Role Overview
As the Customs Specialist UK, you will play a key role in maintaining compliance with UK customs legislation while supporting seamless import and export operations. Your responsibilities will include preparing and verifying customs documentation, ensuring timely submission of duty entries—particularly for shipments involving Belfast—and coordinating with regulatory bodies such as DEFRA to provide accurate SPV data.
Key Responsibilities
- Prepare, review, and submit all necessary customs documentation in line with UK import and export requirements
- Finalize export certificates and ensure alignment with internal Compliance teams for audit readiness
- Submit duty declarations on time and maintain accurate records of all customs-related transactions
- Act as a point of contact for customs officials, freight carriers, and third-party agents, fostering reliable working relationships
- Advise internal and external stakeholders on customs regulations, tariff classifications, and insurance obligations
- Collaborate with operations, distribution, sales, and planning teams to support end-to-end supply chain execution
- Verify accuracy of duty, tax, and logistics charges, resolving billing discrepancies promptly
- Track shipments, payments, and documentation to ensure financial and procedural integrity
- Monitor changes in customs legislation and lead implementation across relevant departments
- Identify inefficiencies in current processes and recommend improvements to enhance compliance and performance
- Support ad hoc customs and logistics tasks as needed to maintain operational continuity
Qualifications and Skills
You must have strong written and verbal English skills, excellent organizational abilities, and the capacity to work independently under pressure. A proactive mindset is essential, with a focus on identifying deviations and communicating complex issues clearly to management.
- Demonstrated experience in customs, trade compliance, or logistics within the food or FMCG sector is preferred
- Familiarity with air and ocean freight procedures and international trade systems such as DAX is an advantage
- 2–5 years of relevant experience in a fast-paced, regulated environment
- Holding a bachelor’s degree in a related field is desirable, though substantial experience may substitute
Work Environment
This position is based in the UK and may require occasional weekend or evening work to align with shipping schedules and regulatory deadlines. You will operate within a structured, compliance-driven framework while contributing to continuous improvement across customs operations.
