Job Description

If you’d like to be considered for this opportunity we encourage you to apply promptly to avoid disappointment as if applications are high the role will close before the closing date given.

Customs and Shipping Specialist

Location: Aldermaston, Reading

Salary: Starting salary £40,000 dependant on skills and experience plus allowances

Working pattern: AWE operates a 9-day working fortnight, with every other Friday as a non-working day. For this role, employees are required to work fully onsite. We support flexible working arrangements where possible, including part-time and varied working hours, while maintaining an onsite presence. Please let us know if you would like us to consider an alternative working pattern as part of your application.

Let us introduce the role

AWE is currently recruiting a Customs & Shipping Specialist to deliver AWE’s international shipping requirements, both import and export, following instructions and contractual arrangements meeting customs and trade control compliancy obligations.

What you’ll do:

• Deliver AWE’s international shipping requirements (exports and imports).
• Apply internal Customs and Trade Control policy to meet external regulatory obligations.
• Maintain and promote high personal standards in environment, safety, health, security and quality and be a great team player.
• Support Shipping Operations Manager to deliver AWE’s improvement and change programmes.
• Communicate with internal customers and overseas offices.
• Communicate with external suppliers to arrange and book shipping services by road, air and courier.
• Attend and contribute to operational meetings.
• Keep records, archiving and financial administration up to date and provide data reporting.
• Keep internal training up to date.

Who are we looking for?

Everyone who works at AWE brings unique skills and perspectives to the table. We recognise that great people don’t always ‘tick every box’. That’s why we focus on your potential, your fit with our values, your transferable skills as well as your experience. Even if you don’t meet every point below, but you feel that this role and AWE are a great fit for you, please go ahead and apply, we’d love to receive your application.

AWE is currently recruiting for a Customs and Shipping Specialist to assist in the processing of imports and exports for the Commercial International Shipping operation.

This role is ideally suited to an experienced shipping operative looking to develop their career in an exciting and uniquely challenging environment.

Working within the Logistics Group the successful candidate will be required to work closely with team members, overseas offices, internal customers and other internal departments to meet AWE’s import and export requirements compliantly, securely and efficiently. To achieve this the successful candidate will also have a proven track record of professional dealings with external agencies such as suppliers, customs and freight forwarders.

In addition to supporting the daily operation the role would require regular input and ideas regarding initiatives to improve and evolve the department in support of Logistics’ part in AWE’s business-transformation programme.

Who are we looking for?

We do need you to have the following:

• 2 years’ experience in a shipping role involving customs and trade compliancy
• Able to attain and maintain Government Developed Vetting security status

Whilst not to be considered a tick list, we’d like you to have experience in some of the following:

• Exposure to defence shipping/logistics an advantage
• Dealing with import to and export from EU post-BREXIT, particularly by road
• Making effective decisions regarding shipping method and supplier based on quotes received and the customer’s requirements

You’ll need to have the ability to work calmly and constructively in a priority-changing environment and be able to manage your own workload. You will also have initiative, enthusiasm, a flexible approach, and ability to work to tight deadlines.

Key Accountabilities:

• Deliver AWE’s international shipping requirements (exports and imports).
• Apply internal Customs and Trade Control policy to meet external regulatory obligations.
• Maintain and promote high personal standards in environment, safety, health, security and quality and be a great team player.

Key Responsibilities:

• Support Shipping Operations Manager to deliver AWE’s improvement and change programmes.
• Communicate with internal customers and overseas offices.
• Communicate with external suppliers to arrange and book shipping services by road, air and courier.
• Attend and contribute to operational meetings.
• Keep records, archiving and financial administration up to date and provide data reporting.
• Keep internal training up to date.
• The Company may require you to fulfil any other reasonable duties aligned to your position from time to time in line with business needs.

Some reasons we think you’ll love it here

AWE has wide range of benefits to suit you. These include:

• 270 hours of annual leave.
• Market leading contributory pension scheme (we will pay between 9% and 13% of your pensionable pay depending on your contributions).
• Family friendly policies: Maternity Leave - 39 Weeks Full Pay and Paternity Leave - 4 Weeks Full Pay.
• Opportunities for Professional Career Development including funding for annual membership of a relevant professional body.
• Employee Assistance Programme and Occupational Health Services.
• Life Assurance (4 x annual salary).
• Discounts – access to savings on a wide range of everyday spending.
• Special Leave Policy including paid time off for volunteering, public service (including reserve forces) and caring.

The 'Working at AWE' page on our website is where you can find full details in the 'AWE Benefits Guide'.

Important things you need to know:

• You will need to obtain and maintain the necessary security clearance for the role. This will be funded by AWE. The nature of our work does mean you need to be a British Citizen who has been resident in the UK for the past 5 years to apply for SC clearance and 10 years for DV.
• Our interviews typically take place over Teams and for most roles are a 1 stage process.
• We want you to feel comfortable and able to shine during our recruitment process. Please let us know on your application form if you need any adjustments/accommodations during the process.

Our ambition is to create workplaces where we recognise and celebrate differences, encourage diverse contributions and our employees feel able to be themselves at work. We strive to create a genuine culture of openness and inclusion and encourage diverse applicants. Any inclusion information you provide will be stored in accordance with GDPR and kept separate from your application form and CV, and the information will not be shared with anyone involved in interviewing or making hiring decisions.

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Next steps:

Everyone who works at AWE brings unique skills and perspectives to the table. We recognise that great people don’t always ‘tick every box’. That’s why we focus on your potential, your fit with our values, your transferable skills as well as your experience. Even if you don’t meet every point above, but you feel that this role and AWE are a great fit for you, please go ahead and apply, we’d love to receive your application.

Important things you need to know:

• We encourage you to apply promptly to avoid disappointment if applications are high and the role therefore closes.
• You will need to obtain and maintain the necessary security clearance for the role. This will be funded by AWE. The nature of our work does mean you need to be a British Citizen who has been resident in the UK for the past 5 years in order to apply for SC clearance and 10 years for DV.
• We want you to feel comfortable and able to shine during our recruitment process. Please let us know on your application form if you need any adjustments/accommodations during the process.
• Our interviews typically take place over Teams and for most roles are a 1 stage process.

Our ambition is to create workplaces where we recognise and celebrate differences, encourage diverse contributions and our employees feel able to be themselves at work. We strive to create a genuine culture of openness and inclusion and encourage diverse applicants. Any inclusion information you provide will be stored in accordance with GDPR and kept separate from your application form and CV, and the information will not be shared with anyone involved in interviewing or making hiring decisions.

Please note that you must be a British Citizen to apply for a role with us.