Customs Specialist

Baxter Freight Limited; Nottingham; On-site; GBP 30,000 - 40,000; Full time

Job summary

A logistics firm in Nottingham is seeking a Customs Specialist to ensure smooth customs operations and compliance. The successful candidate will manage documentation, resolve queries, and work closely with internal and external stakeholders. The role offers opportunities for career development in a supportive environment emphasizing work/life balance. Attractive benefits include a contributory pension, life assurance, and enhanced parental leave.

Benefits

Contributory pension with up to 6% employer contribution

Life assurance of 4 times basic salary

Enhanced parental leave

Regular social events

Qualifications

• Experience in a similar role within a customs environment.
• Strong familiarity with import/export documentation and customs procedures.
• Knowledge of ATA Carnet, procedure codes, and T1s (advantageous).
• Experience using e-customs declaration systems.
• Proficiency in Microsoft programs, particularly Outlook, Word, and Excel.

Responsibilities

• Ensure smooth and compliant customs operations.
• Act as the first point of contact for customs queries.
• Compile accurate documentation and submit import/export entries.
• Resolve discrepancies with internal teams or partners.
• Coordinate overseas clearances with partners as needed.

Skills

Customs operations

Import/export documentation

E-customs declaration systems

Microsoft programs

ATA Carnet knowledge

AI software experience

Tools

CargoWise

Descartes

Conex

Job description

How does working for a rapidly growing business, with a vibrant work culture, where you feel invested in and supported sound? We havetherole for you.

As aCustoms Specialist, you can enjoy the stability of a career in logisticsandfocus on your career development, where work/life balance is valued and supported by a team that is rooting for your success.

The impact you will have

Your impact will be significant in ensuring smooth and compliant customs operations, directly influencing the efficiency of our shipments and customer satisfaction.

Overall, your role will be vital in maintaining compliance, operational efficiency, and customer trust in the company’s operations.

A typical day

You’ll be the first point of contact for customs queries, working with sales, operations and overseas partners to gather complete information and set up compliant movements.

You’ll run pre-checks, compile accurate documentation, and submit import/export entries in Descartes/CDS, resolving queries quickly and keeping shipments on schedule. You’ll ensure all shipments have the right paperwork for UK import/export and maintain audit-ready records to AEO standards.

Run pre-checks on every job, verifying that the quote, job set-up and customs dataset are consistent and complete (parties/EORI/VAT, Incoterms, values/currency, weights and HS codes).

Ensure documentation is accurate and complete (commercial or CCI invoices, packing lists, statements or certificates of origin, and any licences or permits), and resolve discrepancies quickly with internal teams or partners.

Confirm a valid Direct Representation/POA is on file and keep the register up to date.

Identify and manage special requirements, including licences, dual-use, SPS, anti-dumping, preferential origin and DDP arrangements.

Create and submit import and export declarations in Descartes/CDS, monitor acceptances, queries and errors, and resolve them promptly.

Handle T1/T2 transit and ATA Carnet activity where applicable.

Coordinate overseas clearances with partners when required.

Submit required data to HMRC on time and maintain audit-ready records.

Ensure correct classification, valuation and origin, apply the right tariffs, duties and taxes, and escalate sanctions or licensing issues as needed.

Keep customers and internal stakeholders updated on restrictions, licensing needs and any unforeseen charges, and liaise with brokers and authorities to secure timely clearance.

Operate to AEO requirements covering procedures, controls, records and training and support continuous process improvement.

Set up new customers with UK/EU logistics partners and maintain POAs and standing instructions.

Complete AEO documentation and upload evidence to internal systems.

Is this role for you?

• Experience in a similar role within a customs environment.
• Strong familiarity with import/export documentation and customs procedures.
• Knowledge of ATA Carnet, procedure codes, and T1s (advantageous).
• Experience using e-customs declaration systems such as CargoWise, Descartes, or Conex.
• Experience working with AI software (advantageous).
• Proficiency in Microsoft programs, particularly Outlook, Word, and Excel.

What we’ll offer you

Besides being a great place to work with a lovely bunch of people (well, we think so anyway!) here is what we have to offer you:

• Contributory pension with up to 6% employer contribution
• Life Assurance of 4 times basic salary on commencement of employment
• Family focused: Up to 8 weeks paid Enhanced Parental Leave for new parents
• Monday – Friday, 9-5 pm inclusive of an hour’s lunch
• Charity top-up scheme
• Coffee house with 200 Degrees Coffee and Bird and Blend tea
• Free offsite parking a short walk away
• Short walk to local retail park
• Regular social events – netball matches, spa days, team parties
• Culture of internal promotion and progression

A Bit About Baxter

Founded in 2014, Baxter Freight specialises in delivering tailored freight solutions worldwide. By combining practical logistics expertise with specialist consultancy, we help our customers achieve their commercial objectives while meeting environmental responsibilities.

Collaboration sits at the heart of everything we do – whether with our customers, suppliers, or incredible team, enabling us to handle a diverse range of goods, from car manufacturing parts to large modular buildings. Thanks to our experience and strong reputation, we innovate quickly and effectively, staying ahead of industry demands.

We believe our success is driven by people. That’s why we hire exceptional talent and foster a vibrant, inclusive culture that values creativity, expertise, and a healthy work–life balance.

Equal Opportunity Statement

Baxter Freight is an equal opportunity employer, committed to building a diverse and inclusive team where everyone can thrive. We hire based on skills, experience, and values alignment, and we welcome applicants from all backgrounds.

We recruit, train, promote, and reward individuals regardless of race, religion or belief, gender, sexual orientation, marital or civil partnership status, disability, or age. Our goal is to ensure that every team member feels respected, valued, and empowered to contribute to our shared success.