Head of Customs Clearance

Role: Head of Customs / Customs Clearance Manager

Location: North Dublin

Salary guideline €80k

Role Requirements

• Oversee and manage the day-to-day operations of the Customs Clearance Department, ensuring accuracy, efficiency and compliance.

• Lead, manage and develop the customs clearance team, providing guidance, training and ongoing performance management.

• Ensure full compliance with Irish, UK and EU and International customs legislation, regulations and procedures.

• Oversee the preparation and submission of import, export and transit customs declarations.

• Maintain strong working relationships with Irish Revenue, customs authorities, clients and relevant regulatory bodies.

• Manage customs compliance, internal audits, risk assessments and regulatory requirements.

• Provide expert guidance on customs classifications, tariff codes, valuation, rules of origin, duties and VAT.

• Oversee customs procedures including transit movements, temporary admissions, customs warehousing and special procedures where applicable.

• Monitor regulatory developments and implement necessary changes to customs processes and procedures.

• Identify opportunities to streamline customs operations, improve efficiencies and enhance service delivery.

• Manage escalated customs queries and resolve complex clearance issues.

• Work closely with freight forwarding, transport, operations and commercial teams to ensure seamless customs clearance services.

• Drive departmental performance, productivity, service standards and profitability.

• Support business growth through the development and expansion of customs clearance services.

Candidate Requirements: 

• Extensive experience in customs clearance, ideally within the freight forwarding, logistics or international transport sector.

• Previous experience in a senior customs management or leadership position.

• Comprehensive knowledge of Irish, UK and International customs regulations and procedures.

• Strong understanding of import/export documentation, customs declarations, tariff classifications and customs compliance.

• Experience dealing with Irish Revenue and other relevant customs authorities.

• Strong knowledge of customs systems, including AIS, AES, NCTS and associated customs software.

• Proven ability to lead, motivate and develop a high-performing team.

• Strong commercial awareness with the ability to identify operational improvements and business opportunities.

• Ability to work effectively in a fast-paced, deadline-driven environment.