At a Glance
- Tasks: Manage import/export operations and ensure compliance with customs regulations.
- Company: Join Assan Panel UK, a leading manufacturer in the sandwich panel industry.
- Benefits: Full-time role with opportunities for career growth in a dynamic environment.
- Other info: Onsite position; no remote work or visa sponsorship available.
- Why this job: Be part of a global team and make an impact in international trade.
- Qualifications: Experience in manufacturing or customs operations is preferred.
The predicted salary is between 35000 - 45000 £ per year.
Assan Panel UK is one of the 22 group companies of Kibar Holding and started operations in 1990 in Istanbul, Turkey. Assan Panel is the market leader in sandwich panel manufacturing in Turkey and the largest producer in the Middle East, exporting to more than 85 countries with production facilities in Turkey, Jordan, Azerbaijan, the United Kingdom, and sales offices in Hungary. As part of our continued international growth strategy, we are expanding our UK operations and looking for talented professionals to join our team.
In addition to sandwich panel manufacturing, Assan Panel operates polyurethane systems through AssanChem and provides EPCM solutions through AFG Steel in building envelope systems, rooftop solar plants, cold rooms, and industrial building construction.
We are currently seeking a Customs Specialist who will take ownership of our import and export operations, customs compliance activities, international shipment coordination, and trade documentation processes. This role is critical in ensuring smooth movement of goods across international borders while maintaining full compliance with customs regulations, Freeport requirements, and internal operational standards.
Key Responsibilities
- Manage and coordinate all import and export operations, ensuring compliance with UK and international customs regulations.
- Prepare and process all required export documentation, including Commercial Invoices, Packing Lists, Certificates of Origin, A.TR, EUR.1, EUR-MED, and other destination-specific customs documentation.
- Work closely with customs brokers, freight forwarders, logistics providers, and internal operational teams to ensure timely customs clearance and shipment execution.
- Monitor and manage Freeport entry and exit procedures, ensuring full compliance with Freeport operational and customs requirements.
- Coordinate international and domestic shipments from factory loading through final customer delivery while ensuring operational efficiency and cost optimization.
- Track customs declarations, monitor declaration closure processes, and ensure accurate invoice reconciliation within internal systems.
- Manage and maintain all documentation related to Letters of Credit (L/C) and support export customers with trade-related financial documentation requirements.
- Ensure accurate and timely system transactions related to import/export activities within ERP / SAP systems, maintaining full documentation integrity.
- Coordinate transportation planning, warehousing activities, and shipment scheduling in line with company procedures and legal compliance requirements.
- Request freight quotations, evaluate logistics service providers, and organize transportation based on cost efficiency and operational requirements.
- Review and approve invoices received from customs brokers, freight forwarders, and certification bodies after cost verification.
- Monitor shipment progress daily and proactively resolve operational issues affecting customs clearance, transportation, or delivery schedules.
- Maintain operational tracking systems, shipment records, and reporting files to ensure visibility and process control across all logistics activities.
- Support continuous improvement initiatives related to customs operations, logistics efficiency, and international trade compliance processes.
- Work closely with internal Sales, Supply Chain, Finance, and Operations teams to ensure smooth coordination of all import and export activities.
Candidate Profile
We are ideally looking for candidates with experience in manufacturing, industrial production, international trade, import-export operations, or customs operations environments, rather than candidates whose background is primarily within logistics service providers or customs clearance agencies.
The successful candidate should have strong knowledge of international shipping documentation, customs regulations, ERP/SAP transaction management, freight coordination, and import-export operational processes within a fast-paced manufacturing environment.
Please note: This is a full-time onsite position based at our UK facility, and remote working is not available due to the operational nature of the role.
At this stage, we are unable to provide visa sponsorship for this position. Therefore, applicants must already hold an unrestricted and indefinite right to work in the United Kingdom, without requiring current or future sponsorship, and without any time-limited or expiring work authorization.
Import Export Customs Specialist in Stowmarket employer: Assan Panel UK Limited
Assan Panel UK is an exceptional employer, offering a dynamic work environment that fosters professional growth and development within the manufacturing sector. With a strong commitment to compliance and operational excellence, employees benefit from a collaborative culture that values teamwork and innovation, all while being part of a leading company in the sandwich panel industry. Located in the UK, this role provides unique opportunities to engage in international trade and customs operations, ensuring a rewarding career path for those passionate about global logistics.
