Customs Clerk UK & Ireland

Pertemps West Midlands & Worcestershire Perm Hub; Park Central; On-site; GBP 37,000 - 40,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Night shift allowance

Health Cash Plan

Free onsite parking

Birthday leave

24 days annual leave

Job summary

Pertemps West Midlands & Worcestershire Perm Hub is seeking a detail-oriented Customs Clerk to support time-sensitive freight movements from Europe into the UK and onward to Ireland. Based at the Birmingham Airport office, you will ensure import/export operations are compliant, accurate, and timely, working in a fast-paced environment to maintain smooth customs processes.

The role requires at least 1 year of customs-related experience, familiarity with CHIEF/CDS, and a strong eye for detail.

Qualifications

• Minimum 1 year of experience in customs compliance, import/export operations, or customs brokerage.
• Experience in air freight and road freight environments is advantageous.
• Strong knowledge of UK and international import/export regulations.

Responsibilities

• Process export documentation within strict deadlines (target: within 30 minutes).
• Prepare transportation documentation and manifests for nightly operations.
• Ensure export clearances and manifests are accurate to prevent delays.
• Liaise with customs authorities and customers to resolve queries.
• Complete safety and security declarations per regulatory requirements.
• Assist in Air Waybills (AWBs) and flight manifests preparation.
• Maintain accurate reporting for import/export activities.

Skills

Attention to detail

Time management

Communication skills

Excel proficiency

Problem solving

Education

Customs/International Trade qualification

Tools

CHIEF

CDS

MS Office

Job description

Based at Birmingham Airport, this Customs Clerk UK & Ireland position supports time-critical freight moving from European gateways into Britain and onward to Ireland. The successful candidate will process export documentation within strict deadlines, typically 30 minutes from receipt. Duties include preparing import and export paperwork, maintaining compliance with customs regulations, and ensuring freight crosses international borders without delay. This full-time, permanent post offers £36,500 annually, plus a night shift allowance of up to £3,500. Applicants should demonstrate accuracy, strong organisational skills, and the ability to work under pressure. Experience within customs, logistics or freight forwarding would prove advantageous. The role is office based, working closely with colleagues to keep shipments moving efficiently.

Customs Clerk UK & Ireland Location: Birmingham Airport (Office Based) Salary: £36,500 per annum + up to £3,500 annual night shift allowance

About the Role

My client is seeking a detail-oriented and proactive Customs Clerk to support the seamless movement of time-critical freight from European gateways into the UK and onward to Ireland. Based at their Birmingham Airport office, this role is central to ensuring import and export operations are completed accurately, compliantly, and efficiently. Working in a fast-paced environment, you will play a key role in maintaining smooth customs processes and supporting the timely delivery of freight across international borders.

Key Responsibilities

• Process export documentation within strict operational deadlines (target: within 30 minutes of receipt)
• Prepare transportation documentation and manifests for nightly operations
• Ensure export clearances and manifests are accurate to prevent delays in onward customs clearance
• Liaise with customs authorities and customers to resolve operational and compliance queries
• Complete safety and security declarations in accordance with regulatory requirements
• Support the preparation of Air Waybills (AWBs) and flight manifests
• Maintain accurate reporting for transactional charging, including import, export, screening, and handling activities
• Contribute to continuous improvement initiatives within customs and operational processes

Experience & Knowledge

• Minimum 1 years' experience in customs compliance, import/export operations, or customs brokerage
• Experience working within air freight and road freight environments
• Strong understanding of UK and international import/export regulations
• Experience using HMRC and Border Force systems, including CHIEF and CDS
• Relevant qualification in Customs, International Trade, Logistics, or Import/Export Operations (preferred)

Skills & Competencies

• Excellent attention to detail and a high level of accuracy
• Strong organisational and time-management skills
• Effective written and verbal communication skills
• Proficient in Microsoft Office applications, particularly Excel
• Ability to solve problems and make decisions under pressure
• Commercial awareness and understanding of the operational impact of freight delays

Working Hours

This is a full-time position working 40 hours per week across five days. The operation runs 24 hours a day, and shifts are worked on a 2 week rotating basis. Flexibility is essential. Typical shift patterns include:

• 06:00am – 14:00pm
• 13:00pm – 15:00pm
• 15:00pm – 23:00pm
• 17:00 pm– 01:00am
• 22:00pm – 06:00am

Benefits

• Up to £3,500 annual night shift allowance (where applicable)
• 24 days annual leave plus bank holidays
• Birthday leave
• Health Cash Plan
• Free onsite parking
• Employee discount schemes and regular team social events
• Stable, well-organised working environment
• Opportunities for professional development and career progression

What You'll Bring

• Proven operational experience within a logistics, freight forwarding, customs, or international trade environment
• A resourceful approach to overcoming challenges and maintaining service levels
• A continuous improvement mindset with a focus on efficiency and compliance
• A strong customer-focused attitude and commitment to service excellence