Job Description

Our Procurement Team is growing and we are seeking an Import & Customs Manager to manage the end-to-end import process and maintain supply chain efficiency.


This is a full-time, permanent opportunity based at our modern Petersfield head office.

What will I be doing?

As Import & Customs Manager you will play a pivotal role in managing the end-to-end import process for international shipments, with a strong focus on customs compliance, documentation accuracy, and inbound logistics. You'll coordinate with freight forwarders, issue compliant import instructions, and ensure all customs declarations are properly checked and recorded. Once purchase orders are placed, you'll oversee supplier communication, monitor performance, track shipping progress, and resolve delivery issues to maintain a reliable inbound supply. This role requires good knowledge of HMRC regulations, Incoterms, and CDS data, along with the ability to drive continuous improvement in customs compliance and audit readiness.



Your areas of responsibility will include:

1. Import Order & Supplier Management

Manage purchase orders after placement, ensuring timely confirmations, updates, and delivery tracking across international suppliers. Ensure all supplier contracts, POs, and confirmations are accurately documented and accessible. Ensure supplier documentation aligns with agreed Incoterms and origin declaration requirements.

2.

Freight & Forwarder Coordination

Act as the lead liaison between overseas suppliers and freight forwarders, issuing formal customs clearance instructions with all required PO references, Incoterms, and regulatory details. Negotiate freight rates where applicable and validate Incoterm alignment, freight charges, and shipping terms. Monitor inbound shipments and maintain accurate records via the Import Freight Tracker (Smartsheet). Investigate and resolve booking discrepancies or delivery delays, maintaining a clear audit trail of communications and actions. Ensure all freight forwarders adhere to agreed instructions, including referencing PO numbers and returning customs entries promptly. Maintain an understanding of freight forwarding terms and ensure documented procedures and standing instructions are in place and reviewed regularly. Request and manage customs entry data from freight partners for validation and reconciliation.

3. Customs Compliance & Documentation Control

Review and approve customs declarations for accuracy against purchase orders, shipping documents, and CDS data. Oversee accurate HS code classification and ensure all declarations follow UK/EU customs legislation and the Union Customs Code (UCC). Validate VAT treatment and origin status, ensuring preference claims (e.g. GSP, EU-UK TCA) meet HMRC requirements. Maintain complete and audit-ready documentation including origin statements, long-term supplier declarations, and valuation records. Lead development and maintenance of internal SOPs for customs clearance, documentation control, and agent instruction. Serve as the main point of contact for customs agents, brokers, and HMRC, supporting audits, voluntary disclosures, or escalations as needed. Carry out regular compliance checks on customs documentation, declarations, and supporting data. Maintain accurate logs and procedures to support customs audit readiness. Demonstrate practical understanding of customs valuation, origin rules, and classification accuracy.

4. Inventory Accuracy & Inbound Visibility

Ensure expected delivery dates (XFDs), quantities, and shipment milestones are kept up to date across systems. Communicate any delays or changes in inbound delivery to Procurement, Operations, and Fulfilment teams. Help maintain optimal inventory levels by proactively aligning shipments to forecast and sales activity. Highlight and investigate any variances between declared and received goods, ensuring corrective actions are documented. Understand procedures for managing over/under shipments and their impact on customs declarations.

5. System Management & Data Integrity

Maintain procurement, shipping, and customs records across NetSuite, Smartsheet, and internal trackers. Back up customs and freight documents weekly to ensure data resilience and audit readiness. Perform monthly checks against HMRC CDS import reports, flagging and resolving discrepancies. Support data analysis on lead times, landed costs, and performance metrics for Finance and Category Managers. Maintain product master data, create barcodes, and ensure ERP codes reflect correct customs attributes (e.g. HS codes, origin). Ensure classification, valuation, and preference data are consistently maintained across all systems. Demonstrate familiarity with customs data reporting tools and how to interpret discrepancies.

6. Collaboration & Compliance Support

Work cross-functionally with Procurement, Operations, Customer Experience, and Finance to ensure seamless inbound operations. Escalate recurring issues with suppliers or agents and contribute to performance reviews and root cause analysis. Coordinate compliance-related training for internal teams covering customs declarations, incoterms, classification, and origin. Keep customs knowledge up to date, including regimes like Inward Processing Relief (IPR), Customs Warehousing, and AEO where relevant. Lead or support continuous improvement projects in import compliance, logistics efficiency, and data quality. Oversee the development of written procedures for customs processes including returns, storage, and third-party logistics coordination. Maintain records and documentation to support corrective action tracking and audit transparency.

What do I need?

To become an Import & Customs Manager at SMI you will need the following skills or experience:

Previous experience in import and customs role desirable Chartered institute of export & international trade (or equivalent qualification) desirable but not essential Knowledge of international trade rules including CDS, UCC, Incoterms 2020, and preferential origin schemes Familiarity with customs valuation, classification procedures, and audit documentation best practices Highly organised and self-motivated Decisive and able to act quickly under pressure Strong attention to process and detail Customer-focused with an understanding of supply chain impact Confident negotiator with a commercial mindset Always seeks smarter, more cost-effective buying solutions Positive, proactive, and adaptable Able to work independently and cross-functionally with other teams Desirable: Intermediate Excel skills (e.g. formulas, pivot tables)

Why join SMI?

SMI is an employee-focused company with a strong family-run history. We understand that our massive success is all thanks to our staff who demonstrate our values in everything they do. We put our staff at the forefront of our business, giving them autonomy and recognition to create meaningful and lasting careers in a fun and progressive environment.


By joining SMI, you will receive:

A salary of 42,000 per annum Entry into our Growth by Sharing bonus scheme following probation 25 days annual leave plus bank holidays, increasing after 3 years of service Perks and wellbeing activities including our Values Champion Nomination Scheme, EAP scheme, and regular company events 1 day WFH each week Friday 4pm finish

How do I apply?

To become a Import & Customs Manager with SMI simply hit "Apply Now" and send us your CV. If you have any questions about the role, please feel free to get in touch with the Team at HR@smigroupuk.com

SMI are an equal opportunity employer. We celebrate diversity and are committed to creating an inclusive environment for all employees.