Customs Operations Manager

Company Description

We take care of our employees, and they take care of our customers!

Become a member of a global community! The international logistics industry is an integral piece of the global trade puzzle; we make the world go round. Global supply chain management is what we do, and at the heart of Expeditors you will find professionalism, leadership, and a friendly environment, all of which foster an innovative, customer service-based approach to logistics. Expeditors is a global logistics company headquartered in Seattle, Washington. As a Fortune 500 company, we employ over 19,000 trained professionals in a worldwide network of over 350+ locations across six continents. Expeditors satisfies the increasingly sophisticated needs of international trade through customized solutions and seamless, integrated information systems.

Our Mission

We recruit, train, and retain the very best logistics and technical experts the world over. We love to promote from within - more than 50 percent of our employees have been at Expeditors for five years or more. Our high retention rate is influenced by a unique compensation program for positions that are more than just jobs - they're chances to grow, do what you love and build a career with us!

To lead and manage a Customs department within a branch so the department has strong technical expertise, flawless operational execution, strong infrastructure, strong and knowledgeable personnel, strong trade compliance, efficiency, profitability, and continual growth.

Major Duties and Responsibilities

• Oversee the day-to-day running of the Customs team.
• Make sure the team has the right people and resources to do the work.
• Support, coach, and develop team members to help them grow and succeed.
• Set goals, track progress, and ensure training is completed.
• Make sure all Customs rules and regulations are followed.
• Ensure company policies, procedures, and systems are used correctly.
• Manage relationships with external Customs brokers.
• Monitor performance, identify issues, and help find solutions.
• Plan and deliver the team's objectives and business goals.
• Train and support staff on Customs processes, systems, and customer requirements.
• Ensure Customs regulations, company procedures, and client instructions are followed.
• Manage third-party brokers and provide clear guidance where needed.
• Review and approve Customs entries before submission.
• Monitor team workload, efficiency, and performance.
• Oversee compliance activities, audits, licences, and authorisations.
• Ensure customer accounts and documentation are set up correctly.
• Maintain strong relationships with Customs authorities.
• Resolve entry errors, discrepancies, and compliance issues promptly.
• Identify trends, address root causes, and provide additional training where needed.
• Use reports and workflow tools to manage and improve departmental operations.
• Ensure department is using all system tools to their greatest advantage.
• Be open to implementing new system changes and enhancements into your department. 
• Ensure files are all billed and mailed in an accurate and timely manner
• Manage execution of credit policy and review all billed not paid and paid not billed items for proper closing.
• Review entries, customer A/R and invoices.
• Work with sales, customer retention and development, and account management to maintain and develop relationships with customers, and develop and bring new customers into the department

Qualifications

• 6 months to 1 year related experience and/or training; or equivalent combination of education and experience.
• Good knowledge of customs brokerage processes and systems essential
• Good knowledge of customs legislation, especially with regards to custom procedures, classification, valuation and origin.
• Understanding of documentation requirements – process Transport, Commercial & Customs.
• Knowledge of air, road and ocean transport requirements.
• Good knowledge of incoterms
• Effective interpersonal skills, including proven abilities to listen, comprehend, effectively communicate clearly and concisely to obtain positive results.
• Pro-active, strong organizational skills.
• Good computer skills (Excel, Word, PowerPoint).
• Fluent in English – Verbal and written.

Additional Information

Expeditors offers excellent benefits:

• Health Plan: Medical
• Life Assurance
• Employee Stock Purchase Plan
• Training and Personnel Development Program
• Growth opportunities within the company
• Employee Referral Program Bonus