Customs Clerk / Administrator

Job Description

Hedges Direct Ltd has an opportunity for an experienced Customs Clerk / Administrator to join the team based in Euxton, on a full time, permanent basis. In return, you will receive a competitive salary of up to £18,500 - £24,000 basic, dependent on experience.Hedges Direct Ltd are online hedging specialists, with decades of industry experience and a culture firmly focused on quality and service. We supply large quantities of hedging to landscapers, garden designers, builders, hotels, pub chains also a significant proportion to retail customers across the UK and parts of Europe.The Customs Clerk / Administrator role:We are looking for a Customs Clerk to join our growing team. In our busy e-commerce business, you will be responsible for overseeing all imports from Europe to the UK including all processing and compliance paperwork.This role will liaise regularly with the governments Department of Environment, Food and Rural Affairs (DEFRA) and be the point of contact for all plant passporting and documentation within the company.You will be provided with full training for this role, but also be expected to do your own research on the process and regulations surrounding this role. For the right candidate there are lots of opportunities for learning and development in this area.Key responsibilities as our Customs Clerk / Administrator:- Complete day to day customs clearance declarations in a compliant and timely manner- Work across various business departments to identify what shipments are required each day and using our internal systems to gather information require for customs documentation.- Identify any delays or problems surrounding importing activity and communicate regular updates to the operations team in a timely manner- Co-ordinating all plant passporting operations and tree notifications- Liaise with DEFRA regarding any species arriving on site and requires an inspection- Handling all compliance paperwork in relation to imports and exports of plants – including phytosanitary certificates and PEACH notifications- Ensure all transport and carriers have the import/DEFRA documentation they require to enable a smooth delivery process- Support and advise customers on all international import/ export requirements, particularly in relation to Brexit and any restrictions from DEFRA.- Other ad hoc administration tasks when requested / where time permitsSkills and experience required for our Customs Clerk / Administrator:- Previous knowledge/experience in importing goods/ plants from Europe to the UK and the customer and/or DEFRA regulations and requirements would be advantageous.- Strong effective communicator with the ability to identify and raise issues to prevent operational delays.- Commercially minded- Works well under pressure- The ability to work independently- Excellent written and verbal communication skills- Impeccable attention to detail- A pro-active person who will use their initiative- A self-starter with a willingness to learn- Organised with good time management- Proficient working with Microsoft office programmes, in particular we are looking for a candidate with advance excel skills.Benefits of becoming our Customs Clerk / Administrator:- 33 days holiday (including Bank Holidays and extended Xmas break)- Flexible working hours- Auto enrolment pension scheme- Free tea and coffee- Free on-site car parkingIf you feel you have the required skills and experience to join us as our Customs Clerk / Administrator, please click ‘apply’ now, we’d love to hear from you!