Customs Clearance Clerk

Nippon Express Europe GmbH; Manchester; On-site; GBP 23,000 - 29,000; Full time

Job summary

Nippon Express Europe GmbH in Manchester is seeking a Customs Clearance Clerk to join our team. This role involves preparing customs declarations, coordinating documentation, and working with customers, carriers, authorities, and internal teams.

Weekend rotation applies, with Friday off and Sunday hours paid at double time. Gain exposure to international trade, customs legislation, and multiple transport modes while developing a long-term career in global logistics through structured training

Qualifications

• Must be detail-oriented with accuracy in a fast-paced logistics environment.
• Excellent communication skills to build relationships with customers, authorities, carriers and colleagues.
• Organised approach to manage multiple priorities and meet deadlines.
• Problem-solving mindset with ability to identify issues and provide practical solutions.
• Customer-focused attitude delivering high level of service.
• Good IT skills and ability to learn new systems quickly.
• Understanding of customs procedures or interest in developing expertise in international trade.
• Experience in logistics, freight forwarding, customs, administration, or customer service is advantageous but not essential.
• Collaborative attitude and willingness to support teammates.
• Motivated and eager to learn for long-term career growth.

Responsibilities

• Coordinate customs clearances for import and export shipments, ensuring smooth movement across borders.
• Prepare customs declarations using data from invoices and packing lists while complying with regulations.
• Communicate with customers, partners, authorities, and carriers to keep shipments moving without delay.
• Review and validate documentation for accuracy, compliance, and timely submission of entries.
• Create CHEDs, T1s, and GMRs as required for customs processes.
• Calculate duties and taxes with correct tariff classifications.
• Investigate discrepancies and resolve customs-related issues; process post-clearance amendments as needed.
• Support operational excellence by maintaining records, handling billing, and contributing to process improvements.

Skills

Attention to detail

Communication

Organised approach

Problem solving

Customer service

IT skills

Customs procedures

Logistics experience

Team player

Motivation to learn

Tools

Microsoft Office

Job description

Launch Your Career in Global Logistics

Join one of the world's leading logistics providers, with nearly 78,000 employees, 2,900+ locations, and operations across 56 countries and regions worldwide. With almost 90 years of logistics expertise, we connect businesses, markets, and communities through innovative supply chain solutions across air, ocean, road, rail, and contract logistics.

We're looking for a Customs Clearance Clerk to join our Manchester team. Whether you're looking to build on existing logistics experience or take your first step into the world of international trade, we'll provide the training, support, and opportunities needed to help you grow.

Want to be part of a business that keeps global trade moving?
As a Customs Clearance Clerk, you'll play a vital role in ensuring goods move smoothly across international borders by preparing customs declarations, coordinating documentation, and working closely with customers, carriers, customs authorities, and internal operations teams. This is a fast-paced, dynamic role where attention to detail and problem-solving have a direct impact on customer success.
You’ll gain exposure to international trade, customs legislation, multiple transport modes, and industry-leading systems, all while building skills that can open the door to a long-term career in logistics.

Please note that this role includes a weekend rotation of 1 in every 4 weekends. Employees working weekends receive Friday off, and Sunday hours are paid at double time.

What You'll Do:

• Coordinate customs clearances for import and export shipments, ensuring goods move smoothly across international borders.
• Prepare customs declarations using information from commercial invoices, packing lists, and transport documents while maintaining compliance with customs regulations.
• Communicate with customers and partners including customs authorities, freight forwarders, hauliers, and operational teams to keep shipments moving without delay.
• Review and validate documentation to ensure accuracy, compliance, and timely submission of customs entries.
• Create customs and border documentation including CHEDs, T1 transit documents, and Goods Movement References (GMRs).
• Calculate duties and taxes while ensuring correct tariff classification and customs charges are applied.
• Resolve customs-related issues by investigating discrepancies, responding to queries, and processing post-clearance amendments when required.
• Support operational excellence by maintaining accurate records, processing customs billing, and contributing to continuous improvement initiatives.

What You’ll Bring:

• Strong attention to detail with the ability to work accurately in a fast-paced environment where compliance matters.
• Excellent communication skills to build effective relationships with customers, customs authorities, carriers, and colleagues.
• Organized approach to work with the ability to manage multiple priorities and meet deadlines.
• Problem-solving mindset with confidence to identify issues and find practical solutions.
• Customer-focused attitude and a commitment to delivering a high level of service.
• Good IT skills including Microsoft Office and the ability to quickly learn new systems.
• Understanding of customs procedures or an interest in developing expertise in international trade and customs compliance.
• Experience within logistics, freight forwarding, customs, administration, or customer service would be advantageous, but is not essential.
• Collaborative attitude with a willingness to support colleagues and contribute positively to the team.
• Motivated and eager to learn. We value curiosity, initiative, and a desire to build a long-term career.

Why Work With Us?

• Global Reach, Real Opportunities: Join one of the world's leading logistics providers, with 78,000 colleagues across 56 countries and regions and over 2,900 locations worldwide.
• Learn, Grow, Progress: Gain hands‑on customs experience, develop specialist expertise, and build a long‑term career through structured training and clear progression opportunities.
• Make an Impact: Every declaration you process helps customers navigate international trade and keeps global supply chains moving.
• Reward & Wellbeing: Competitive salary, 25 days holiday plus bank holidays, private healthcare, free parking, and Sunday hours paid at double time.
• Supportive Team Culture: Work alongside experienced professionals in a collaborative environment that values learning, initiative, and continuous improvement.

Join a global leader. Shape the flow of international trade. Build a career without borders.