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- Tasks: Support customs clearance and ensure compliance with regulations while collaborating with various teams.
- Company: Join Woodland Group, a dynamic logistics company that values innovation and teamwork.
- Benefits: Enjoy generous holidays, health plans, and real career growth opportunities.
- Why this job: Make an impact in a fast-paced environment while developing your skills in customs operations.
- Qualifications: Experience in customs clearance and strong attention to detail are essential.
- Other info: Be part of a supportive team that values diversity and continuous improvement.
The predicted salary is between 28800 - 43200 £ per year.
Woodland Group are recruiting a Customs Entry Clerk who will work closely with the Customs and Operational teams, as well as Finance, Compliance, Customer Service, and external stakeholders including HMRC, freight agents, hauliers, and carriers. The role is responsible for completing import customs formalities to a high standard, ensuring compliance with HMRC regulations, accurate data processing, and delivering excellent service to both internal colleagues and external clients.
About the role:
- Complete day-to-day customs clearance activities as instructed.
- Prepare and submit import declarations within CDS, ensuring accuracy in commodity codes, valuation, origin, procedure codes, and supporting documentation.
- Check commercial invoices, packing lists, certificates, licences, and other documentation for customs compliance.
- Monitor HMRC messaging and respond to queries, holds, rejects, and examinations promptly.
- Create, update, and amend ETSF manifests where required.
- Keep operational teams fully informed of any issues that may cause delays to shipments.
- Identify potential problems before they adversely affect operations and escalate concerns to the Manager.
- Maintain accurate audit records in line with HMRC and company policies.
- Communicate with hauliers, freight agents, and warehouse teams to ensure timely clearance of cargo.
- Deal with all internal and external queries quickly, professionally, and efficiently.
- Assist with duty and VAT calculations where required.
- Support the processing of special procedures (e.g., RGR, IPR/OPR) when relevant.
- Perform general administrative tasks for other departments when requested and when time permits.
- Any other duties as required by management for the smooth functioning of the department.
- Work with the Customs Department to continually improve processes and overall business performance.
- Support operational and regulatory changes that help drive the business forward.
- Stay informed of changes to customs regulations, HMRC guidance, and CDS developments.
- Contribute ideas to improve accuracy, reduce HMRC queries, and streamline workflows.
- Participate in internal training and share knowledge with colleagues.
- Work toward achieving personal objectives set at appraisal and through monthly/quarterly goal-setting.
About you:
- Experience in customs clearance or freight forwarding.
- Working knowledge of CDS and customs procedures.
- Strong understanding of tariff classification, Incoterms, valuation, and origin.
- High attention to detail and accuracy.
- Strong communication skills with a proactive problem-solving approach.
- Ability to manage time effectively and work to tight deadlines.
- Competent in Microsoft Office (Outlook, Excel, Word).
- Experience with ERTS/ETSF processes.
- Knowledge of special customs procedures (IPR, OPR, RGR).
- Familiarity with systems such as Descartes, CNS, Destin8, Cargowise, or similar.
- Customs or freight qualifications (BIFA, HMRC training, or similar).
Why you'll love working for us:
- Generous holiday allowance which rises with service.
- Recognition awards and incentives.
- Length of service incentives.
- Enhanced occupational maternity pay.
- Salary sacrifice pension scheme.
- Life assurance.
- Health cash plan.
- Mental health and stress hotline.
- Retail discounts and awards.
- Discounted health club membership.
- Real career opportunities.
- Team bonding opportunities and events.
- To be part of a fast-moving exciting company with a great team of people.
Woodland Group is proud to be an equal opportunity workplace and a member of the Disability Confidence Scheme. We are committed to the values of Equal Employment Opportunity and provide accessible interviews to applicants with physical and/or mental disabilities.
Customs Entry Clerk (Chelmsford) employer: Woodland Group Ltd.
Contact Detail:
Woodland Group Ltd. Recruiting Team
StudySmarter Expert Advice 🤫
We think this is how you could land Customs Entry Clerk (Chelmsford)
✨Tip Number 1
Get to know the company! Before your interview, do a bit of research on Woodland Group. Understand their values and culture, and think about how your skills as a Customs Entry Clerk can contribute to their mission. This will help you stand out and show that you're genuinely interested.
✨Tip Number 2
Practice makes perfect! Prepare for common interview questions related to customs clearance and compliance. Think about specific examples from your past experience that demonstrate your attention to detail and problem-solving skills. We want to hear how you've tackled challenges in the past!
✨Tip Number 3
Show off your communication skills! As a Customs Entry Clerk, you'll be liaising with various teams and external stakeholders. During your interview, highlight your ability to communicate effectively and how you've managed relationships in previous roles. This is key to ensuring smooth operations.
✨Tip Number 4
Don’t forget to follow up! After your interview, send a quick thank-you email to express your appreciation for the opportunity. It’s a nice touch and keeps you fresh in their minds. Plus, it shows that you’re proactive and keen on the role!
We think you need these skills to ace Customs Entry Clerk (Chelmsford)
Some tips for your application 🫡
Tailor Your CV: Make sure your CV is tailored to the Customs Entry Clerk role. Highlight your experience in customs clearance and any relevant qualifications. We want to see how your skills match what we're looking for!
Show Off Your Attention to Detail: Since accuracy is key in this role, give examples in your application that showcase your attention to detail. Whether it’s a project you managed or a task you completed, let us know how you nailed it!
Be Clear and Concise: When writing your application, keep it clear and to the point. Use bullet points if necessary to make it easy for us to read. We appreciate straightforward communication, especially when it comes to customs compliance!
Apply Through Our Website: We encourage you to apply through our website for a smoother process. It helps us keep track of applications better and ensures you don’t miss out on any important updates from us!
How to prepare for a job interview at Woodland Group Ltd.
✨Know Your Customs Stuff
Brush up on your knowledge of customs clearance and the specific regulations that Woodland Group adheres to. Familiarise yourself with terms like CDS, tariff classification, and special procedures like IPR and OPR. This will show that you’re not just interested in the role but also understand the intricacies involved.
✨Show Off Your Attention to Detail
Since accuracy is key in this role, be prepared to discuss examples from your past work where your attention to detail made a difference. Whether it’s catching an error in documentation or ensuring compliance with HMRC regulations, having concrete examples ready will impress the interviewers.
✨Communicate Like a Pro
Strong communication skills are essential for this position. Practice articulating your thoughts clearly and concisely. You might even want to prepare for potential scenarios where you need to explain complex customs processes to colleagues or clients. This will demonstrate your proactive problem-solving approach.
✨Be Ready to Discuss Process Improvements
Woodland Group values innovation and efficiency, so come prepared with ideas on how to improve customs processes. Think about any challenges you've faced in previous roles and how you overcame them. Showing that you can contribute to streamlining workflows will set you apart from other candidates.
