Job Description

Customs Officer/Compliance Specialist

Location:

West Midlands

Salary:

30,000 - 35,000 per annum (dependent on experience)

Contract Type:

Permanent, Full-Time

Reports To:

Branch Manager

About the Role

We are seeking an experienced Customs Officer/Compliance Specialist to join our customs department. This is a key role within our freight forwarding and customs brokerage operation, requiring someone with strong customs knowledge and the ability to work effectively in a fast-paced environment. You will be responsible for managing import and export declarations, ensuring full compliance with HMRC regulations, and providing expert guidance to both internal teams and clients.

Key Responsibilities

Customs Declarations & Processing

Raise and submit accurate import and export customs declarations using the Customs Declaration Service (CDS) Process amendment entries and post-clearance modifications on behalf of clients Ensure all declarations comply with UK customs regulations and procedures Manage complex customs procedures including CFSP (Customs Freight Simplified Procedures), IPR (Inward Processing Relief), OPR (Outward Processing Relief), and RGR (Returned Goods Relief) Handle Customs Warehousing procedures and excise goods requirements Process documentation for food imports and export licences

Compliance & HMRC Liaison

Maintain up-to-date knowledge of customs legislation, tariff classifications, and VAT compliance requirements Act as a point of contact with HMRC for customs-related queries and issues Ensure adherence to special customs procedures and authorisations Conduct due diligence checks in accordance with HMRC guidance Monitor and implement changes to customs regulations and procedures

Team Co-ordination & Workload Management

Co-ordinate customs workload distribution amongst team members Work collaboratively within a small, close-knit team to meet operational deadlines Prioritise urgent shipments and time-sensitive clearances

Client & Stakeholder Management

Handle customs queries from staff and customers in a professional and timely manner Provide expert advice on customs procedures, documentation requirements, and compliance matters Build and maintain strong relationships with clients, freight forwarders, and other stakeholders Communicate effectively regarding clearance status, delays, and regulatory changes

Essential Requirements

Experience & Knowledge

Proven experience in a customs role within freight forwarding, customs brokerage, or a similar environment Strong understanding of UK customs procedures, including import and export declarations Working knowledge of special customs procedures (at least one of: CFSP, IPR, OPR, RGR, Customs Warehousing) Experience liaising with HMRC and processing amendment entries Understanding of VAT compliance requirements for imports and exports

Skills & Competencies

Excellent attention to detail and accuracy when processing customs documentation Strong organisational skills with the ability to manage multiple priorities simultaneously Effective communication skills, both written and verbal Ability to work under pressure and meet tight deadlines in a fast-paced environment Team player with a collaborative approach Problem-solving mindset with ability to resolve customs issues efficiently

Technical Requirements

Proficiency with customs software and declaration systems Competent user of Microsoft Office (Excel, Word, Outlook) Ability to learn new systems quickly

Desirable Requirements

Experience of export licensing Knowledge of excise goods procedures Understanding of commodity codes and tariff classifications Familiarity with AEO (Authorised Economic Operator) standards Recognised customs or logistics qualification (e.g., IoE&IT certification, BIFA qualification)

What We Offer

Competitive salary of 30,000 - 35,000 per annum, commensurate with experience Bonus Scheme Opportunity to work with a diverse range of special customs procedures Career development and training opportunities Collaborative team environment
Job Types: Full-time, Permanent

Pay: 30,000.00-35,000.00 per year

Benefits:

Company pension Free parking On-site parking
Application question(s):

Please tell us why you are interested in this Customs Officer/Compliance Specialist position (200 words)
In your response, please help us understand:

What attracts you to this role specifically
How your customs experience aligns with our requirements
Why you're interested in working in freight forwarding/customs brokerage

Please note: Your answer should be approximately 200 words. This is a required question and will be used to assess your application.

Work Location: In person