Freight Forwarding Customs Coordinator

Location: Basildon, Essex

Job Type: Permanent, Full-Time

Working Hours:  Monday to Friday, 8:30am - 5:30

About the Role

An established international logistics and freight forwarding organisation is seeking an experienced Import Customs Coordinator to join its Customs team in Essex.

This is an excellent opportunity for someone with previous customs experience and a strong understanding of UK customs compliance, import procedures and customs regulations. The successful candidate will play a key role in ensuring the timely clearance of goods, maintaining HMRC compliance and delivering outstanding customer service to both internal and external stakeholders.

Key Responsibilities

• Complete import, export and cross-trade customs activities accurately and within required timescales.

   

• Prepare and submit customs declarations in accordance with HMRC regulations.

   

• Ensure all operational activities are completed accurately and on time.

   

• Monitor customs compliance and report any declaration amendments as required.

   

• Carry out entry checks and provide regular reporting.

   

• Maintain customs systems and operational platforms effectively.

   

• Ensure duties and VAT are applied correctly.

   

• Build and maintain strong customer and internal relationships.

   

• Liaise with credit control regarding outstanding payments.

   

• Work closely with sales teams, identifying opportunities and supporting customer requirements.

   

• Assist with quotations and ensure information is accurately recorded.

   

• Identify opportunities to improve operational efficiency.

   

• Complete invoicing and reporting within agreed timescales.

   

• Provide holiday and sickness cover when required.

   

• Follow all company policies, procedures and health & safety requirements.

   

Skills & Experience Required

• 1-3 years' experience within Customs, Imports or Customs Compliance.

   

• Experience using CDS (Customs Declaration Service) for import declarations.

   

• Strong understanding of UK customs regulations and compliance requirements.

   

• Knowledge of the UK Trade Tariff and commodity classifications.

   

• Experience with import licensing requirements, including SPS controls, CITES and controlled goods.

   

• Knowledge of Postponed VAT Accounting (PVA).

   

• Experience with HMRC amendments and duty reclaim processes.

   

• Understanding of UK and EU customs formalities.

   

• Freight forwarding, logistics, transport or customs brokerage experience would be advantageous.

   

• Knowledge of transit procedures and ETSF operations would be beneficial.

   

• Good Microsoft Office skills, particularly Word and Excel.

   

• Excellent attention to detail and organisational skills.

   

• Strong communication and customer service abilities.

   

• Able to work independently and as part of a team.

   

• Flexible approach to working hours when business needs require.

   

Benefits

• Additional holiday entitlement linked to length of service.

   

• Paid personal milestone day.

   

• Enhanced employer pension contributions.

   

• Annual pension and investment review.

   

• Death in Service benefit.

   

• Private Medical Insurance (subject to qualifying period and eligibility).

   

• Employee Assistance Programme.

   

• Employee discounts and benefits platform.

   

About the Company

Our client is a well-established international freight forwarding and logistics business with a long-standing presence in the UK and overseas. Operating across freight forwarding, customs, warehousing and supply chain solutions, they offer a supportive and professional working environment where employees are encouraged to develop their skills and build long-term careers.

How to apply:

If you have relevant experience or you'd like to know more about this opportunity, please get in touch today.

E: shipping@redrecruit.com

T: 01376 503567 | 0203 906 6020

You can also refer someone suitable. If you know someone suitable, please share this advert or send us their details. *Successful referrals qualify for our candidate referral reward scheme.

Red Recruit specialise in Shipping, Freight & Logistics, Removals & Storage, Relocations and Fine Art recruitment, with opportunities across all levels. Not all roles are advertised, so feel free to send us your CV in confidence or call us directly.

Keywords / alternative titles:  Customs Clerk, Customs Clearance, Import/Export Customs Clearance, Roadfreight Customs Clerk, EU Roadfreight Clerk, Haulage, ETSF, CDS, ASM Sequoia.