Senior Customs Clerk

Location: Ipswich (Office-based)
Job Type: Full-time, Permanent
Working Hours: Monday-Friday, 09:00-17:30 (with occasional weekend/Bank Holiday cover)

Overview

Reed Recruitment is proud to be partnering with a well-established and growing logistics business to recruit an experienced Senior Customs Clerk. This is an excellent opportunity for a customs professional with a strong background in UK import and export procedures who is looking to take the next step in a fast-paced and supportive environment.

This position is ideally suited to someone confident in handling end-to-end customs clearance processes, with strong regulatory knowledge and the ability to work both independently and collaboratively.

Key Responsibilities

• Accurately complete UK import and export customs entries in line with HMRC regulations
• Ensure full compliance with current customs legislation and CDS procedures
• Liaise effectively with HMRC, Border Force, Port Health, and other regulatory bodies
• Manage and prioritise workloads within a busy operational environment
• Identify, troubleshoot, and resolve customs declaration issues and CDS errors
• Support internal teams and provide guidance on customs-related matters
• Keep up to date with changing customs regulations, processes, and requirements
• Contribute to continuous improvement of customs processes and procedures

Essential Skills & Experience

• Minimum of 3 years’ experience in UK import and export customs clearances
• Strong working knowledge of CDS and UK customs compliance requirements
• Excellent understanding of the UK Online Customs Tariff and HMRC systems
• Experience using systems such as CNS, Destin8, and relevant HMRC portals
• Good knowledge of IPAFFS and PHILIS for import pre-arrival notifications
• Strong understanding of Incoterms within a customs environment
• Proven ability to manage multiple tasks and meet tight deadlines
• Excellent communication and problem-solving skills
• Ability to escalate and resolve customer queries effectively and professionally

Desirable (Not Essential)

• Experience with Descartes e-Customs
• Knowledge of NCTS procedures
• Understanding of Northern Ireland customs requirements
• Experience with special procedures (e.g. inward/outward processing, personal effects)
• Broader experience within freight forwarding or logistics

Benefits

• Up to £35,000
• Private medical insurance
• Life insurance
• Health & wellbeing programme
• Cycle to work scheme
• Sick pay
• Referral scheme
• Company events
• On-site parking

Next Steps

If you are an experienced customs professional looking for a senior position where your expertise will be recognised and developed, we would be keen to speak with you. Apply now or contact Reed for a confidential discussion.