Shipping Office Support in Manchester

We are looking for a proactive, detail-focused Shipping Office Support person to join our busy Shipping Office team, supporting day-to-day import, export, and customs administration. This is an office-based, full-time role with structured on-the-job training and ongoing support—ideal for someone who wants to develop into a trusted team member and build strong working relationships with our existing clients. This role is suited to someone who wants to build a career in international trade and UK customs compliance. Import/export experience is not essential; we are happy to train the right person and develop them into our way of working. The work is data-heavy, so accuracy, initiative and adaptability are key.

What We’re Looking For

• Strong attention to detail and ability to work accurately (the role is data-heavy and compliance-led).
• A genuine willingness to learn and develop, taking on feedback and building knowledge over time.
• Adaptable and able to work calmly with changing priorities and deadlines.
• Shows initiative and takes ownership of tasks, following issues through to resolution.
• Good IT skills (especially Excel and Microsoft Office Suite) and confidence in learning internal systems and databases; clear written and verbal communication skills.

Desirable

• Any exposure to import/export, freight forwarding, logistics, finance administration or other data-led administration roles.
• An interest in international trade, customs compliance or supply chain operations (e.g. through study, reading or work experience).
• Basic understanding of customs declarations and/or HMRC systems.

Key Responsibilities

• Log import and export jobs onto client record sheets and internal systems.
• Check import/export data against His Majesty’s Revenue & Customs (HMRC) records and highlight any errors.
• Request and follow up on amendments for errors with the declaring agent or via the S&H customs declaration service.
• Produce basic data statistics to support accounting requirements in the areas of customs control.
• Check freight invoices to ensure charges are correct; support clients with freight contract discussions where required.
• Maintain records in line with customs and export control requirements, chasing freight companies to obtain accurate evidence promptly.
• Provide cross-cover to other members of the Shipping Office Support team across clients, ensuring service continuity.
• Handle general office duties within a small team, including answering telephone calls, monitoring shared inboxes, and directing or answering helpline queries.

Training and Development

• Structured on-the-job training covering import/export processes, customs fundamentals and internal systems.
• Opportunity to attend Strong & Herd’s recognised import, export and customs compliance training courses.
• Over time, increased responsibility within the Shipping Office team, including greater ownership of client jobs and supporting client communication.

Client Communication

• Ensure key information about client work, requirements and decisions is recorded accurately on the database.
• Support client communications when requirements or relevant trade and compliance areas change, under guidance from senior colleagues.
• Track client queries to ensure timely responses and identify opportunities for further support.

What We Offer

• Structured training and access to recognised import, export and customs compliance courses.
• Clear development pathway within the Shipping Office team as skills and confidence grow.
• Supportive, professional small-team environment with varied work across clients and sectors.

How to Apply

To apply, please send your CV, along with a short covering note outlining your interest in UK Customs & International Trade and why you would be a good fit for this role, to: Niamh O’Connor, Associate Partner, niamho@strongandherd.co.uk. If you require any reasonable adjustments during the recruitment process, please let us know.

Interview Process

Successful candidates will be invited to take part in a two-stage interview process:

• Stage One: An initial virtual interview
• Stage Two: A face-to-face interview at our office, providing an opportunity to meet the team and gain a deeper understanding of the role and working environment.