Shipping Officer

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

Job summary

A leading recruitment agency is seeking a Shipping Officer to manage logistics operations for high-value components. The ideal candidate will have 2-5+ years of experience in logistics, preferably in aerospace, and will possess strong organisational and communication skills. This role involves coordinating shipments, ensuring compliance with regulations, and working collaboratively within a small team. The position offers a hybrid working model with occasional travel options.

Qualifications

• 2-5+ years in a logistics or shipping role, preferably in aerospace, defence, or high-tech manufacturing.
• Knowledge of UK customs, export control, and international freight regulations.
• Familiarity with ITAR/EAR regulations is preferred but not essential.

Responsibilities

• Coordinate domestic and international shipments of satellite components.
• Manage shipping documentation and ensure compliance with regulations.
• Support stock control and align deliveries with build schedules.
• Communicate shipment status and flag delays or issues promptly.

Skills

Attention to detail

Organisational skills

Confident communication

Problem-solving mindset

Education

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

Tools

Microsoft Excel

ERP or inventory systems

SAPS/4HANA Business systems

Job description

Shipping Officer | Contract | 12 months | Inside IR35 | Hybrid working | Guildford

Rate negotiable and dependent on experience (This role 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.