UK Customs Operations Leader

Job description

Job Description Summary

The UK Customs Operations Leader oversees how GE goods move across borders, making sure every shipment is compliant, on time and cost‑effective. They own the key customs processes and procedures, working closely with logistics, supply chain, finance and external brokers to keep goods flowing smoothly. The role shapes how the team works day to day, setting priorities, driving improvements and resolving issues quickly when shipments are held or challenged. Guided by clear policies but with a good level of autonomy, this person uses strong operational judgement to balance risk, service and cost while supporting the wider business.

*Please note* This role is hybrid and would require 2-3 days per week on-site at our office at West Drayton near Heathrow Airport

Job Description

Roles and Responsibilities

·  Provides direction, creates and executes on customs strategy affecting customs operational transactions on behalf of GE businesses in the UK.
·  Lead, develop, and coach a local team in alignment with GE Aerospace leadership standards, fostering high performance, accountability, and continuous improvement.
·  Oversee UK sites export and import process conformance to requirements, lead corrective actions and process improvement projects as needed; and special program execution.
·  Support and Lead the region from Customs operational and advisory support perspective covering all UK sites. 
·  Management of Customs Brokers and Customs Vendors to assure shipments execute to requirements: Represent GE Aerospace in Customs Operations related activities and collaborate with the regional Customs Broker’s representatives
·  Support global external customs audit preparation and audit processes.
·  Lead projects with different levels of risk and resource requirements.
·  Drive risk reduction and support risk reduction in accordance with risk management strategy for UK region. 
·  Support investigation of compliance defects to determine root cause and lead/support corrective actions to closure.
·  Own UK Operations KPI’s to monitor Enterprise Standard and regulatory conformance to reduce risk and optimize process lead time. Support reporting process to get full visibility of the UK region.
·  Manage customs integration process for regional sites
·  Follow the UK Customs Regulatory updates, and support UK Customs Regulatory changes by leading operational change management projects.

Required Qualifications

·  Solid experience in logistics and customs operations, with a strong understanding of how goods move across borders in a complex business environment.
·  Proven process and people leadership, comfortable leading teams, setting direction, and coaching others to deliver results.
·  Current UK customs license or certification (minimum Level 4, or equivalent), with up‑to‑date knowledge of customs rules and requirements is preferred.
·  Confident, advanced communicator, able to adapt your style, influence stakeholders, and present clearly to senior leaders.
·  Strong project management skills, able to plan, prioritise, and deliver initiatives on time and to good quality.
·  Ability to bring together multiple business perspectives (operations, finance, compliance, customers) into practical strategies and action plans.
·  Genuine customer focus, able to listen, understand needs, and find solutions that balance customer expectations with policies, procedures, and business goals.
·  Experience working in a metrics‑driven environment, comfortable compiling and analysing data, tracking performance, and closing gaps with clear, measurable actions.

Desired Characteristics

·  Track record of getting to root cause and leading corrective and preventive actions that drive real, sustainable improvement.
·  Hands‑on experience with Lean and problem‑solving tools, using data and structured methods to simplify processes and remove waste.
·  Ability to document, plan, market, and execute programs.
·  Advanced product line knowledge resulting from complex problem solving
·  Advanced regional people leadership skills resulting from multi-country team
·  Expertise in region-based regulations and their trading countries

Flexible Working

GE supports and encourages flexible working arrangements, where possible, and recognises the benefits to employees of having a positive work-life balance.

Total Reward

At GE Aerospace we understand the importance of Total Reward.  Our flexible benefits plan, called FlexChoice, gives you freedom, choice and flexibility in the way you receive your benefits, as well as giving you the opportunity to make savings where possible.

As a new joiner to GE we are pleased to be able to offer you the following as default in your benefit fund, which you then can tailor to meet your individual needs;

·  Pension
·  Bonus          
·  Life Assurance
·  Group income protection            
·  Private medical cover    

Security Clearance

Baseline Personnel Security Standard (BPSS) clearance is required and must be maintained for this role. Please note that in the event that BPSS clearance cannot be obtained, you may not be eligible for the role and/or any offer of employment may be withdrawn on grounds of national security. Please see the link below for further details regarding the requirements for BPSS clearance: BPSS

Right to Work

Applications from job seekers who require sponsorship to work in the UK are welcome and will be considered alongside all other applications. However, under the applicable UK immigration rules as may be in place from time to time, it may be that candidates who do not currently have the right to work in the UK may not be appointed to a post if a suitably qualified, experienced and skilled candidate who does not require sponsorship is available to take up the post. For further information please visit the UK Visas and Immigration website.

                                        

Additional Information

Relocation Assistance Provided: No