Customs Entry Clerk (Chelmsford)

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.

Working hours: Monday - Friday 9am-5pm Hybrid after induction: 3 days in 2 from home

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:

Essential:

• 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).

Desirable:

• 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.
• Profit share scheme.
• 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.

We look forward to you joining our world where WE CARE, WE CONNECT, WE DELIVER. At Woodland Group success is down to our dedicated and experienced teams right across the globe. We create safe spaces for collective growth – regardless of background. We embrace differences and believe we are made stronger by the unique capabilities and qualities that each person can bring to Woodland. We deliver opportunities across a wide variety of roles all over the world, from entry level to senior management, behind the steering wheel, in IT and tech or eCommerce. Every Woodlander has access to training and development courses and can drive their own success forward, to realise their full potential.

Recruitment Agencies: The Woodland Group Ltd does not accept speculative CVs from agencies and politely requests agencies refrain from contacting line managers directly.