Interim Custom & Trade Manager

Gleeson is proud to be supporting a leading logistics and supply chain organisation that is seeking an experienced Interim Customs & Trade Manager to provide specialist leadership across its customs and international trade function.

As the business continues to navigate an evolving global trade landscape, this interim opportunity has been created to ensure robust customs compliance, operational continuity, and strategic oversight across UK and international import and export activities.This is a pivotal role requiring a hands-on leader with strong regulatory expertise, operational knowledge, and the ability to quickly assess, strengthen, and optimise customs and trade processes.

Job Title: Customs and Trade Manager Contract Type: Interim Day Rate Location: Flexible / Hybrid / Midlands

The Opportunity

We are seeking an experienced Customs & Trade Manager to lead and strengthen customs compliance, international trade operations, and strategic trade initiatives within a complex supply chain environment.

This is a critical appointment for an organisation looking to enhance its customs and trade capabilities while ensuring full regulatory compliance across international operations. A key focus of the role will be leading and supporting the business through the achievement and maintenance of Authorised Economic Operator (AEO) Certification.

The successful candidate will bring extensive customs and international trade expertise, combined with proven experience of guiding organisations through the AEO accreditation process.

Key Responsibilities

Lead all customs and international trade compliance activities across the business. Drive the organisation's AEO certification programme, ensuring successful accreditation and ongoing compliance. Act as the subject matter expert for UK and international customs regulations, import/export requirements, and trade compliance matters. Develop, implement, and maintain customs policies, procedures, and governance frameworks. Manage relationships with HMRC, customs authorities, freight forwarders, customs brokers, and logistics providers. Conduct audits and compliance reviews to identify risks and implement corrective actions. Ensure accurate customs declarations and commodity classifications are maintained. Monitor changes in customs legislation and international trade regulations, providing guidance to key stakeholders. Support strategic initiatives relating to customs optimisation, duty management, and trade efficiency. Deliver training and development programmes to enhance customs compliance awareness across the business. Provide operational support and advice on complex customs, import, export, and trade matters.

Key Requirements

Extensive experience within Customs Compliance, International Trade, or Global Trade Management. Proven track record of successfully leading or supporting an organisation through AEO Certification. Deep understanding of UK customs regulations, HMRC requirements, imports, exports, and trade compliance frameworks. Strong knowledge of customs procedures, tariff classifications, customs valuation, origin rules, and duty management. Experience engaging with government agencies, customs authorities, and external compliance bodies. Ability to influence stakeholders at all levels of the business. Strong project management and change management experience. Experience within logistics, freight forwarding, manufacturing, retail, or supply chain operations. Knowledge of Customs Declaration Service (CDS). Understanding of international trade agreements and preferential origin requirements. Customs or trade compliance qualifications. Experience operating in multi-country trade environments.

At Gleeson Recruitment Group, we embrace inclusivity and welcome applicants of all backgrounds, experiences, and abilities. We are proud to be a disability confident employer.

By applying you will be registered as a candidate with Gleeson Recruitment Limited. Our Privacy Policy is available on our website and explains how we will use your data