encourages flexible working arrangements, where possible, and recognises the benefits to employees of having a positive work‑life balance.

Total Reward

At GE Aviation we understand the importance of Total Reward. Our flexible benefits plan, called FlexChoice, gives you freedom, choice and flexibility in the way you receive your benefits, as well as giving you the opportunity to make savings where possible.

As a new joiner to GE we are pleased to be able to offer you the following as default in your benefit fund, which you then can tailor to meet your individual needs;

• Non‑contributory Pension
• Life Assurance
• Group income protection
• Private medical cover
• Holiday hourly equivalent of 26 days, with flexible option to buy or sell

Security Clearance

Baseline Personnel Security Standard (BPSS) clearance is required and must be maintained for this role. Please note that in the event that BPSS clearance cannot be obtained, you may not be eligible for the role and/or any offer of employment may be withdrawn on grounds of national security. Please see the link below for further details regarding the requirements for BPSS clearance: BPSS

Right to Work

Applications from job seekers who require sponsorship to work in the UK are welcome and will be considered alongside all other applications. However, under the applicable UK immigration rules as may be in place from time to time, it may be that candidates who do not currently have the right to work in the UK may not be appointed to a post if a suitably qualified, experienced and skilled candidate who does not require sponsorship is available to take up the post. For further information please visit the UK Visas and Immigration website.

Additional Information

Relocation Assistance Provided: No