Customs Clearance Operator in Burntwood

Full Time / Permanent / 08.30 - 17.30 Mon-Fri

Salary up to £30k negotiable depending on experience

Generous Company Pension scheme

Company Benefits (Health Cash Plan, Access to Employee Assistance Programme offering 24/7 support across a wide range of areas, team building events and much more!)

Member of Employee Ownership Trust (EOT) - Annual Company Bonus (Tax-Free)

Training & Development Opportunities

Hybrid contract upon successful completion of 6-month probation: 3 days in the office and 2 days working from home.

Based in Burntwood (WS7)

Join the dynamic team at Espace, the UK's first ever 100% employee-owned freight forwarder, as one of our Customs Clearance Operators, and play a valuable role in the growth of our Customs Clearance offering. We are offering a great opportunity to grow within a modern, forward-thinking business. Hence, we would like an upbeat, motivated, tenacious character looking for a career in freight.

A little bit about the company: we are a non-asset owning freight forwarder with agency representation worldwide. Our people are our most valuable asset and we win business with our can-do approach, exceptional levels of customer service and trusted agency network. We specialise in general forwarding by road to within the UK and all over Europe as well as worldwide destinations by air and sea.

Main Purpose

To process customs clearance on air, sea and road consignments for both imports and exports. Update clearance status in a timely manner to customers and operators. Our Customs Clearance Operators will be required to liaise closely with our Operations teams, clients and suppliers to ensure all relevant customs documents have been generated and I.T and customs systems (both internal and external) are updated in a timely manner.

Responsible for the delivery of operational activities, in accordance with targets set, to contribute to achievement of the company vision and overall business objectives, as well as performing to high quality standards. Look after all our clients across all modes that book customs work with Espace. Build and nurture excellent working relationships with all clients. Offer our customers an exceptional service so that they come back to us month on month with repeat business. Manage the shared inbox with the team to ensure all enquiries are dealt with efficiently and effectively.

Role Details

We work with a range of customers. Our customer base is made up of freight forwarders, direct manufacturers and logistic companies worldwide. We handle customs for our clients that book freight with us as well as customs only work for clients that only need documentation raising. Customers email in with enquiries into the shared inbox. The team will flag the enquiry and liaise with the client and check all appropriate paperwork is received and checked. If paperwork is incorrect, liaison with the client needs to be rectified. Declarations will need to be completed accurately on our bespoke TMS and customs software within the required time frames, escalating any issues to the Customs Supervisor. Key account management of clients to strengthen existing relationships and growth of the account may be required and dependent on client needs.

Key Responsibilities

• Responsible for calculating and processing customs clearances including duties and taxes to be paid.
• Issuing the correct documents on behalf of the customer to ensure that customs are cleared in a timely and efficient manner allowing shipments to continue on their journey.
• Key part of this role is the liaison with internal operational departments, suppliers, UK and foreign customs brokers and customers.
• Expected to have and continue to build a good understanding of all relevant customs related laws and therefore you will be able to advise customers on import and export restrictions, tariff systems, and all other customs related matters.
• Liaise with all customers, suppliers, government agencies, freight forwarders, importers, exporters etc. as required to prepare and process custom clearances.
• Providing excellent customer service and keeping customers, operational departments and suppliers advised on declaration completion and confirming VAT and duty payments to customers when required.
• Spotting and reacting to any customs issues that might cause delay to a shipment.
• The ability to work under pressure and to tight deadlines whilst working effectively under your own initiative with a flexible adaptable approach.

Skills and Experience required

• Good knowledge of customs is required (exports/imports, different types of declarations, customs processes and different customs procedures etc.)
• Knowledge of the NCTS, CDS & Destin8 systems would be advantageous.
• EU and UK customs knowledge and understanding of what documents and requirements are needed.
• Good knowledge about all the company's products and services.
• Good overall knowledge of freight industry and markets.
• Good knowledge of incoterms.
• Language skills are an advantage but not essential.

Personal Attributes

• Hungry, driven, and passionate to make a positive impact.
• Solution finder for when problems occur. Being proactive.
• Being able to work on your own as well in a team. Using your own initiative, taking ownership and accountability.
• Focus on results and willingly tackle problems or conflicts which threaten their achievement.
• Excellent communication and listening skills.
• Positive behaviours and attitude towards all stakeholders as well as applying this to the role.
• Owner mindset required.
• Emotional resilience.
• To enjoy collaborating with customers and suppliers therefore, able to develop strong relationships.
• Flexibility, adaptability, and quick thinking.
• High attention to detail.
• Tough negotiator.
• To be well-organised and thorough, even under pressure.
• To enjoy working within a target-driven team environment - Be a team player.
• Must be professional and respectful to all stakeholders (colleagues, customers, suppliers etc). Always upholding our company values.

Working for an Employee-Owned business requires its co-owners to be team players and think and act like owners. Taking ownership and accountability is key. Effective communication and organisational skills will be needed as will an ability to prioritise and manage high workloads at times.

Our Company values are PURE: Professionalism, Unity, Respectfulness and Enthusiasm. If you feel you have what it takes to fulfil this role, please apply through this advert with your CV and a covering letter stating why you think we should invite you for an interview. Please also state your current salary and/or salary expectations.

DEADLINE FOR APPLICATIONS: Monday 11 May 2026. APPLICATIONS WILL BE REVIEWED AS THEY COME IN AND SUITABLE CANDIDATES WILL BE CONTACTED. PLEASE NOTE, SHORTLISTED CANDIDATES WILL BE REQUIRED TO COMPLETE AN ALPHANUMERIC DATA ENTRY ASSESSMENT AS DATA ACCURACY IS IMPERATIVE FOR THIS ROLE.