Customs Operations Specialist – Cross-border Imports (Mandarin-speaking)

JD.COM; West Midlands; On-site; GBP 32,000 - 46,000; Full time

Job summary

JINGDONG Logistics (JD Logistics) in the United Kingdom seeks a UK Import Clearance Specialist to coordinate documentation, customs declarations, and release for goods imported into the UK. You will collaborate with China-based teams and UK service providers to ensure accurate records and timely clearance.

Role requires a minimum of two years’ experience in UK import clearance, fluent Mandarin and English, and strong Excel skills.

Qualifications

• Two years’ experience in UK import clearance or related role.
• Fluent Mandarin and strong written and spoken English.
• Familiarity with CDS; practical declaration or customs broker coordination experience is preferred.

Responsibilities

• Import Customs Operations: handle import documentation and declarations.
• Coordinate with customs brokers and monitor clearance progress and duties.
• Ensure accurate records and timely warehouse handover following release.
• Maintain compliance with customs procedures and regulatory enquiries.
• Support cost control and reporting to management.

Skills

Mandarin

English

Excel

Attention to detail

Organisational skills

Problem solving

Job description

Who We Are

At JINGDONG Logistics (JD Logistics), part of JD.com, we are a leading technology-driven supply chain and logistics solutions provider under JD.com. Built on deep expertise in automation, smart fulfilment, and data intelligence, we operate end-to-end logistics services that empower businesses and enhance customer experience. Our integrated networks span warehouse management, line-haul transportation, last-mile delivery, bulky items logistics, cold chain, and cross-border operations, ensuring speed, reliability, and precision at every stage.

Our Global Reach

JINGDONG Logistics has developed one of the most extensive logistics infrastructures in the world, managing more than 3,600 warehouses with over 34 million square meters of space. Our Global Smart Supply Chain Network combines highly automated warehousing with robust international transportation solutions, enabling seamless cross-border movement. Today, we operate 130+ bonded, direct mail, and overseas warehouses across 23 countries and regions, supported by our global brands, JoyLogistics and JoyExpress, as we continue scaling JD.com’s international logistics footprint.

What We Offer

Joining JD Logistics means helping shape the future of global supply chain and logistics. You’ll work with smart warehousing, autonomous delivery, and innovative technology that keeps goods moving worldwide. With a competitive salary, great locations, and a supportive, people-first culture, you’ll have the space to take on meaningful challenges, grow your skills, and make a real impact in a fast-evolving industry.

About The Team

You’ll be joining the JINGDONG Logistics team, which values collaboration, ownership, and a commitment to delivering high-quality results in a fast-paced, dynamic environment.

Department: UK Country Team - Transport and Logistics Operations

Location: United Kingdom

Reporting Line: UK Head of Transport

Role Overview

Responsible for daily customs operations for goods imported into the UK, coordinating documentation, customs clearance, inspections and release, through to collection and warehouse handover. The role ensures accurate documentation, shipment visibility, timely resolution of issues and control of avoidable costs.

Key Responsibilities

• Import Customs Operations
• Collect, check and submit import documentation, including commercial invoices, packing lists, transport documents and applicable licences or certificates.
• Verify shipment descriptions, quantities, values, origin, commodity codes and importer details, resolving missing or inconsistent information before declaration.
• Provide accurate clearance instructions to customs brokers and monitor declaration progress, duty and tax arrangements, and customs release.
• Coordinate declaration corrections where required and retain supporting records.
• Stakeholder and Broker Coordination
• Act as the UK operational contact for the intercontinental team, China-based teams, suppliers, freight forwarders and customs brokers.
• Establish clear documentation requirements, deadlines and responsibilities for each shipment.
• Coordinate arrival updates, customs release, collection and warehouse bookings with local transport and warehouse teams.
• Monitor broker performance and drive improvements in turnaround times, accuracy and responsiveness.
• Exception and Inspection Management
• Coordinate responses to customs examinations, documentation requests, rejected declarations and shipment holds.
• Maintain an exception log with clear ownership, operational impact and expected resolution dates.
• Escalate significant delays, additional costs and compliance concerns to UK management, and follow issues through to closure.
• Compliance and Record Keeping
• Follow company customs procedures and elevate questions concerning classification, valuation, origin or import requirements to the appropriate customs or compliance lead.
• Coordinate applicable documentation, pre-notification and inspection arrangements for regulated goods.
• Maintain complete and traceable customs records to support audits, broker reviews and regulatory enquiries.
• Cost Control and Reporting
• Review clearance, examination, storage, demurrage and detention charges, and investigate discrepancies.
• Reduce avoidable costs through advance documentation preparation, monitoring free-time deadlines and timely collection.
• Report to UK management on clearance performance, outstanding shipments, exceptions and additional costs.
• Support improvements to local operating procedures and system workflows.

Requirements

• At least two years’ experience in UK import clearance, customs operations, freight forwarding or a related role.
• Working knowledge of UK import procedures, trade documentation, commodity classification, customs valuation, origin, customs duty and import VAT.
• Familiarity with the Customs Declaration Service (CDS); practical declaration or customs broker coordination experience is preferred.
• Fluent Mandarin and strong written and spoken English are essential, as the role requires daily coordination with China-based stakeholders and UK service providers.
• Ability to manage multiple shipments independently and proactively resolve clearance issues.
• Proficiency in Excel and operational systems, with strong attention to detail and organisational skills.
• Experience in cross-border e-commerce, retail imports or regulated products would be advantageous.

Key Performance Measures

• Timeliness and accuracy of customs documentation.
• Clearance turnaround time and exception resolution.
• Timely collection and warehouse handover following release.
• Reduction of avoidable storage, demurrage and detention costs.
• Completeness of customs records and adherence to operational procedures.

At JINGDONG Logistics, we’re committed to building a diverse and inclusive workplace where everyone can thrive. We’re proud to be an equal opportunity employer and make all employment decisions without regard to race, color, religion, gender, gender identity or expression, sexual orientation, national origin, disability, age, veteran status, or any other protected characteristic.