At a Glance
- Tasks: Prepare customs declarations and advise clients on regulations for smooth international trade.
- Company: Leading provider of digital customs solutions with a supportive culture.
- Benefits: Competitive salary, hybrid working, professional development, and generous leave.
- Other info: Clear progression pathways and ongoing training in a dynamic environment.
- Why this job: Join a growing team and make an impact in UK and EU trade compliance.
- Qualifications: Experience in customs brokerage or international trade with strong attention to detail.
The predicted salary is between 28000 - 36000 £ per year.
Job post summary
Date posted: 15 October 2025
Pay: £35,000.00-£45,000.00 per year
Customs Specialist – Preston | £35,000 - £40,000 + Benefits
Manchesterstaff is recruiting a Customs Specialist on behalf of our client, a leading provider of digital customs solutions and managed customs services.
This is an exciting opportunity to join a growing business supporting UK and EU trade compliance across multiple sectors.
You’ll be part of a dedicated customs operations team, ensuring accurate, compliant, and efficient customs clearance for clients across a wide range of import and export activities.
This role is ideal for someone with strong attention to detail, a passion for international trade, and the drive to deliver outstanding service.
Working Hours & Shift Pattern
- 35 hours per week
- Monday - Friday, 9am - 5pm
- Hybrid working: 3 days per week (office-based)
- Participation in an on-call support rota (rotational basis)
- Flexibility required during peak operational periods
Package & Benefits
- Salary: £35,000 - £40,000 per year (depending on experience)
- 23 days annual leave + bank holidays (increasing with service)
- Hybrid working pattern (3 days per week office-based)
- Comprehensive induction and ongoing training
- Funded professional development (e.g., Institute of Export, BIFA, UK Customs Academy)
- Supportive and collaborative working environment
- Clear progression pathway within the customs and compliance function
What You’ll Do
- Prepare and submit import/export customs declarations using systems such as CargoWise, Descartes, and AEB
- Advise clients on customs regulations, tariffs, and documentation
- Generate and validate EUR1s, Certificates of Origin, and Transit Declarations
- Audit customs entries to ensure HMRC compliance
- Liaise with HMRC, ports, and logistics partners to resolve issues
- Maintain accurate records and support process improvements
- Stay up to date with customs legislation and contribute to training and SOP updates
What We’re Looking For
- Experience in customs brokerage, freight forwarding, or international trade
- Knowledge of UK/EU import and export procedures
- Strong IT and data accuracy skills
- Excellent communication, problem-solving, and teamwork skills
- Proactive and detail-focused with a positive, professional approach
Apply Now
If you’re looking to grow your customs career with a forward-thinking organisation, we’d love to hear from you.
UK Staffing Group operates as an employment agency and employment business. We welcome applications from all ages and backgrounds. By applying, you consent to your data being securely held for recruitment purposes.
UK Staffing Group operates as an employment agency and employment business. No terminology in this advert is intended to discriminate on the grounds of age, and we confirm that we are happy to accept applications from persons of any age for this role.
We take the security of personal data very seriously, and by applying for this role you consent that we may hold your personal data on our database (CRM) for the purpose of finding jobs that could match your skill set. If we become aware of any other opportunities that could be of interest to you, we may let you know by phone.
Customs Specialist in Preston employer: Manchester Staff Ltd
Join a dynamic team at a leading provider of digital customs solutions in Preston, where you will enjoy a supportive and collaborative work environment. With a focus on employee growth, we offer comprehensive training and clear progression pathways, alongside a competitive salary and hybrid working options that promote work-life balance. Be part of a forward-thinking organisation that values your expertise in international trade and customs compliance.
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Customs Specialist in Preston
✨Join Compliance Communities
Get involved in compliance and risk communities — both online and offline. Look for forums, LinkedIn groups, or even local meetups where compliance pros hang out. You never know who might drop a job opportunity your way!
✨Attend Industry Conferences
Keep an eye out for compliance and risk management conferences and workshops in your area. These events are a goldmine for networking, and they often have job boards or recruiters on-site looking for new talent. Plus, it’s a chance to learn what's trending in the field.
✨Leverage Your University Career Services
If you’ve recently graduated or are still studying, head over to your university's career services. Many companies, including those in compliance, actively recruit fresh talent through these services, so make sure you tap into that resource.
✨Showcase Your Knowledge Online
Start writing articles or blog posts about compliance topics that interest you. Share them on platforms like LinkedIn to demonstrate your knowledge and passion. This not only builds your presence in the field but can also catch the attention of companies like Manchester Staff Ltd looking for candidates who are engaged and informed.
We think you need these skills to ace Customs Specialist in Preston
Some tips for your application 🫡
Show Your Understanding of Compliance:In the compliance-risk field, it's super important to showcase your understanding of regulations and risk management frameworks. Highlight any relevant coursework, certifications (like ICA or AML), or even projects that demonstrate your knowledge and commitment to this area. We want to see how you can navigate this complex landscape!
Quantify Your Achievements:When detailing your experience, try to quantify your achievements. For example, if you've previously worked on a project that improved compliance metrics or reduced risk exposure, give us the numbers! This data-driven approach really stands out to hiring managers in compliance-risk roles.
Tailor Your CV to Reflect Relevant Skills:Make sure your CV highlights skills that are particularly relevant to compliance, like attention to detail, analytical thinking, and report writing. Ensure these are easy to spot – consider using bullet points to break down your responsibilities and achievements for maximum impact!
Craft a Motivating Cover Letter:In your cover letter, let us know why you’re excited about the compliance-risk role at Manchester Staff Ltd. Share what motivates you about compliance, and how you believe you can contribute to our mission. This is your chance to showcase not only your skills but also your passion for this important field!
How to prepare for a job interview at Manchester Staff Ltd
✨Master the Regulations
Brush up on key compliance regulations relevant to the industry you're applying to. Familiarising yourself with specific laws and frameworks used in your field will give you an edge during technical questions. Show that you’re not just aware of them but can also apply them—think real-life scenarios!
✨Show Your Analytical Skills
Compliance roles really focus on analytical skills, so be prepared for case studies or situational questions during the interview. We've got to demonstrate how we approach risk assessments or compliance audits, possibly drawing on examples from past experiences or university projects. Bring some thoughtful case scenarios to discuss!
✨Know Your Tools
Get comfortable with commonly used compliance software and tools. Familiarity with platforms like RSA or MetricStream can really impress during your interview, as it shows you're ready to hit the ground running. If you’ve had any experience with them, make sure to highlight that!
✨Align with Company Culture
Since it's a full-time position, show your long-term commitment and interest in the company’s mission and values. Dive into how your ethics and professional philosophy align with Manchester Staff Ltd’s stance on compliance. A shared vision can really resonate with interviewers looking for fit as much as skill!
