We are looking for a proactive, detail-focused Shipping Office Support person to join our busy Shipping Office team, supporting day-to-day import, export, and customs administration. This is an office-based, full-time role with structured on-the-job training and ongoing support—ideal for someone who wants to develop into a trusted team member and build strong working relationships with our existing clients.
This role is suited to someone who wants to build a career in international trade and UK customs compliance. Import/export experience is not essential; we are happy to train the right person and develop them into our way of working. The work is data‑heavy, so accuracy, initiative and adaptability are key.
What We’re Looking For
* Strong attention to detail and ability to work accurately (the role is data‑heavy and compliance‑led).
* A genuine willingness to learn and develop, taking on feedback and building knowledge over time.
* Adaptable and able to work calmly with changing priorities and deadlines.
* Shows initiative and takes ownership of tasks, following issues through to resolution.
* Good IT skills (especially Excel and Microsoft Office Suite) and confidence in learning internal systems and databases; clear written and verbal communication skills.
* Any exposure to import/export, freight forwarding, logistics, finance administration or other data‑led administration roles.
* An interest in international trade, customs compliance or supply chain operations (e.g. through study, reading or work experience).
* Basic understanding of customs declarations and/or HMRC systems.
Key Responsibilities
* Log import and export jobs onto client record sheets and internal systems.
* Check import/export data against His Majesty’s Revenue & Customs (HMRC) records and highlight any errors.
* Request and follow up on amendments for errors with the declaring agent or via the S&H customs declaration service.
* Produce basic data statistics to support accounting requirements in the areas of customs control.
* Check freight invoices to ensure charges are correct; support clients with freight contract discussions where required.
* Maintain records in line with customs and export control requirements, chasing freight companies to obtain accurate evidence promptly.
* Provide cross‑cover to other members of the Shipping Office Support team across clients, ensuring service continuity.
* Handle general office duties within a small team, including answering telephone calls, monitoring shared inboxes, and directing or answering helpline queries.
Training and Development
* Structured on‑the‑job training covering import/export processes, customs fundamentals and internal systems.
* Opportunity to attend Strong & Herd’s recognised import, export and customs compliance training courses.
* Over time, increased responsibility within the Shipping Office team, including greater ownership of client jobs and supporting client communication.
Client Communication
* Ensure key information about client work, requirements and decisions is recorded accurately on the database.
* Support client communications when requirements or relevant trade and compliance areas change, under guidance from senior colleagues.
* Track client queries to ensure timely responses and identify opportunities for further support.
What We Offer
* Structured training and access to recognised import, export and customs compliance courses.
* Clear development pathway within the Shipping Office team as skills and confidence grow.
* Supportive, professional small‑team environment with varied work across clients and sectors.
How to Apply
To apply, please send your CV, along with a short covering note outlining your interest in UK Customs & International Trade and why you would be a good fit for this role, to:
Niamh O’Connor
Associate Partner
If you require any reasonable adjustments during the recruitment process, please let us know.
Interview Process
Successful candidates will be invited to take part in a two‑stage interview process:
* Stage One: An initial virtual interview
* Stage Two: A face‑to‑face interview at our office, providing an opportunity to meet the team and gain a deeper understanding of the role and working environment.
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