Import Customs Coordinator in Basildon

We are looking for an experienced Import Customs Coordinator to join our Customs team based at our Basildon office.

Job type: Permanent, full time

Working Hours: Monday to Friday, 8:30am – 5.30pm (including a 1-hour unpaid lunch break). 40 hours per week.

Salary: £27,000 - £28,000 FTE per annum (salary negotiable depending on experience)

About the Role: The successful candidate will have previous experience of raising customs declarations using CDS and will possess a strong understanding of UK customs compliance requirements, import procedures and customs regulations. The role is responsible for supporting customs operations, ensuring the timely clearance of goods, maintaining compliance with HMRC requirements and providing excellent customer service to both internal and external stakeholders.

Key Responsibilities:

• Assist the Customs Manager in supporting the Head of Customs Compliance and Managing Director's vision to drive business growth and profitability.
• Support the development and growth of Customs services through excellent customer service and operational performance.
• Complete Customs Import, Export and Cross Trade activities accurately and within required timescales, including all associated financial, legal and invoicing transactions.
• Correctly complete customs import and export declarations in line with HMRC regulations.
• Ensure all operational activities are completed accurately and on time.
• Report any amendments to customs declarations to the line management team immediately.
• Carry out ad-hoc and spot checks on customer entries and provide weekly reports.
• Maintain and utilise operational systems and customs platforms effectively at all times.
• Ensure Import Duties and VAT are correctly applied and invoiced in accordance with Company procedures.
• Maintain excellent customer and inter-departmental relationships, providing regular updates to the line management team.
• Follow up outstanding customer payments in conjunction with the Credit Control team.
• Maintain regular communication with Sales teams, reporting potential opportunities and handing over shipments as required.
• Ensure all quotations are communicated to the Sales team within 2 hours of receipt and accurately recorded on the system.
• Identify and implement efficiencies within customer workflows in conjunction with the line management team.
• Ensure all required reports are completed and submitted within agreed deadlines.
• Ensure all goods released under ALPI's deferment account have the appropriate approvals in place.
• Complete invoicing accurately within 48 hours of activity.
• Ensure insurance charges are applied correctly and escalate any insurance claims without delay.
• Provide holiday and sickness cover as required.
• Work in accordance with Company policies, procedures and standard operating procedures at all times.
• Comply with all Company Health & Safety policies and safe systems of work.

Skills, Experience and Competencies:

• 1-3 years' experience within Customs, Imports or Customs Compliance.
• Experience raising import declarations using the Customs Declaration Service (CDS).
• Good understanding of UK customs regulations, procedures and compliance requirements.
• Knowledge of the UK Trade Tariff and commodity classifications.
• Experience identifying import licensing requirements, including SPS controls, CITES requirements and military or controlled goods.
• Experience of Postponed VAT Accounting (PVA).
• Experience of HMRC amendments and duty reclaim processes.
• Working knowledge of customs formalities relating to UK and EU imports.
• Experience within road transport, logistics, freight forwarding or customs brokerage would be advantageous.
• Knowledge of transit procedures and ETSF operations would be advantageous.
• Proficient in Microsoft Office 365 applications, particularly Word and Excel.
• Excellent attention to detail and accuracy.
• Ability to prioritise and organise workload effectively.
• Strong communication and customer service skills.
• Ability to work independently and as part of a team.
• Flexible approach to working hours, including occasional weekend work where business volumes require.

Benefits that support you:

• 20 days' annual leave plus bank holidays.
• Loyalty holiday scheme, awarding 1 additional day's annual leave for each completed year of service, up to a maximum of 5 additional days.
• Milestone Day, an additional paid day off to celebrate a meaningful personal occasion of your choice.
• Enhanced pension contributions, increasing to a 9% employer contribution after 1 year's service.
• Free annual pension and investment review with our independent financial adviser.
• Death in Service benefit equivalent to 3 times your annual salary after 6 months' service.
• Private Medical Insurance after 1 year's service (subject to application and scheme eligibility).
• Employee Assistance Programme (EAP) for you and eligible family members.
• Access to our employee discounts and benefits platform.

About Us: ALPI UK is part of the Albini & Pitigliani Group, an international freight forwarding and logistics organisation with a history spanning more than 80 years. Established in Italy, the Group has grown into a global network providing logistics and supply chain solutions across international markets. With locations across Essex, Manchester, Tamworth, Heathrow and Scotland, ALPI UK combines the strength and stability of a global business with the personal approach of a local team. We are proud to support customers across a wide range of industries through our expertise in freight forwarding, customs, warehousing and supply chain management. Our success is built on the knowledge, commitment and expertise of our people. We foster a professional and collaborative working environment where individuals are empowered to take ownership, build strong relationships and deliver with confidence. Everything we do is guided by our 'With C.A.R.E.' values: Commitment, Accountability, Relationships, Expertise. These values shape the way we work, support our customers and collaborate with one another every day. If you are looking to join a trusted international organisation where commitment, accountability, relationships and expertise are valued, and where you can make a meaningful contribution, we would love to hear from you.