Golden Goose Logistics Ltd (GGL) is looking for an experienced Customs Clearance & Freight Specialist to join our growing operation in Reading.
This is a hands-on position for somebody with strong practical experience in UK customs clearance, air freight and sea freight, who is capable of handling customs procedures independently while also helping train and develop other members of our team.
We are looking for somebody who understands customs and freight operations in the real world – not simply someone who has processed one particular type of entry.
The Role
You will be responsible for managing and supporting customs clearance across imports and exports, covering both air freight and sea freight.
Your responsibilities will include:
- Preparing and submitting UK import and export customs declarations
- Completing and managing declarations through CDS
- Handling standard commercial customs entries
- Processing BIRDS / bulk low-value declarations
- Handling bulk and high-volume customs entries
- Customs clearance of air freight shipments
- Customs clearance of FCL and LCL sea freight shipments
- Understanding and applying the correct commodity codes, procedure codes, duty and VAT treatment
- Reviewing commercial invoices, packing lists, MAWBs, HAWBs, Bills of Lading and other shipping documentation
- Understanding and managing RENOM and BI procedures
- Working with airline sheds, ports, shipping lines, freight agents and transport providers
- Understanding freight arrival, release and clearance procedures
- Resolving customs holds, queries, documentary issues and rejected declarations
- Liaising with HMRC, Border Force and other relevant authorities where required
- Maintaining accurate customs records and ensuring declarations meet compliance requirements
- Identifying potential compliance issues before declarations are submitted
- Supporting the development and improvement of internal customs and freight procedures
Training & Staff Development
An important part of this position will be transferring your knowledge to the wider GGL team.
You will be expected to:
- Train staff on customs clearance procedures
- Assist colleagues with more complicated customs entries
- Develop staff knowledge of imports and exports
- Train staff on air freight and sea freight procedures
- Explain customs documentation and operational requirements
- Help establish consistent procedures across the department
- Provide guidance when unusual or complicated shipments arise
- Help ensure the team understands the compliance requirements behind the procedures they are following
We want somebody who is comfortable both doing the job themselves and teaching others how to do it correctly.
Essential Experience
Applicants must have:
- Minimum 2 years' hands-on UK customs clearance experience
- Strong practical knowledge of CDS
- Experience completing both import and export declarations
- Commercial customs entry experience
- Air freight customs clearance experience
- Sea freight customs clearance experience
- Understanding of FCL and LCL shipments
- Knowledge of BIRDS, bulk or high-volume declarations
- Good understanding of UK customs procedures and HMRC requirements
- Experience reviewing commercial shipping documentation
- Strong understanding of commodity codes, customs procedure codes, duty and VAT
- Ability to troubleshoot customs clearance problems independently
- Strong attention to detail and a compliance-focused approach
Highly Desirable
Experience or knowledge involving any of the following would be particularly valuable:
- ETSF operations
- Airline shed procedures
- RENOM / BI procedures
- Bonded movements and transit procedures
- NCTS
- Freight forwarding systems such as Descartes, BoxTop, Sequoia or similar
- Port/community systems
- Customs audits or compliance reviews
- Developing SOPs and customs procedures
- Previous responsibility for training or mentoring staff
Who We're Looking For
This position would suit an experienced Customs Clearance Specialist, Senior Customs Clerk, Customs Declarant or Freight Forwarding professional who wants to take greater ownership within a growing logistics operation with potential to grow within the business.
You should be confident enough to look at an unfamiliar shipment, understand what is required, identify potential problems and work out the correct customs and operational procedure.
We particularly want somebody who is proactive, knowledgeable and willing to share their experience with others, rather than simply processing entries assigned to them.
What We Offer
- £35,000 – £42,000 salary depending on experience
- Permanent, full-time employment
- Monday to Friday working
- 9:00am – 6:00pm
- Reading-based position
- Opportunity to play an important role in developing GGL's customs department
- Responsibility for helping train and develop other members of the team
- Exposure to a wide variety of air and sea freight movements
- Opportunity to grow with an expanding logistics business
To apply, please submit your CV together with a brief summary of your customs clearance experience, including the types of import/export entries and freight movements you have previously handled.
Pay: £36,000.00 per year
Benefits:
- Casual dress
- Free parking
- On-site parking
Work Location: Hybrid remote in Reading RG2 0AU
