Matthew Brown
South Derbyshire
Summary
Operational leader with a proven track record of improving performance, strengthening compliance and delivering measurable operational change within complex logistics environments. Recognised for combining strong analytical thinking with a practical, hands-on leadership style to solve business problems, improve efficiency and drive continuous improvement. Experienced in leading teams, influencing stakeholders and implementing large-scale operational changes that enhance customer experience, reduce waste and improve service delivery. Known for building trust quickly, making sound decisions under pressure and consistently looking beyond day-to-day operations to identify opportunities for wider business improvement.
Overview
6
6
years of professional experience
13
13
years of post-secondary education
Work history
Customs Manager
DHL
Derby
2025.03 - Current
- Directed multiple high-performing teams, driving talent development, resource optimization, and engagement—achieving 100% employee satisfaction and 97% leadership score in the Employee Opinion Survey.
- Drove process improvements, collaborating with operations, finance, and IT, reducing 15 FTEs and delivering significant cost savings.
- Led strategic initiatives and mentored team managers to elevate cross-functional collaboration, leadership capability, and operational resilience.
- Leveraged data analytics to identify systemic gaps, implement targeted improvements, and accelerate turnaround times in high-volume, time-sensitive workflows.
Customs Supervisor
DHL
2021.09 - 2025.03
- Strengthened compliance by implementing audit routines and delivering targeted training, significantly improving accuracy and reducing regulatory errors.
- Built strong relationships with customs authorities and partners, aligning processes to reduce delays and ensure consistent regulatory compliance.
- Mentored and led teams, driving cross-functional collaboration, key projects, and training initiatives to improve skills and operational excellence.
Customs Senior Agent
DHL
2020.10 - 2021.09
- Audited, coached, and enhanced the performance of the customs department as part of the Performance Development Team.
- Led the auditing and feedback process for the Exports department, overseeing a team of 30 FTEs, resulting in a 25% increase in operational efficiency.
- Analysed, managed, and presented office-wide data to develop insightful feedback methods, improving employee performance and informing management and stakeholder decisions.
Customs Agent
DHL
2020.01 - 2020.10
Education
Bachelor of Arts with Second Class Honours (Upper Division) - Business and Management
University of the West of England
Bristol 2012.09 - 2019.06
A-Levels -
Chellaston Academy
2009.09 - 2011.06
GCSE’s (A-C) -
Chellaston Academy
2004.09 - 2009.06
Skills
- Logistics Operations Management
- Team Leadership, Coaching & Development
- KPI Reporting, Data Analysis & Performance governance
- Customs Compliance & Trade Rules
- Financial Performance & Margin Management
- Stakeholder Engagement & Customer Relationship Management
- Warehouse & 3PL Performance Management
- Continuous Improvement & Lean Methodologies
- Operational Excellence & Process Optimisation
Achievements
- Achieved 100% employee satisfaction and a 97% leadership score in the DHL
Opinion Survey through hands‑on leadership, coaching, and clear
communication. - Took ownership of an automated customer email process with a ~40% failure
rate, redesigning it to ~5%, preventing ~1,000 failed files weekly, improving
customer experience and reducing rework. - Delivered Lean improvements that reduced FTE requirements by 15% and
strengthened process accuracy. - Improved reporting quality, giving teams and leaders clearer operational
visibility. - Strengthened audit outcomes by tightening controls, improving billing
accuracy, and reducing turnaround times.
Timeline
Customs Manager
DHL
2025.03 - Current
Customs Supervisor
DHL
2021.09 - 2025.03
Customs Senior Agent
DHL
2020.10 - 2021.09
Customs Agent
DHL
2020.01 - 2020.10
Bachelor of Arts with Second Class Honours (Upper Division) - Business and Management
University of the West of England
2012.09 - 2019.06
A-Levels -
Chellaston Academy
2009.09 - 2011.06
GCSE’s (A-C) -
Chellaston Academy
2004.09 - 2009.06