Senior Customs Specialist

Senior Customs Specialist Department: Customs Employment Type: Permanent - Full Time Location: London

Description

At Zencargo, we're transforming the way businesses move goods globally by combining technology and logistics expertise. As a Senior Customs Specialist, you'll play a critical role in ensuring the smooth and compliant movement of goods across international borders. You will leverage your deep knowledge of customs regulations to manage complex declarations, mitigate compliance risks, and support key clients with tailored customs solutions.

This is a strategic role for a detail-oriented and highly experienced customs professional who thrives in a fast-paced, digital-first environment and is passionate about driving efficiency and compliance in global trade operations.

Key Responsibilities Complete accurate and compliant customs declarations for imports and exports across all transport modes (air, sea, and road) in accordance with UK customs regulations. Ensure all required documentation, including invoices, packing lists, and certificates of origin, is prepared, checked, and submitted correctly to facilitate smooth customs clearance. Stay updated on current customs legislation, trade agreements, and compliance requirements to ensure declarations meet the latest standards. Liaise with customers, freight forwarders, and regulatory authorities (e.g., HMRC) to resolve queries and ensure smooth movement of goods. Verify and input data into customs clearance systems, ensuring the integrity and accuracy of all submitted information. Support internal and external audits by maintaining detailed records and documentation for all customs activities. Identify and escalate any compliance risks or irregularities in customs processes to management. Collaborate with the team to meet deadlines and exceed customer expectations, ensuring shipments are cleared efficiently. Provide timely updates to clients and stakeholders on the status of shipments and customs clearance progress.

Assist with the preparation of reports and analysis to support the monitoring of team performance and compliance.

Skills, Knowledge and Expertise

Soft Skills

Attention to detail: Demonstrates exceptional accuracy in handling customs documentation and data entry. Problem-solving abilities: Proactively resolves issues related to customs processes and shipment delays. Effective communication: Confidently liaises with customers, internal teams, and external stakeholders. Time management: Prioritises tasks effectively to meet strict deadlines in a fast-paced environment. Adaptability: Responds efficiently to changes in regulations or customer requirements. Team collaboration: Works cohesively with colleagues to achieve shared goals and maintain operational excellence. Organisation: Maintains structured records and manages multiple tasks efficiently. Customer focus: Ensures a proactive commitment to delivering excellent service.

Technical/Competency Skills

Customs compliance knowledge: Solid understanding of UK import/export procedures, tariff classifications, and duty/VAT requirements. Documentation expertise: Familiarity with customs forms, including import/export declarations, and supporting paperwork like C88, SAD, and EAD. Digital platform proficiency: Proficient with customs clearance software such as CHIEF, CDS, or other relevant systems. Data accuracy: Ability to input and verify large volumes of detailed information with precision. Regulatory awareness: Up-to-date knowledge of HMRC regulations and international trade agreements. Problem resolution: Skilled in identifying and resolving customs-related issues promptly. Process adherence: Committed to following established customs procedures and compliance workflows.