Job Description

Description

At

Zencargo

, we're transforming the way businesses move goods globally by combining technology and logistics expertise. As a

Senior Customs Specialist

, you'll play a critical role in ensuring the smooth and compliant movement of goods across international borders. You will leverage your deep knowledge of customs regulations to manage complex declarations, mitigate compliance risks, and support key clients with tailored customs solutions.




This is a strategic role for a detail-oriented and highly experienced customs professional who thrives in a fast-paced, digital-first environment and is passionate about driving efficiency and compliance in global trade operations.

Key Responsibilities

Complete accurate and compliant customs declarations for imports and exports across all transport modes (air, sea, and road) in accordance with UK customs regulations. Ensure all required documentation, including invoices, packing lists, and certificates of origin, is prepared, checked, and submitted correctly to facilitate smooth customs clearance. Stay updated on current customs legislation, trade agreements, and compliance requirements to ensure declarations meet the latest standards. Liaise with customers, freight forwarders, and regulatory authorities (e.g., HMRC) to resolve queries and ensure smooth movement of goods. Verify and input data into customs clearance systems, ensuring the integrity and accuracy of all submitted information. Support internal and external audits by maintaining detailed records and documentation for all customs activities. Identify and escalate any compliance risks or irregularities in customs processes to management. Collaborate with the team to meet deadlines and exceed customer expectations, ensuring shipments are cleared efficiently.
Provide timely updates to clients and stakeholders on the status of shipments and customs clearance progress.
Assist with the preparation of reports and analysis to support the monitoring of team performance and compliance.

Skills, Knowledge and Expertise

Soft Skills

Attention to detail:

Demonstrates exceptional accuracy in handling customs documentation and data entry.

Problem-solving abilities:

Proactively resolves issues related to customs processes and shipment delays.

Effective communication:

Confidently liaises with customers, internal teams, and external stakeholders.

Time management:

Prioritises tasks effectively to meet strict deadlines in a fast-paced environment.

Adaptability:

Responds efficiently to changes in regulations or customer requirements.

Team collaboration:

Works cohesively with colleagues to achieve shared goals and maintain operational excellence.

Organisation:

Maintains structured records and manages multiple tasks efficiently.

Customer focus:

Ensures a proactive commitment to delivering excellent service.

Technical/Competency Skills

Customs compliance knowledge:

Solid understanding of UK import/export procedures, tariff classifications, and duty/VAT requirements.

Documentation expertise:

Familiarity with customs forms, including import/export declarations, and supporting paperwork like C88, SAD, and EAD.

Digital platform proficiency:

Proficient with customs clearance software such as CHIEF, CDS, or other relevant systems.

Data accuracy:

Ability to input and verify large volumes of detailed information with precision.

Regulatory awareness:

Up-to-date knowledge of HMRC regulations and international trade agreements.

Problem resolution:

Skilled in identifying and resolving customs-related issues promptly.

Process adherence:

Committed to following established customs procedures and compliance workflows.

About Zencargo

Zencargo is a digital-first freight forwarder & logistics provider. Our platform allows customers to book, maintain and keep track of their international freight as well as use analytics to drive intelligent supply chain decisions that help their businesses thrive.




Whilst shipping is a complex trillion-dollar industry, you might be surprised to know that many of the processes that could be simplified with technology are currently done over the phone, by fax and email or even jotted down on scraps of paper




Our services include ocean, air and rail freight as well as trucking and cargo insurance. We deliver significant time, paper and financial savings to our customers offering instant quoting, easy booking and an online dashboard to give them 360 degree, 24/7 visibility on their shipments. Shippers and their counterparts collaborate to oversee their logistics on Zencargo and all their supply chain data is stored together in the cloud making business analytics easier than ever.




At Zencargo, we believe that technology can simplify logistical complexity and tear down barriers to trade. Automating trade and logistics operations and providing access to data and analysis will help companies to trade smarter and more efficiently, freeing businesses to concentrate on key outcomes. Only by combining human endeavour and technology, can we build smarter supply chains that know no borders.

Life at Zencargo

What's in it for me?

Zencargo is where you come to do something you're passionate about, and learn new things. We are in scale mode at Zencargo and we work to realistic growth targets and metrics. You will thrive here if you enjoy working in a scaling environment. As we grow we want you to grow with us. At Zencargo there is a huge opportunity to build your experience and grow your career. We want you to be part of the team for a long time to come, and we will focus on helping you get to where you want to be. We all have dreams and aspirations. As part of the Zencargo team, we ask you to deliver your optimum work and help us create real value for our customers and teams.

Work, Life and Balance

At Zencargo, we work hard! We do, however, realise that you have family, friends, interests and life outside the world of work. As a scaling business, we constantly evolve our reward and benefits approach.

Here are some highlights!

United Kingdom

Generous Annual Leave Flexible, Remote and Hybrid Working Home Equipment Allowance BUPA Private Medical Insurance Annual L&D Budget Paid Volunteering Days Pension Scheme Enhanced Maternity, Paternity, Adoption and Shared Parental Leave & Pay

Netherlands

33 days paid holiday annually, including statutory Dutch national public holidays Pension Scheme Flexible, Remote and Hybrid Working Home Equipment Allowance Annual L&D Budget Paid Volunteering Days Enhanced Maternity, Paternity, Adoption and Shared Parental Leave & Pay

United States

33 days paid holiday annually, pro rata, including national public holidays and Veteran's Day Home Equipment Allowance 401K Pension Scheme Private healthcare scheme Annual L&D Budget Paid Volunteering Days Enhanced Maternity, Paternity, Adoption and Shared Parental Leave & Pay




United States

Our Vision, Mission and Values

Zencargo is a company driven by our

Vision, Mission and Values

. We conduct values interviews as part of our recruitment process to ensure we are able to hire top talent that embodies concepts that align with our core values and beliefs.

Our Zencargo Vision

- "A world with smarter trade"

Our Zencargo Mission

- "To make customers' supply chain their competitive advantage"

Our Zencargo Values

We Learn Fast and Grow We Build Trust We Take Ownership
We Deliver Outcomes

A Fair Chance

Every role in the Zencargo team is open to applications from all sections of society. We believe in the superpowers and potential of everyone, regardless of race, religion or belief, ethnic origin, different physical ability, family structure, socio-economics, age, nationality or citizenship, marital, domestic or civil partnership status, sexual orientation, gender identity, or any other difference that makes you, you.


More than just encouraging your application, we're committed to conscious inclusion that (we hope and intend) cultivates an environment of belonging.

We open our doors to those who share these motivations.