Shipping & Logistics Manager

Global Sports Jobs Limited; Southampton; On-site; GBP 60,000 - 90,000; Full time

Job summary

SailGP is seeking a Shipping & Logistics Manager based in Southampton to lead end-to-end multimodal shipping for the championship assets. You will work with DP World, vessel agents and local teams to keep routes efficient and costs controlled while ensuring safety and compliance on deck.

The role requires 5–7 years in international shipping or global event logistics, with strong negotiation and leadership skills to manage diverse crews across continents.

Qualifications

• Minimum 5–7 years in international shipping management or global event logistics.
• Deep knowledge of maritime shipping practices, customs regulations and handling of fragile components.
• Proficient in global supply chain tracking software and project mgmt tools.

Responsibilities

• Lead end-to-end multimodal shipping for championship assets (sea, air, road).
• Manage budgets, routes with DP World and port authorities, and ensure safe operations.
• Direct third-party crews and vessel operations to meet tight event timelines.
• Develop and implement load plans, cargo surveys and risk-managed procedures.

Skills

International shipping

Freight routing

Supply chain tracking

Project management

Negotiation

Travel readiness

Education

IOSH qualification

Tools

Google Workspace

Job description

About the Role

The Shipping & Logistics Manager supports the Director of Logistics across the SailGP series, managing a team to ensure timely execution of logistical tasks both centrally and on event. The role works closely with SailGP’s logistics partner DP World, regional teams and local service providers to achieve the required service and delivery levels. It also collaborates with the logistics team and Interim Vessel Team to develop detailed season and future-season plans that are efficient and cost-effective. The position supports global event delivery across the Championship calendar.

Key Responsibilities

• Manage the end-to-end multimodal shipping lifecycle (sea, air, road) for all championship assets, ensuring safe, seamless transit across all global destinations.
• Serve as the primary operational lead with DP World and local port authorities to optimise routes, resolve real-time transit disruptions, and control freight budgets.
• Partner with vessel agents to execute master stowage plans, ensuring containers, specialised cradles and loose freight are positioned for optimal space, weight distribution and stability.
• Map and execute load/discharge schedules tailored to port, tidal and geographic constraints, synchronising quayside activities to meet tight, non-negotiable event windows.
• Own and enforce dockside Standard Operating Procedures (SOPs), ensuring operational safety and strict compliance across all on-site teams.
• Oversee cargo securing, sea-fastening mechanisms, cargo surveys and load-master reports to protect assets against heavy-sea transit conditions.
• Direct and supervise third-party stevedores, longshoremen and rigging crews in every port, ensuring SailGP handling standards are strictly maintained.
• Oversee strict container loading, dispatch and unloading sequences to align precisely with fast-paced race village build and de-rig timelines.
• Partner with the Compliance Lead to manage international shipping documentation, including ATA Carnets, Bills of Lading, customs declarations and venue permits.
• Deploy globally to lead quayside crews (crane operators, forklift drivers, technical hands) during build and pack-down phases, ensuring turnaround deadlines are met to avoid port demurrage costs.
• Coordinate complex, tandem and high-value critical lifts (e.g. wing sails, platforms and chase boats) in partnership with local crane operators and the Vessel Operations Director.
• Serve as the primary operational conduit to ship Captains and Chief Officers regarding deck space allocation, gear usage and ballasting requirements.
• Drive daily, seasonal and long-term logistics planning, creating detailed project plans, presentations and reports to align operations with league goals.
• Act as the key logistics link between SailGP internal teams (Tech, Infrastructure, Operations) and primary partners (DP World) to ensure seamless communication and delivery.
• Lead risk management for the Logistics department, working with the Risk team to maintain up-to-date procedures and mitigate operational risk across all events.

Required Experience & Qualifications

• Minimum of 5–7 years of proven experience in international shipping management, heavy freight routing, or global event logistics.
• Deep understanding of international maritime shipping practices, global customs regulations, import/export frameworks, and handling of fragile, specialised components.
• High proficiency in global supply chain tracking software, inventory management tools, and project management applications (e.g. Google Workspace).
• Exceptional problem-solving skills with a proven track record of managing tight deadlines and multi-continent supply chain delays under intense pressure.
• Strong negotiation and relationship-building skills to manage diverse international suppliers, stakeholders, and local multi-cultural crews.
• Willingness and capability to travel extensively across five continents to support on-site event deliveries throughout the racing season.
• IOSH qualification or equivalent for managing, reviewing and approving Risk Assessments and Method Statements (RAMS).

Preferred Skills

• Experience in major sports tours, Formula 1, concert touring, or marine logistics is highly advantageous.

Workplace

• Based in Southampton.
• Overseas travel in line with the Championship calendar, currently 13 events per season and due to increase season on season, is required for event delivery.

About the Company

SailGP is a global sports and entertainment property founded in 2018, now in its fifth season, and home to the Rolex SailGP Championship, where national teams race identical high-tech F50 catamarans at speeds approaching 60 mph. It is a global organisation with defined values that shape the culture of its team: deliver quality, break boundaries, make an impact, stand together and strike a balance. SailGP is proud to be an equal opportunity workplace committed to building a team culture that celebrates diversity, equity and inclusion.