Shipping Officer

Langham Recruitment; Guildford; On-site; GBP 40,000 - 60,000; Full time

Job summary

A satellite logistics company in Guildford is seeking a detail-oriented Shipping Officer to manage the logistics of high-value components. The ideal candidate will have 2-5 years of experience in logistics or shipping, preferably in the aerospace industry, and robust knowledge of customs and export regulations. This role offers a hybrid working environment with autonomy and requires excellent communication skills. You will coordinate shipments, manage documentation, and improve logistics processes.

Qualifications

• 2-5+ years in a logistics or shipping role, preferably in aerospace, defence, or high-tech manufacturing.
• Knowledge of UK customs, export control (SPIRE), and international freight regulations.
• Experience communicating with suppliers and managing logistics processes.

Responsibilities

• Organise domestic and international shipments of satellite components and equipment.
• Manage shipping documentation and ensure compliance with regulations.
• Evaluate logistics processes to suggest efficiencies and cost control measures.

Skills

Logistics Management

Attention to Detail

Communication Skills

Education

HNC/HND or Degree in Logistics, Business, Supply Chain, Engineering or related field

Tools

Microsoft Excel

ERP or inventory systems

SAPS/4HANA Business systems

Job description

Shipping Officer – Contract 12 months – Hybrid – Guildford

Rate negotiable and dependent on experience (This role sits inside IR35).

Overview

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

• 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 and 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.