Trainee Customs Clerk

Red Recruits; Leeds; On-site; GBP 25,000 - 35,000; Full time

Job summary

A leading logistics company in Leeds seeks a Customs Clerk to support customs clearance and freight forwarding. Ideal candidates will have CDS declaration experience, a strong understanding of customs processes, and excellent communication skills. This role offers training and career progression within a committed and supportive team environment.

Qualifications

• Administration experience, ideally including customs clearance and freight forwarding.
• Essential: CDS declaration experience.
• Good understanding of tariff codes and Incoterms would be an advantage.

Responsibilities

• Complete CDS Customs clearances for imports and exports.
• Liaise with customers and freight forwarders.
• Maintain up-to-date knowledge of HMRC regulations.

Skills

CDS declaration experience

Customs processes knowledge

Good understanding of tariff codes

Competent IT skills

Strong literacy and numeracy skills

Excellent written and verbal communication

High attention to detail

Problem-solving skills

Flexible and adaptable

Tools

Microsoft Office

Customs software

Job description

Overview

Customs Clerk - CDS Declarations / Customs Clearance / Freight Forwarding

Our client is a well-established, fast-growing logistics and freight forwarding company with an excellent reputation for delivering high-quality customs clearance and supply chain solutions across the UK and internationally. Known for their supportive working environment, strong team culture, and commitment to employee development, they offer a workplace where staff feel valued, motivated, and part of the company's ongoing success.

Due to continued growth, they are now seeking a Customs Clerk to join their busy customs team at their head office in Wortley, Leeds. This is a fantastic opportunity to develop your skills in an expanding business that invests in training, career progression, and employee wellbeing.

Purpose of the role:

This role offers the chance to work within an established freight forwarding and customs clearance team. You will provide efficient administration and customs support, working closely with colleagues to ensure the accurate and timely processing of import and export shipments. While some training will be provided, you must already have CDS declaration experience and a good working knowledge of customs procedures.

What you'll do:

• Complete CDS Customs clearances for imports and exports.
• Apply knowledge of customs authorisation procedures.
• Use an understanding of customs regulations to process entries accurately.
• Process Simplified Customs Declaration Procedures (SCDP) for customers (training on internal systems provided).
• Check and verify all commercial documentation.
• Liaise with customers, shipping agents, and freight forwarders to ensure service levels are met.
• Maintain up-to-date knowledge of HMRC regulations and UK customs compliance requirements.

How you'll do it:

• Hardworking – show commitment and do your best every day.
• Efficient – work in an organised manner, meeting role requirements with minimal waste.
• Adaptable – support your team and respond positively to changing needs.
• Approachable – be reliable and a supportive teammate.
• Honest – be open and transparent with colleagues and customers.
• Proactive – look for ways to exceed expectations and improve processes.
• Courageous – tackle challenges with determination.
• Positive – maintain a constructive attitude.

Person specification:

• Administration experience, ideally including customs clearance, freight forwarding, or import/export operations.
• Essential: CDS declaration experience and knowledge of customs processes and international trade regulations.
• Good understanding of tariff codes and Incoterms would be an advantage.
• Competent IT skills, including Microsoft Office and customs software.
• Strong literacy and numeracy skills.
• Excellent written and verbal communication.
• High attention to detail and accuracy.
• Problem-solving skills with a creative approach.
• Flexible and able to adapt to changing demands, including shift patterns.

Working hours:

• Office based
• Monday to Friday, 09:00 - 17:30

If you have CDS declaration experience and want to join a forward-thinking, supportive company with real progression opportunities - apply today and take the next step in your customs career!

Another great job brought to you by Red Recruit Global - experts in shipping recruitment.

Customs Clerk, CDS Declarations, Customs Clearance Clerk, Freight Forwarding, Import Clerk, Export Clerk, Import/Export Administrator, Customs Entry Clerk, SCDP, Tariff Codes, HMRC, Logistics, Supply Chain, Shipping, Customs Compliance, Incoterms.