Customs Clearance Specialist

Our client, a well-established customs clearance specialist with over 20 years of trading are recruiting for a Customs Clearance Specialist to join their team at offices near Aylesbury, Buckinghamshire.
On Offer:
* An exciting opportunity to join a highly regarded customs clearance specialist with great potential for future growth
* Brand new offices and warehouse facility, located on a growing business park with many new facilities planned i.e. a cafe and restaurant along with creche facilities.
* Competitive salary, dependant on skills and experience
* Working hours: 37.5 Hours a week, Monday to Friday – 09:00 – 17:00
* Working 11:00 – 16:00 on a Sunday on a rota basis (approx. once every few months) Paid at double time or time in lieu
* Holiday, 20 days per annum, increasing by 1 day per year after the first year of employment to maximum 25 days per annum
Main Purpose of the Role:
As a Customs Clearance Specialist you will have a wide range of duties that deal with each step of the shipping process, including tracking shipments and communication with clients about the shipments progress. Ensure full compliance with all HMRC / Border Force rules and regulations and provide an outstanding level of service to all stakeholders. Provide efficient delivery logistics through following strict protocols and procedures. Fill out import-export documentation, compile carrier and route assignments, compute/check international fees and charges for each shipment, ensure correct taxes and duties are applied and keep track of shipment payments. Use Sequoia Customs clearance software along with other customs entry systems and the bespoke Savvy system.
Duties and Responsibilities of the Customs Clearance Specialist
* Making sure that all customs entries are correctly processed in time using correct procedures and tariff codes.
* Pro-actively resolve any HMRC/Border Force related queries/problems e.g CHIEF errors
* Making sure that all imports/exports are correctly declared, ensuring that nothing compromises our authorisations and permissions as an Authorised Economic Operator or Transit shed operator.
* Ensure the ETSF Control sheet, and shipment status and progress is recorded as events happen.
* Maintain accurate filing & archiving of all Import & Export records
* Ensuring full compliance of all documentation and all HMRC/Border Force updates, systems or manual.
* To assist the ETSF Manager in compiling Quarterly internal audits on all areas of compliance, Import/Export entries, ETSF procedural audits, CFSP audits & AEO audits.
* Liaising with Customers and Airlines, answering all telephone, email enquiries
* Dealing with ad hoc telephone and email queries.
* As required, chasing airlines and agents on clearance of goods and any payments that need to be made
* Customs entries/ and clearances using E-Customs and completing supplementary declarations within 14 days on all C21 export entries
* Sending export pre - alerts to destination offices as soon as flights have departed
* Liaising with relevant agencies when required, to facilitate smooth clearances
* Arranging Collections of Air Freight from Airlines/sheds
* Work with Carriers and handling agents to resolve exceptions and discrepancies as they arise.
* Tracing & Tracking Import & Export Airfreight Shipments
* Monitoring T1 & Customs referral cages and making sure that shipments are cleared in time.
* To escalate as appropriate, all queries, requests, complaints and problems in a timely manner.
* Follow work schedules and working instructions to ensure clearance, collection and processing to final mile vendors is co-ordinated and delivery KPI’s are met.
* Adhere to and follow all HMRC & Border Force’s legal regulations in order to maintain compliance with the operating of an ETSF.
To Be Considered:
* Experience using ASM Sequoia or similar
* Must have good written communications skills and importantly the ability to problem-solve.
* Customer care is a vital part of this role and so good interpersonal skills are very important.
* Good working knowledge of customs formalities & legislation on both Imports & Exports and good understanding of CFSP & ETSF procedures.
For more details, please contact Willis Global - a leading Recruitment Consultancy for the Supply Chain & Logistics industry