Customs Clerk - Imports Expert

Are you an experienced Customs Clerk with strong Imports expertise?

Do you have excellent knowledge of Customs processes and a high level of numeracy?

Are you looking for a dynamic role with a progressive company offering great career potential?

We are proud to be supporting our client, a leader in Perishable Air-Imports, in finding an experienced Customs Clerk to join their expanding team. The salary ranges from £30K to £35K, with the higher salary available depending on your experience. While perishable goods experience is preferred, strong Customs experience along with air and road transport knowledge will be highly valued.

This role presents an exciting opportunity to work with an independent and growing company that offers flexibility, competitive compensation, and a chance to develop further in the industry.

About the Role:

This position involves managing the customs clearance process for perishable goods entering the country by air and road from the EU. The role is on a night shift pattern of 4 shifts on, 4 shifts off, with flexible start times between 4pm-7pm for 12-hour shifts. Training can be done Monday to Friday during the day and then transition to nights or training on nights, whichever you prefer.

Key Responsibilities:

1. Ensure compliance with all Border Force, Port Health, and APHA regulations for perishable imports.
2. Liaise with Transport Operations to monitor shipments in transit and ensure timely management of the entire process.
3. Handle and control ETSF entries, ensuring full Border Force compliance and facilitating all import controls.
4. Manage the APHA application and the customs clearance process from start to finish.
5. Communicate effectively with authorities, airlines, transport ops, and customers to ensure all stakeholders are updated throughout the process.

Skills & Experience Required:

1. Proficiency in Port/Plant Health applications, customs entries, ETSF protocol, and the new Border Procedures for EU imports.
2. Excellent working knowledge of Excel and other MS Office packages. Highly numerate and able to handle complex data and records with great accuracy.
3. Experience with customs-specific software and platforms such as Gov Gateway, Descartes, Sequoia/ASM, IPAFFS, CHEIF, CNS, CCS, Dstin8, Pentant, and more.
4. Strong attention to detail, particularly in processing, using Excel worksheets and maintaining accurate records.
5. The ability to generate leads and drive sales within the perishable imports sector through relationship-building and customer engagement.
6. Exceptional communication skills, both written and oral, with the confidence to chase shipment status, collaborate with transport teams, and report to customers.

Why Join Us?

1. Competitive salary with a contributory pension scheme.
2. Flexible working hours and a 4 on, 4 off shift pattern.
3. Free parking and excellent career development opportunities.
4. Be part of a growing company with a dynamic and supportive team environment.

If you have a passion for managing customs processes and import operations, ideally with experience in perishable imports (although not essential), we encourage you to apply now! We'll be in touch at the earliest opportunity to discuss the role further.