Customs Clearance Supervisor Full Time / Permanent / 08.30 17.30 Mon-Fri Occasional out of hours work will be required (being on call every now and again). Salary up to £40k negotiable depending on experience Generous Company Pension scheme Company Benefits (Health Cash Plan, Access to Employee Assistance Programme offering 24/7 support across a wide range of areas, team building events and much more) Member of Employee Ownership Trust (EOT) Training & Development Opportunities Hybrid contract upon successful completion of 6-month probation 3 days in the office and 2 days working from home. Based in Burntwood (WS7) Join the dynamic team at Espace, the UK's first ever 100% employee-owned freight forwarder, as our Customs Supervisor of a team of 8, and play a leading role in shaping the future of our Customs offering. As we set our sights on further developing our Customs alongside our multimodal services, we are in search of an individual who has dedicated a minimum of five years to this specialism. The perfect candidate will boast a profound understanding of Customs Clearance Operations, coupled with extensive business acumen and an energetic pace of work. If you have the dedication, expertise, and the passion to elevate our offering, Espace is eager to welcome your application. We are offering a great opportunity to grow within a modern, forward-thinking business. Hence, we would like an upbeat, motivated, tenacious character looking for a career in freight. A little bit about the company we are a non-asset owning freight forwarder with agency representation worldwide. Our people are our most valuable asset and we win business with our can -do approach, exceptional levels of customer service and trusted agency network. We specialise in general forwarding by road to within the UK, and all over Europe. Worldwide destinations by air and sea. In addition to this, we offer a UK customs brokerage service. Main Purpose Ensure that the customs dept runs smoothly and efficiently and that all customs requirements are carried out in a timely and compliant manner. Oversee the department, identify issues, and make operational changes to improve efficiency. You will be responsible for the teams delivery of operational activities, in accordance with targets set, to contribute to achievement of the company vision and overall business objectives, reaching targets/KPIs set year on year. Consistently perform to high quality standards. Our Customs Clearance Operators will be required to liaise closely with our Operations team, customers and suppliers to ensure all relevant customs documents have been generated and I.T systems (both internal and external) are updated in a timely manner. You would carry out this role as well as overseeing the activities of other team members. Overall Responsibility / Key Accountabilities Support and advise customers/suppliers on all international import/export customs queries. Promote and advise customers on the Espace Customs Consortium (ECC). Ensure excellent customer service and proactive communication is always maintained. Declarations will need to be completed accurately within the required time frames Providing excellent customer service and keeping customers advised on declaration completion and confirming VAT and duty payments to customers when required. Spotting and reacting to any customs issues that might cause delay to a shipment. Build, develop and support the customs team, constantly striving for continuous improvement. Conduct regular one-to-one meetings with line reports to discuss performance and gather feedback. Ensure all files are ready to invoice in sufficient time for month end. Continuously monitor, analyse, and report on departmental data. Present monthly summary to the Operations Director, highlighting and explaining points of note. Ensure Espace are fully compliant with the requirements of HMRC and other relevant bodies. Create training documentation and provide internal training where required. Ensure all staff are updated and aware of purchase and sale costs. Execute regular internal audits on files, checking internal departments and external suppliers are compliant. Utilise Top 10 Accounts report to continually evaluate the development of your departmental client base, and the revenue distribution amounts and % of top clients, and work towards goal of balanced customer base. Visit existing clients to further develop and strengthen relationships. Supervision: Assisting and training others in the team First point of contact / go to person for queries in the team or customers for escalation. Ensure team is resourced effectively Prompt query resolution both operational and administrative Taking on the more complicated enquiries or queries etc Conduct regular agile performance management and continuous professional development Behaviours: Emotional resilience Self-reflecting and open to feedback Initiative and ability to work in autonomy Role model of integrity and pride for all employees Proven leadership attitude, adopting different styles of leadership with the team. To constantly promote a positive company image through all activities, internally and externally. Skills, experience & Personal Attributes Have a good knowledge of customs (European, Sea and Air) and the different processes involved. Knowledge of the different types of customs entries/documentation Good overall knowledge of the external customs market Have an understanding of import VAT and duty, quotas Spark Hunger Focus on results and willingly tackle problems or conflicts which threaten their achievement. Excellent communication and listening skills To enjoy working with customers and suppliers, therefore great with people, relatable, humorous, charisma, ability to quickly develop relationships, therefore being memorable Flexibility, adaptability, fast paced and quick thinking. Be a self-starter with high levels of motivation to do a great job. Use of different types of customs platforms and software. Tough Negotiator Good knowledge about all the company's products and services. Relate to clients about market activity. To be well-organised and thorough, even under pressure. To enjoy working within a target-driven team environment - Be a team player Good drive and positive energy Working for an Employee-Owned business requires its co-owners to be team players and think and act like owners. Taking ownership and accountability is key. Effective communication and organisational skills will be needed as will an ability to prioritise and manage high workloads at times. Our Company values are PURE: Professionalism, Unity, Respectfulness and Enthusiasm. If you feel you have what it takes to fulfil this role, please apply through this advert with your CV and a covering letter stating why you think we should invite you for an interview. Please also state your current salary and/or salary expectations. DEADLINE FOR APPLICATIONS: Monday 28th April 2025 (APPLICATIONS WILL BE REVIEWED AS THEY COME IN) NO AGENCIES PLEASE ADZN1_UKTJ