Senior Customs Officer

1. Job Purpose Statement

We are seeking an experienced Senior Customs Clerk to oversee our daily customs clearance operations, ensure full regulatory compliance, and provide duty leadership to a small team of customs clerks.

The ideal candidate will hit the ground running with extensive, hands-on experience in customs entry processes, ideally within an airport/air freight environment. The post holder will be responsible for managing system entries, maintaining compliance standards, and guiding junior clerks to ensure smooth cargo operations.

2. Principal Accountabilities

- Process import and export customs declarations accurately and efficiently using dedicated software systems.

- Ensure full compliance with local customs regulations, tariffs, and trade agreements at all times.

- Classify goods using correct Commodity Codes / HS Codes and manage tariff calculations.

- Handle special customs procedures, queries, and holds in a timely manner to avoid cargo delays.

- Maintain accurate records and documentation for auditing and reporting purposes.

- Supervise, support, and mentor two Customs Clerks in their daily tasks.

- Review declarations processed by the team to maintain high accuracy and compliance standards.

- Act as the key escalation point for complex customs queries or operational bottlenecks.

- Coordinate post-clearance transport and trucking schedules to ensure seamless cargo delivery from the airport to final destinations.

- Raise and manage transit documents for road haulage moving goods under customs control.

- Communicate effectively with haulier’s, drivers, and transport dispatchers to align customs clearance timings with truck departure/arrival slots.

- Report directly to the Cargo Manager on operational performance, delays, or compliance risks.

- Liaise with customs authorities, border agencies, airlines, handlers, and clients to resolve operational issues.

- Identify opportunities to streamline workflows and improve clearance efficiency.

- Any other ad-hoc duties which may occur from time to time and are considered to be within the post holder’s capability, to ensure business continuity.

3. Qualifications & Experience

Essential

- Demonstrable experience as a Customs Clerk or Customs Specialist.

- In-depth knowledge of import/export customs clearance processes and regulatory frameworks.

- Proficiency with standard customs entry software systems.

- Strong understanding of Commodity Codes, CPC codes, and customs documentation.

- Proven ability to work accurately under pressure in a fast-paced environment.

- Understanding of road freight/trucking operations and associated transit procedures

- Experience liaising with transport companies and coordinating delivery timelines.

Desirable

- Prior experience working within an air freight or airport cargo environment (sea freight experience highly considered).

- Previous supervisory, team-lead, or mentoring experience.

Whilst at work the post-holder will be expected to comply and co-operate with the company’s Safety Management System (SMS) and is reminded of the employee’s responsibilities as detailed in Sections 7 & 8 of the Health and Safety at Work Act 1974. The post holder will:

- Take reasonable care of the health and safety of him/herself and other persons who may be affected by his/her acts or omissions at work

- Co-operate with the Company management so far as is necessary in order that the Company can carry out its statutory duty under the Health and Safety at Work etc. Act 1974 and all relevant statutory provision

- Not intentionally or recklessly interfere with or misuse anything provided in the interests of health, safety and welfare.

In addition, the post-holder will comply with the more specific requirements contained within the Safety Management System and associated documents.

Whilst at work the post-holder will be expected to take into consideration how their individual and collective actions may affect the Airport Company’s continued compliance with environmental guidance and legislation.

- Take responsibility for their actions and co-operate with the Airport Company Management so far as possible to minimise and prevent the potential pollution of the environment.

- Not to intentionally or recklessly interfere with or misuse plant equipment, procedures or instructions that may lead to a pollution incident.

Due to the nature of the 24/7 operation within the airport environment, the role will involve the ability to work flexibly to ensure adequate coverage of the operation which will include early starts, late finishes and weekend shifts.

This job description is an outline of the key tasks and responsibilities of the post, and the post holder may be required to undertake additional duties in line with the development of the role. The post may change over time to reflect the developing needs of the facility and its services, as well as the personal development needs of the post holder. This job description will be subject to regular review and adjustment.

Pay: £40,000.00-£42,000.00 per year

Benefits:

• Company pension
• Free parking
• On-site parking

Work Location: In person