Customs Clearance Operator

Company Overview

Offering a complete ecosystem of maritime services, including broking, finance, port services and research, Clarksons is at the heart of global shipping. Our unrivalled reach, expertise, and depth of experience, combined with leading research, enables us to partner with clients across every sector to meet the demands of the world’s rapidly evolving maritime, offshore, trade and energy markets. Building on our unique heritage and harnessing our insights to see further, faster, we work with our clients and communities to create strategies that have a positive impact on the industry and the world around us. Dedicated to excellence, it’s our people that drive success for our clients.

To understand more including day-to-day life at Clarksons, visit us at www.clarksons.com

Division Overview

We're able to support clients globally with our comprehensive customs clearance capabilities.

Whether a global blue-chip or a small independent, we keep business moving. Our expert team understand the regulations, helping our clients to avoid delays and extra costs when clearing goods.

Discover more at https://www.clarksons.com/port-services/customs

Role Summary

We have an exciting opportunity for Customs Clearance Operators to join and be part of our UK Customs Clearance team based in our Belfast office. As a Customs Clearance Operator, you will be responsible for preparing, checking, and processing all relevant customs clearance and entries data, documentation and declarations to ensure all shipments meet applicable laws and procedures to facilitate the timely and cost-effective import of goods.

What you’ll be doing

• Prepare, verify, and submit customs clearance documentation through CDS to ensure compliance with UK regulations.
• Issue transit documents in accordance with customs requirements.
• Collect and validate all necessary documentation before the release or delivery of cargo.
• Inform customers of any customs holds or delays affecting planned deliveries.
• Escalate any document-related customs clearance issues to the Customs Clearance Manager.
• Provide efficient customer service and expert guidance on customs procedures and regulations.
• Check goods classification against the UK Trade Tariff.
• Verify proofs of origin to support preferential trade agreements and duty relief claims.
• Ensure all customs clearance jobs are invoiced correctly and on time.
• Perform additional duties as required to support business operations.

What we’re looking for

We invite applications from candidates who can demonstrate:

• Drive and self-motivation, with the desire and commitment to succeed, deliver excellence and make positive change;
• Relationship building, with excellent interpersonal skills and the ability to quickly build rapport;
• Collaboration, able to work well with others across diverse backgrounds to share information, develop skills, and deliver results;
• Resilience with the ability to persist and adapt;
• Smart problem-solving and analytical abilities, with a curious and inquisitive mind, and an openness to new ideas;
• Professional integrity and a respect for company values.

Other requirements

• 1+ years of experience in a customs or logistics role preferred; full training provided for suitable candidates without prior experience.
• Customer service oriented
• Excellent communication skills, both written and verbal
• Conscientious, with strong attention to detail and accuracy
• High level of integrity and commitment
• Self-starter who is highly organised
• Able to use own initiative and prioritise
• Team player with a willing and flexible approach to work
• Able to learn quickly and multi-task
• Able to work well under pressure and meet deadlines
• Positive and enthusiastic, with a can-do attitude
• Good MS Office skills (Outlook, Word, Excel)