Apprentice - Customs Specialist

As a Customs Specialist at Kuehne+Nagel, your job is to optimise logistics to keep our global supply chains running smoothly. Your expertise makes both special and ordinary moments possible for people around the world. For example, your work could ensure that a global product launch happens on time—such as ethically sourced beauty and bath products stocked at local stores for your loved one's valued self-care routine. Come and join our Customs team and gain hands-on experience in managing international trade regulations, ensuring compliance, and facilitating the efficient movement of goods across borders. Customs plays a vital role in overseeing imports and exports, preventing illegal trade, and supporting global commerce.

We are currently seeking a motivated and enthusiastic individual to join our Customs team at our Site in Dartford. The team works with our customers, other Kuehne+Nagel offices, overseas agents, and service providers to ensure the successful transportation & delivery of our customers’ goods. We work with a diverse customer base – you could find yourself shipping canoes to Croatia or shoes to Slovakia. Every day is different! This is not just another job; it’s an exciting opportunity to be a part of something big and make a real difference.

Our 24-month Apprenticeship programme is designed to provide you with the perfect blend of practical on-the-job training and study towards the International Freight Forwarding Level 3 Apprenticeship standard. You will work within a successful team while learning everything you need to know whilst supported by your peers, your managers, and the apprenticeship team within Kuehne+Nagel.

Over the two years you’ll be learning how to:

• Customs Compliance - Complete all import and export entries and fulfil relevant customs formalities accurately and within required timeframes. Ensure compliance by reviewing and maintaining up-to-date HMRC authorisations. Manage financial exposure by tracking CCG liabilities and ensuring guarantees remain sufficient and valid. Support internal audits by upholding accurate documentation, proper declarations, and compliance with customer instructions, company policies, and national regulations.
• Information Management - Maintain the seamless flow of information through internal systems to ensure operational continuity and data integrity.
• Documentation Accuracy - Ensure all documentation is prepared and submitted with a high degree of accuracy, adhering to regulatory and client-specific requirements.
• Customer Service Excellence - Deliver a high standard of customer service by responding promptly to inquiries and proactively resolving issues.
• Adherence to Standard Operating Procedures & Service Level Agreements - Operate within customer-specific Standard Operating Procedures (SOPs) and meet or exceed defined Service Level Agreements (SLAs).
• Operational Efficiency - Demonstrate strong time management, problem-solving, and prioritisation skills to handle multiple tasks effectively in a fast-paced environment.
• Business process mapping - Analyse, design, and document business processes to improve workflow efficiency and support continuous operational improvement. Identify bottlenecks & areas for optimisation, ensuring alignment with operational priorities and regulatory requirements.

The minimum entry requirement for this apprenticeship is Five GCSEs at grades 3 – 9 / A*-D including Maths & English. Our company values candidates who are passionate about providing excellent customer service, have a strong work ethic, and can communicate effectively with others. Good planning and organisation skills are important, and you will need the ability to multitask and be a self-starter. Previous use of Microsoft Outlook and Excel is beneficial. Please be aware that this vacancy does not meet the minimum requirements for visa sponsorship and for apprenticeship funding, candidates must have been resident in the EEA for at least the last 3 years. This is an entry-level training position. If you are already qualified or experienced in this area of work, this is unlikely to be the position for you. However, we would welcome your application for one of our other vacancies.

Key Information:

• Apprenticeship Contract: Fixed Term 2 years
• Working hours: Monday – Friday – Days - 37.5hrs per week
• Place of work: On Site - Dartford (Crossways Business Park, DA2 6QE) - please check location to ensure it is commutable

Recruitment Process:

• Step 1: Applications will be reviewed on a rolling basis.
• Step 2: Shortlisted candidates will be invited to complete a telephone screening call with a member of our Talent Acquisition team.
• Step 3: A final shortlist of candidates will be invited to an interview onsite with two members of the hiring team.
• Step 4: All candidates will receive telephone feedback after their interviews and if offered will be invited to return to the office for a further site tour and to provide right to work documentation.

What’s in it for you:

We are thrilled to offer you a chance to join our amazing group of apprentices. You can expect a competitive starting salary of £15,500 in year one with an increase after 12 months, and a great bonus once you have completed your apprenticeship. You will also receive attractive benefits and an Apprentice NUS discount card. We understand that starting a new job can be daunting, but don’t worry! You will be supported throughout your journey by a network of mentors, line managers, and previous apprentices. They will help you achieve your qualifications and progress along your apprenticeship journey. Don’t miss out on this fantastic opportunity! Apply now and take the first step towards a bright future.

Logistics shapes everyday life - from the goods we consume to the healthcare we rely on. At Kuehne+Nagel, your work goes beyond logistics; it enables both ordinary and special moments in the lives of people around the world. As a global leader with a strong heritage and a vision to move the world forward, we offer a safe, stable environment where your career can make a real difference.