Customs Operations Manager

Role title

Customs Operations Manager

Business unit

DHL Global Forwarding

Location

Cedar dr, Dublin

Scope of role

Provide input to and lead the implementation of customs and trade compliance strategy to provide clearance of freight documentation through the relevant customs authorities, work with customers to guide and advise on customs regulation qualifications in line with business strategy and objectives, corporate guidelines and policies.

Reporting line

Head of Airfreight

Dotted reporting line

Direct reports

3

Working days and hours

Monday – Friday, 09:00 – 17:30, or such hours deemed necessary to fulfil the requirements of the role

Key accountabilities

• Provide input to develop customs & trade compliance strategy in line with business strategy and requirements, corporate guidelines and policies.
• Develop plans, organize and monitor customs & trade compliance and regulatory affairs activities to optimize service and cost performance in the customs clearance activities.
• Lead research, identification and processes for obtaining permits, licenses, certificates and authorizations required for customs clearance.
• Direct preparation of customs declarations and other required documents describing goods and materials being shipped and improve compliance with all import/ export regulations.
• Monitor inbound and outbound gateway customs activities to enhance customs clearance performance at import and export.
• Oversee fulfilment of customs requirements for the import/ export and trans-shipment of packages and documents in a time sensitive environment.
• Lead achievement of high standards of operational quality throughout customs clearance process, data quality and support functions.
• Lead delivery of customs brokerage services meeting operational standards and customer expectations, and support implementation of global and regional brokerage solutions.
• Monitor and anticipate potential changes in statutory regulations impacting the business or its customers.
• Connect, develop relations and liaise with counterparts in customs authorities and government bodies for running smooth operations.
• Contribute to develop customs processes and procedures and lead adherence to compliance standards, legal requirements and import/ export control legislation.
• Analyse complex issues, benchmark, identify opportunities and introduce best practices and quality standards for customs focusing on increasing effectiveness and efficiency, and controlling costs.
• Advice customers on legal (e.g. trade compliance - shipments to sanctioned countries) and customs topics.
• Provide support for daily customs activities, ensuring efficient and compliant processes.
• Ensure operational compliance to all revenue and international trade legislative requirements, and all requirements under Data Protection Legislation in addition to all DHL Global Forwarding Ireland policies and procedures (H&S, Quality, Environmental, HR, etc), and work in a manner that supports the Company environment programme.
• Participate in the implementation of operational processes and perform work to the standards of Good Distribution practice (GDP) for Life Science business, as required.

Competencies

Team leadership

Builds and leads high-performing teams by inspiring commitment to shared goals, communicating openly, providing clear direction and accountability, creating a positive and inclusive environment, involving team members in decision-making, recognising performance, and consistently demonstrating DHL Global Forwarding’s dimensions.

Managing relationships

Builds strong, trust-based relationships through open and honest communication, respect for diversity, equity, inclusion, and belonging, collaboration across stakeholder groups, constructive challenge, and fostering positive workplace partnerships.

Team development

Creates high-performing teams by attracting, retaining, coaching, and developing talent, providing objective feedback and development opportunities, encouraging continuous improvement, and fostering an environment where people can achieve their full potential.

Customer focus

Places customer needs at the centre of decision-making by building strong relationships, collaborating effectively across functions, utilising resources efficiently, and driving operational performance to consistently meet and exceed customer expectations.

Problem solving

Achieves operational results by proactively identifying issues and opportunities, analysing root causes, leveraging team expertise, implementing effective solutions and process improvements, deploying resources appropriately, and communicating actions and outcomes clearly.

Supporting change

Leads and sustains change by demonstrating a positive attitude, inspiring commitment, taking ownership, addressing barriers, communicating clear goals and progress, driving continuous improvement, and recognising contributions that support successful change implementation.

Experience and qualifications

Expected experience

• People Management experience
• 6 years Customs experience

Expected qualifications

• Bachelor’s degree preferred

The above statements are intended to describe the general nature and level of work performed by people assigned to this role. They are not intended to be construed as an exhaustive list of all job duties performed. The Company reserves the right to revise or amend duties at any time.

We are committed to equal opportunity and reject any forms of discrimination. The basis for employee selection at DHL Group is qualifications, performance, skills and experience.