JAMES SOLLY
Northiam,Rye
Summary
Results-driven Customs and Logistics Team Leader with over seven years in customs compliance and import/export operations. Advanced from Customs Processing Administrator to Team Leader in two years, demonstrating effective leadership and stakeholder engagement. Experienced in managing teams, overseeing client accounts, and conducting audits amid changing regulations. Currently focused on business development in a start-up environment, eager to tackle new challenges in logistics or office management.
Overview
6
6
years of professional experience
Work history
Customs Processing Administrator
Customs Support UK
Tenterden, Kent
2020.03 - 2022.03
- Managed customs administration for imports into the United Kingdom.
- Prepared duty and VAT reports for clients and HMRC.
- Administered and maintained SCDP authorisations.
- Liaised directly with clients regarding customs procedures and reporting.
- Supported businesses through Brexit-related customs changes.
- Managed import documentation and customs compliance processes.
- Assisted with warehouse reconciliations and duty management activities.
- Developed strong technical knowledge of customs compliance and duty management procedures.
- Built strong client relationships through proactive communication and support.
Team Leader
Customs Support UK
Tenterden, Kent
2022.03 - 2024.08
- Promoted from customs processing administrator after strong operational capability and client care.
- Managed a team of 10 employees through daily workflow and priorities.
- Oversaw 12 client accounts with weekly reviews.
- Ran weekly one-to-one meetings and completed staff development reviews.
- Trained and mentored new and existing team members.
- Conducted client visits and held account review meetings.
- Liaised with HMRC on customs compliance matters and documentation.
- Completed audits and compliance reviews for policy adherence.
- Managed warehouse reconciliation processes and customs reporting activities.
- Built and maintained relationships with major national retail and distribution clients.
- Maintained high compliance standards and client service delivery.
Team Leader
SCDP Customs Services Ltd
Tenterden, Kent
2024.08 - 2024.11
- Managed customs operations and supported client accounts daily.
- Oversaw customs compliance activities and handled import processing end to end.
- Maintained client relationships while meeting service standards consistently.
Team Leader
Phoenix Customs Services Ltd
Bethersden, Kent
2024.12 - Current
- Led day-to-day customs operations and daily workflow execution.
- Created and maintained standard operating procedures and user guides.
- Provided training guidance and support for colleagues.
- Maintained HMRC-compliant customs activities against client requirements.
- Improved operational consistency through process documentation and SOP creation.
- Built strong relationships with clients during expansion efforts.
Education
LIBF Level 3 Diploma -
Homewood School & Sixth Form Centre
Tenterden, KentA Levels -
Homewood School & Sixth Form Centre
Tenterden, KentGCSEs -
Homewood School & Sixth Form Centre
Tenterden, KentSkills
Team leadership
Staff training and development
Performance management
Workload planning
Customs compliance
HMRC liaison
Client relationship management
Stakeholder engagement
Account management
Sales support
Problem solving
Microsoft Excel, Word, and Outlook
Data entry and reporting
SOP and user guide creation
ADDITIONAL INFORMATION
- Over seven years of experience in customs operations, duty management, and import/export compliance.
- Extensive experience supporting clients through Brexit customs changes and ongoing regulatory requirements.
- Experienced in managing major client accounts and stakeholder relationships.
- Strong communication, leadership, and problem-solving skills.
- Available references upon request.
Timeline
Team Leader
Phoenix Customs Services Ltd
2024.12 - Current
Team Leader
SCDP Customs Services Ltd
2024.08 - 2024.11
Team Leader
Customs Support UK
2022.03 - 2024.08
Customs Processing Administrator
Customs Support UK
2020.03 - 2022.03
LIBF Level 3 Diploma -
Homewood School & Sixth Form Centre
A Levels -
Homewood School & Sixth Form Centre
GCSEs -
Homewood School & Sixth Form Centre