Our multi-award-winning International Trade Team is customer-focused and a top supplier of international trade services in the region, with a vision to become ‘The Go-To International Trade Hub’ for UK and overseas companies in the North of England. Our shared values, culture of empowerment and drive to constantly find a ‘better way” are the foundation to achieve this vision.
We are looking for an International Trade & Customs Adviser to join our growing team. You will be passionate about international trade and/or developing a career on this field. You will enjoy working with customers and providing advice, as well as delivering our key services. These include business support, customs compliance, customs declarations, documentation, training, market entry and other advisory services to help exporters and importers grow their international footprint.
MAIN DUTIES & RESPONSIBILITIES
* Provide high-quality practical advice, support, and guidance to clients on international trade related issues.
* Respond to customs-related enquiries including customs processes, commodity codes, trade preference, duties, rules of origin, special procedures, etc.
* To act in an advisory/consultancy capacity to customers with regard to customs related enquiries. This can by carrying out customs audit, rules of origin reviews, special procedures applications, etc.
* Provide high level customer service to customers and partners of the Chamber.
* Effective and accurate processing of customs declaration, while maintaining high compliance standards.
* When required, support the Export Documentation team with the processing, certification, and legalisation of export document services (eg. Certificates of Origin, ATA Carnets, Import Certificates, etc.)
* Support business development of key international trade services from ChamberCustoms to international trade training, consultancy, market entry, etc.
* Lead on development and delivery of key services, from finding new customers to managing marketing campaigns • Stay up to date with latest regulations and activities to identify commercial opportunities for the international trade team
* Support the development and delivery of export/import training courses. Comprehensive training will be provided to the successful candidate. Courses may be delivered online, in person at the Chamber, or on-site at company premises.
* Build and maintain strong relationships with diverse partners and stakeholders from public and private sectors across the UK and internationally.
* Position the Chamber as a key business support organisation to partners, members and nonmembers.
* Assist in the planning, promotion, and delivery of international trade events, including creating the agenda, liaising with speakers and partners, promoting the event and on-the-day delivery.
* Provide effective support in the delivery of marketing activities to promote our international trade and customs related services (eg. providing content for newsletter, collaborating with marketing team to develop campaigns, etc.) Support the Membership team with account management and business development activities for businesses engaged in international trade.
* Conduct research and data analysis to aid business development and service delivery activities
* Provide assistance and/or lead in the delivery of aid funded and commercial projects
KNOWLEDGE, QUALIFICATION AND EXPERIENCE
Essential
* Business and/or International Business-related Degree or equivalent relevant working experience.
* Knowledge and understanding of key international trade concepts (commodity codes, incoterms, customs, documentation, etc.)
* Experience working in fast pace and a customer-facing role
* At least 5 years’ experience within an international trade role, and ideally specific experience with customs compliance.
Desirable
* Experience with processing export documentation and/or customs declarations
* Experience working in the logistics sector will be an advantage
* Qualification or experience in project and/or event management
* Experience in public speaking and developing/delivering presentations
SKILLS
Essential
* Proactivity and self-management
* Self-starter but also able to work as part of a team and support other members of your team
* Strong communication and interpersonal skills, displaying the ability to connect and build relationships with internal teams, clients, and other stakeholders
* Work to a high standard of accuracy and attention to detail
* Ability to learn quickly, make an immediate impact and provide value added services to our clients and members
* Excellent planning, organisational and administrative skills
* Demonstrate clear ability to take on new challenges aligned with your role and team’s vision.
* Commercially minded/commercial acumen • Well-developed IT skills. (e.g., Microsoft packages – word, excel, CRM, customs declaration)
* Problem solving / Solutions Oriented
* Ability to work under pressure & manage stress effectively
* Demonstrate clear interest for developing a long-term career in international trade & customs
* Interest and passion to develop your career by getting involved in a wider range of professional experiences (from training to delivering new services)
Desirable
* Ability to work methodically to accurately check documentation/complete customs declarations preferred but not a must as training will be provided
* Presentation/ public speaking
* Market Research & Data Analysis to aid business decision making and marketing activity
* Effective use of social media for business engagement and promotional tool (e.g., twitter, LinkedIn, other)
* Partnerships/Relationship building
TRAINING
We are committed in supporting our staff in developing a successful career in international trade, and therefore we will offer relevant training as part of your induction programme:
* Successful completion of customs declaration training programme and achieving live access account within 3–4-month period (90 –120 days).
* Successful completion of online certification training programme and achieving live access within 6-month period
* Becoming an authorised signatory for ATA Carnets, International Import Certificates, Arab documentation within 6-12 months.
* Achieving BCC’s International Trade Foundation Award within 6–18-month period
* Attending relevant workshops and courses underpinning knowledge for your role such as special customs procedures, HMRC workshops on different regulatory areas, etc
* Attend relevant industry webinars to keep with latest regulations changes and to promote your career progression and development
* Becoming proficient in the use of eCert and Chamber Customs’ platforms or any other relevant software for the delivery of our services.
* Become proficient in the use of the Chamber’s CRM system
ELIGIBILITY TO WORK IN THE UK
Due to the nature of this role, this position is only available for candidates who are eligible to work in the UK under current immigration regulation in the UK.
BENEFITS
* On completion of a 6-month probation period, you will be entitled to joined both our pension, healthcare & Performance Bonus schemes
* Birthday leaves
* Our 4-day work week enables our staff to maintain a healthy work-life balance
* Flexible and remote working available after successful completion of your probation period and based on performance
* Training as mentioned above will be provided as part of you induction programme
HOW TO APPLY?
Please submit your CV and Cover Letter explaining why you think you are a suitable candidate by the 15th February midnight UK time. Please note we intend to move very fast with this appointment and the vacancy may fill before the deadline for submission of applications.
DO YOU HAVE ANY QUESTIONS ABOUT THE POSITION AND WHAT IS TO WORK IN OUR CHAMBER?
Email Amy Swindells, Head of International Professional Services at amy.swindells@gmchamber.co.uk or Susana Córdoba, Head of International Trade at Susana.cordoba@gmchamber.co.uk.