This is an excellent opportunity for a commercially driven customs professional to join a business that has invested heavily in digitalising post-Brexit customs processes and simplifying cross-border movements for importers, exporters, hauliers and wider logistics customers.
The business operates across three core areas: freight ferry bookings, freight forwarding and customs services. Their customs division has become one of the fastest-growing areas of the group, and this role will play a key part in driving further commercial growth.
The Role
As Customs Business Development Manager, you will be responsible for identifying, developing and converting new business opportunities across customs clearance, import/export operations, transit movements and wider international trade services.
Working closely with the senior customs leadership team, you will help shape and execute commercial strategy while managing the full 360 sales process from lead generation through to client onboarding and ongoing account development.
This is a relationship-led sales role that requires both strong customs knowledge and the ability to win new business. The successful candidate will be comfortable generating their own leads, opening doors with new clients, understanding operational challenges and positioning tailored customs solutions.
Key Responsibilities
Identify, target and win new business opportunities across customs clearance, import/export, transit and wider cross-border logistics services.
Generate leads through outbound calls, email, LinkedIn, market research, referrals, networking and existing industry contacts.
Build relationships with freight forwarders, hauliers, importers, exporters, manufacturers and businesses moving goods across UK and European borders.
Sell customs solutions in a consultative and problem-solving way, understanding client requirements and positioning the right service.
Manage the full sales cycle from prospecting, qualification and proposal through to negotiation, close and onboarding.
Work closely with customs operations teams to ensure new clients are onboarded smoothly and receive a strong service experience.
Act as a key commercial contact for customs clients, supporting retention, account development, cross-selling and upselling opportunities.
Provide market intelligence around UK/EU customs legislation, trade changes, competitor activity and customer behaviour.
Work with marketing, operations and senior leadership to support wider commercial strategy and identify new growth channels.
Represent the business professionally at client meetings, industry events and, where required, during European travel.
Requirements
Proven B2B sales, business development or commercial experience within customs clearance, freight forwarding, logistics, supply chain or international trade.
Specific experience within customs, customs clearance, customs brokerage or customs-led logistics services.
Strong understanding of UK and EU import/export processes, customs documentation, transit procedures and border requirements.
Knowledge of customs declaration processes and systems, ideally including CDS.
Ability to generate your own leads and manage a full 360 sales process.
Strong consultative sales skills with the ability to understand operational problems and position tailored solutions.
Confident dealing with senior stakeholders, business owners, logistics managers, freight forwarders and import/export teams.
Relationship-led approach with the ability to build trust and create long-term customer partnerships.
Strong commercial awareness with the ability to identify cross-sell and upsell opportunities.
Excellent communication, organisation and follow-up skills.
Proactive, self-motivated and comfortable working independently.
Suitable Backgrounds
This role may suit someone currently working as a:
Customs Business Development Manager
Freight Forwarding Business Development Manager
Customs Sales Manager
International Trade Business Development Manager
Logistics Business Development Manager
Customs Brokerage Sales Executive
Freight Sales Executive with strong customs exposure
Commercial Manager within customs, forwarding or cross-border logistics
The ideal candidate will have proven experience within customs clearance, freight forwarding or logistics, but the key requirement is genuine customs knowledge combined with strong sales ability.
Working Pattern
The role will initially be office-based in Preston during the training period.
Hybrid working is available after probation, typically structured as 3 days in the Preston office and 2 days working from home. Office days are flexible, although working from home on both a Monday and Friday in the same week would not usually be available.
The probation period is staggered at 2, 4 and 6 months depending on performance and progress.
Although this is primarily a desk-based sales role, customer visits are encouraged where commercially useful, and reasonable travel and accommodation costs will be covered.
Package and Benefits
Salary of £40,000 – £50,000 depending on experience.
Strong OTE, to be discussed at interview.
35-hour working week.
Hybrid working after training/probation.
Birthday day off after one year’s full service.
Enhanced annual leave after two years’ service.
Employee Assistance Programme.
Health cash plan.
Life assurance / death in service cover.
Retail discount scheme.
Cycle to Work scheme.
Tech discount scheme.
Learning and development opportunities.
Social events and team activities.
Recognition awards.
Summary
This is an excellent opportunity for a customs-aware sales professional who wants to join a growing, digitally led logistics business with a clear market proposition and genuine scope to make an impact.
The successful candidate will be commercially sharp, confident generating new business and capable of building long-term customer relationships across customs, freight forwarding and international trade.
Location: Preston, Lancashire
Salary: £40,000 – £50,000 DOE + strong OTE
Working Pattern: Full-time
Hybrid: Available after training/probation — 3 days office-based in Preston, 2 days from home
Travel: Some UK and European travel may be required
Salary description
£40000.00 - £50000.00 per year