Location: Felixstowe, Suffolk
Salary: £28,000 - £30,000 per annum
Hours: Monday to Friday, either 08:30 – 17:00 or 09:00 – 17:30
Office Based
International Freight Forwarding Agents
We get it there because we care.
Buckle Shipping (Ipswich) Ltd is a UK-based freight forwarder and customs clearance specialist, helping customers import and export consignments worldwide, particularly from Europe, Turkey and China.
Established in 1971, we have been trading successfully for over 50 years and have built our reputation on exceptional customer service, industry expertise, and long-standing client relationships. Many of our customers have remained with us for decades, and our continued growth has been driven by recommendations and reputation rather than aggressive marketing.
Based at the Port of Felixstowe, we employ approximately 31 people across our Felixstowe headquarters and Great Blakenham warehouse facility. Our business is primarily focused on imports, accounting for approximately 95% of our operations, with additional export and warehousing services supporting our customers' supply chain requirements.
We hold direct customs badges for more than 50 UK ports, allowing us to provide comprehensive customs clearance services across all major UK ports and inland clearance depots. Our expertise spans a range of sectors including food and drink, manufacturing, automotive, retail, and consumer goods.
Due to continued growth, we are seeking an experienced and detail-oriented Customs Clearance Coordinator to join our dedicated customs team in Felixstowe.
The Role
As a Customs Clearance Coordinator, you will play a key role in ensuring the smooth and compliant movement of goods through UK customs procedures. Working closely with customers, customs authorities, port health officials, and internal teams, you will be responsible for preparing and submitting customs documentation and managing clearance processes from start to finish.
This is an excellent opportunity for someone with customs clearance experience who enjoys working in a fast-paced freight forwarding environment.
Duties & Responsibilities
- Prepare and submit customs documentation required for import and export clearances.
- Create CHED documentation for POAO shipments via the Government Gateway.
- Produce T1 transit documents.
- Ensure all shipments comply with relevant local, national and international customs regulations.
- Liaise with customs authorities and regulatory bodies to facilitate timely clearance of goods.
- Monitor and manage clearance status for incoming and outgoing shipments.
- Maintain accurate and up-to-date customs and clearance records.
- Verify invoices, permits, certificates and supporting documentation prior to customs submission.
- Work closely with internal departments to ensure efficient customs processes.
- Communicate with suppliers, customers, hauliers, customs officials and other stakeholders to resolve clearance-related issues.
- Provide customers with updates and proactively manage delays, discrepancies or documentation queries.
Requirements & Skills
Essential
- Minimum 1-2 years' experience in Deep Sea and EU customs clearance.
- Strong organisational skills with the ability to prioritise workloads effectively.
- Excellent attention to detail and accuracy.
- Strong communication and customer service skills.
- Ability to work under pressure and meet deadlines.
- Proficiency in Microsoft Office applications, particularly Word and Excel.
Desirable
- Experience handling customs documentation, particularly for foodstuff shipments.
- Knowledge of customs regulations, import/export procedures and clearance processes.
- Experience using customs software systems.
- Familiarity with Multifreight software would be advantageous.
- Strong problem-solving skills and a proactive approach to resolving customs-related challenges.
Remuneration & Benefits
- Salary: £28,000 - £30,000 per annum, depending on experience.
- Monday to Friday working hours: either 08:30 – 17:00 or 09:00 – 17:30.
- 25 days annual leave plus Bank Holidays.
- Additional holiday entitlement:
- 26 days after 3 years' service.
- 27 days after 6 years' service (effective from 1 January following the employment anniversary).
- Employer pension contribution of 9%.
- BUPA Cash Plan including reimbursement (subject to limits) for dental treatment, eye care, prescriptions and other healthcare costs.
- PERKBOX employee discount platform with retail and restaurant discounts.
- UNUM wellbeing platform with access to a 24/7 GP service and wellbeing resources.
- Death in Service benefit of 4 times annual salary.
- Free on-site parking.
- Company social events.
- Full support and training within a friendly and experienced team environment.
Additional Information
- The role may require additional working hours during peak operational periods.
- Participation in our weekend cover rota is required, typically one weekend in every eight.
- This is a fully office-based position located at our Felixstowe headquarters.
Head Office
Buckle Shipping (Ipswich) Ltd
Buckworth House
Unit 9 Haven Exchange
Felixstowe
Suffolk
IP11 2QX
If you are looking to develop your customs clearance career within a respected and established freight forwarding business, we would be delighted to hear from you.
Pay: £28,000.00-£30,000.00 per year
Benefits:
- Casual dress
- Company events
- Company pension
- Free parking
- On-site parking
Ability to commute/relocate:
- Felixstowe IP11 2QX: reliably commute or plan to relocate before starting work (required)
Application question(s):
- This is a full time on-site position. Will you be able to reliably commute to Felixstowe?
Experience:
- Customs Clearance: 1 year (required)
Work Location: In person
