Trade and customs experts now have an opportunity to work on a project “of national importance to the UK”, according to the IOE&IT's director general.

Marco Forgione was speaking about the Institute's ongoing recruitment of experienced customs consultants to support delivery of HM Government's Trader Support Service.

TSS is being provided by HMRC to help firms trading between Great Britain and Northern Ireland to adapt to administrative changes that take effect on 1 January 2021, after the UK’s transition from EU customs rules has ended.

The IOE&IT is part of a high-level consortium delivering the TSS. 

Pivotal trade project

Forgione said the project is an opportunity for customs experts to “work on a pivotal trade project of national importance as the UK prepares for its new trading relationships from 1 January 2021”.

“We’re offering exciting, diverse roles for experienced candidates with enthusiasm for supporting firms with the most up-to-date information on how to continue trading smoothly from 1 January 2021,” he said.

Two-year contracts

The IOE&IT has been recruiting for up to 50 positions on two-year contracts to provide specialist customs and trade knowledge to support the delivery of TSS.

Duties include:

• managing and answering complex, escalating enquiries from customs supervisors at the contact centre supporting the TSS
• managing and resolving enquiries at ports and airports of dispatch and arrival

Enquires at the ports could include resolving incomplete declarations and documentation and supporting specific requirements for goods that are subject to Sanitary and Phytosanitary (SPS) checks or which require licences.

Remote working

The package for the roles includes a salary of up to £50,000 a year and a range of benefits such as five weeks’ paid holiday, a company pension, private health cover and life insurance schemes.

The roles, which have the possibility of being extended beyond two years, involve remote working, with occasional travel to the IOE&IT offices in Peterborough for training, one-to-one meetings and coaching.

The IOE&IT is seeking recruits from the trader, carrier and intermediary communities with seven or more years’ experience in customs positions. A professional qualification in customs and trade is also preferred, but not essential.

Interested applicants can apply here for the new roles.

Register for TSS

If your firm trades between GB and NI, you can avail of TSS services free of charge by registering here.