Shipping Officer

Shipping Officer | Contract | 12 months | Inside IR35 | Hybrid working | Guildford
Rate negotiable and dependent on experience ( This roles sits inside IR35)

We are seeking a proactive and detail-oriented Shipping & Logistics professional to manage the movement of sensitive, high-value components and equipment across the UK and internationally. Working within a small but fast-paced satellite company, you will coordinate all shipping & logistics operations to ensure the secure and timely transportation of parts, subsystems, and final payloads while maintaining full compliance with export control and aerospace industry standards.

Key Tasks

Shipping & Transportation Coordination :

• Organise domestic and international shipments of satellite components, ground equipment, and support materials.
  
• Select and manage relationships with specialist couriers and freight forwarders.
  
• Monitor transit timelines and ensure secure handling of sensitive payloads.

Export/Import & Regulatory Compliance :

• Manage all shipping documentation, including commercial invoices, packing lists, and export control paperwork.
• Ensure compliance with UK customs regulations & work within the Compliance Team to ensure full compliance with all UK Export Control (SPIRE & LITE), and relevant ITAR/EAR requirements.
• Liaise with customs brokers and government bodies as required.

Inventory & Warehouse Support :

• Coordinate inbound logistics and maintain accurate records of parts and equipment received.
• Support stock control and interface with engineering and procurement teams to align deliveries with build schedules.
• Oversee packaging and labelling in accordance with aerospace and transport standards.

Cross-Functional Communication :

• Act as the logistics point of contact between suppliers, internal technical teams, and external partners.
• Communicate shipment status and flag delays or issues promptly.
• Participate in project planning meetings to forecast shipping needs.

Continuous Improvement :

• Evaluate shipping and logistics processes and suggest improvements for efficiency and cost control.
• Maintain relationships with logistics providers to support agile project delivery.

PERSON SPECIFICATION
Previous Experience
2-5+ years in a logistics or shipping role, preferably in aerospace, defence, or high-tech manufacturing.

Qualifications Knowledge & Skills

• HNC/HND or Degree in Logistics, Business, Supply Chain, Engineering, or related field.
• UK customs, export control (SPIRE), and international freight regulations.
• ITAR/EAR (preferred but not essential if willing to learn).
• Familiarity with ERP or inventory systems; confident with Microsoft Excel and shipment tracking platforms.
• Experience with SAPS/4HANA Business systems an advantage.
• Strong attention to detail and organisational skills.
• Able to work independently and thrive in a small, dynamic team.
• Clear & confident communicator with a problem-solving mindset.

Working Environment:

• Small team environment with significant autonomy and cross-functional exposure.
• May require occasional travel to supplier sites, logistics hubs, or launch support locations.