Air Import & Export Operations / Customs Freight Forwarder

Temporary - Potential Permanent Opportunity

Salary: £30,000-£34,000 per annum, depending on experience

Location: Staines, TW18

Start: ASAP

Looking for your next opportunity in air freight and customs? Join a respected international freight forwarding company where your import, export and customs expertise will make an immediate impact.

Our client is a well-established freight forwarding business providing tailored logistics solutions across air, sea and road freight. They are currently looking for experienced Import and Export professionals with hands-on CDS entry and customs brokerage knowledge to support their busy Air Freight Operations team.

These are temporary opportunities, with the potential to lead to permanent employment for the right candidates, should suitable permanent openings become available. This is a great chance to demonstrate your skills, get to know the business and become part of a supportive team.

What you'll do:

You'll coordinate international air import and export shipments, ensuring customs declarations, documentation and operational deadlines are handled accurately whilst delivering excellent customer service.

Your responsibilities will include:

• Managing air import and export shipments from booking through to final delivery.
• Preparing and submitting accurate import and export customs declarations using CDS.
• Handling customs brokerage activities and resolving clearance queries.
• Checking shipment documentation, including MAWBs, HAWBs, commercial invoices and packing lists.
• Ensuring customs entries comply with HMRC requirements and company procedures.
• Coordinating collections, deliveries and cargo movements with transport providers and handling agents.
• Liaising with overseas agents, airlines, customers and internal departments.
• Providing proactive shipment updates and resolving operational issues promptly.
• Maintaining accurate shipment files, costs, rates and billing information.
• Working closely with customs, warehouse, gateway and finance teams to keep shipments moving.
• Supporting colleagues during busy periods and providing holiday cover where required.

What you need:

• Previous experience in air import and/or export freight forwarding operations.
• Hands-on experience preparing and submitting customs entries through CDS.
• Practical customs brokerage knowledge and a sound understanding of import and export clearance procedures.
• Good knowledge of air freight documentation and shipment processes.
• Excellent communication and customer service skills.
• Strong organisational skills, accuracy and attention to detail.
• The ability to prioritise workloads and meet deadlines in a busy environment.
• Good IT skills, including Excel and Outlook.
• The ability to work independently and contribute positively to a team.
• Experience using CargoWise or a similar freight forwarding system would be advantageous. Knowledge of Dangerous Goods, airline portals, aviation security or temperature-controlled shipments would also be helpful.

Why consider this opportunity?

• Put your import, export and customs skills to work with an established international freight forwarder.
• Join a friendly, supportive team with varied day-to-day responsibilities.
• Gain valuable experience across air freight operations and customs brokerage.
• Potential to progress into a permanent position if suitable openings become available.
• Monday to Friday, 9:00am-5:30pm, with a one-hour lunch break.
• Potential to work one day per week from home following successful completion of the probationary period, subject to agreement.

How to apply:

If you have air import or export experience, together with CDS entry and customs brokerage knowledge, we'd love to hear from you.

Apply today or contact Red Recruit for a confidential discussion.

E: shipping@redrecruit.com

T: 01376 503567 | 0203 906 6020

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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 please send us your CV in confidence or call us directly.

Alternative Job Titles & Keywords: Air Import Operator, Air Export Operator, Air Freight Coordinator, Freight Forwarder, Import Clerk, Export Clerk, Customs Clerk, Customs Brokerage, Customs Clearance, CDS Entries, CargoWise, Air Freight Operations.