Imports Compliance Officer Entry Level - Kent Trading Standards in Dover

Ready to take on a role that's fast-paced, hands-on and right at the frontline of the UK border? Kent Trading Standards is looking for a motivated individual with an interest in practical, operational work to join our Imports Compliance Team. This is your chance to play a key role in protecting UK consumers by ensuring that goods entering the country are safe and compliant and suitable for use by the public.

As an Imports Compliance Officer, you will be involved in frontline activity at various port locations across Kent, working closely with partner agencies as part of the UK's border controls. If you thrive on challenge, enjoy problem-solving and want a job where no two days are the same – this could be the perfect next step.

What the Role Involves

This is a hands-on, active role that includes regular physical work such as handling packages, opening consignments, and conducting product inspections. You will be required to work outdoors and in warehouse/port environments in all weather conditions, often at short notice, in order to meet service demands. Reasonable adjustments will be considered to enable candidates with disabilities to carry out the duties of the role, in line with operational requirements.

Your responsibilities will include:

• Assessing the compliance of imported products through documentary checks, test reports, research and hands-on physical inspections.
• Making decisions that directly affect whether goods can enter the United Kingdom.
• Managing a caseload and recording all decisions clearly, ensuring audit trails and management information are accurate.
• Issuing notices to refuse entry of unsafe or non-compliant goods, and assisting with seizures and evidence collection where required.
• Liaising with importers, customs agents and partner agencies such as HMRC, Border Force, Port Health and the Office for Product Safety & Standards.
• Maintaining up-to-date knowledge of relevant legislation, guidance and procedures.
• Supporting colleagues and contributing to the wider work of the Trading Standards Ports Team.

The role requires frequent travel between several Kent port locations; a full driving licence is desirable.

Who We're Looking For

Someone who wants more than a desk job – someone who enjoys real-world, practical work and brings energy and curiosity to everything they do. You will bring:

• Clear and effective communication skills, with the confidence to engage professionally with a wide range of people.
• Strong attention to detail and an analytical, questioning approach to information and decisions.
• The ability to work independently, while also contributing positively as part of a close-working team.
• Resilience and adaptability when working in a fast-moving, operational environment.
• Sound IT skills, including the ability to interrogate data, use databases and maintain accurate electronic records.
• The ability to read, analyse and interpret complex information such as legislation, guidance, test reports, technical documents and commercial paperwork.
• Level 2 English and Maths qualifications (or equivalent).
• Experience of working in roles involving compliance, assurance, inspection, enforcement, or auditing (desirable but not essential).
• An interest in, or understanding of, the law-enforcement or regulatory environment, such as border controls, compliance, investigation, or public protection work (desirable but not essential).
• The ability to communicate effectively in a foreign language (desirable but not essential).

This post is subject to a Basic Disclosure Application to the Disclosure and Barring Service and Police Vetting. The post holder will also be required to successfully complete a Non-Police Personnel Vetting Level 2 prior to confirmation in the post. Kent County Council is committed to equality of opportunity and welcomes applications from all sections of the community. Reasonable adjustments will be made to support disabled applicants throughout the recruitment process.

For further information on this role please contact Mike Johnson on 03000 418663 or via email to michael.johnson@kent.gov.uk.