Transport Coordinator (Import/Export)

STARK; Swindon; On-site; GBP 32,000 - 42,000; Full time

Job summary

STARK in the United Kingdom is seeking a Transport Coordinator (Import/Export) to design and run the end-to-end movement of defence and aerospace goods, coordinating with freight forwarders and customs authorities. This greenfield role requires building transport, shipping, and customs processes from scratch, ensuring compliance, risk management, and traceable system logs for audits.

You will work with the Export Control Lead to manage international shipments of military and dual-use items,

Qualifications

• 3+ years in international logistics or freight forwarding handling controlled/military or dual-use goods under export controls (UK/international).
• Working knowledge of UK export licensing frameworks (SIEL/OGEL) via SPIRE/LITE.
• Eligible for UK Security Clearance (SC).
• Proficient in ERP systems, logistics software, and shipment reporting.
• Experience sourcing and managing high-security warehousing and cross-docking partners internationally.
• Strong understanding of HS code classification, Incoterms 2020, and customs procedures.
• Proven ability to prepare commercial invoices, packing lists, and shipping docs.
• Excellent attention to detail to minimize compliance risks during audits.
• Ability to coordinate with internal teams and external freight forwarders and border authorities.

Responsibilities

• Establish SOPs, ERP tracking, and workflows for import/export including dangerous goods from scratch.
• Plan, book, and track international shipments of military and dual-use items with freight forwarders.
• Build a network of security-cleared border/port partners and manage customs delays.
• Issue all shipping documents and verify declarations via HMRC CDS/GVMS.
• Maintain real-time ERP logs and secure archives for export audits.

Skills

Defence sector experience

Export control familiarity

Security clearance

Systems literacy

Vendor & network management

Technical skills

Documentation

Meticulous document control

Crisis management

Communication skills

Job description

STARK is a new kind of defence technology company revolutionizing the way autonomous systems are deployed across multiple domains. We design, develop, and manufacture high-performance unmanned systems that are software-defined, mass-scalable, and cost-effective. This provides our operators with a decisive edge in highly contested environments.

We’re focused on delivering deployable, high-performance systems—not future promises. In a time of rising threats, STARK is bolstering the technological edge of NATO Allies and their Partners to deter aggression and defend Europe—today.

Your mission

We are seeking a highly organized, resilient, and detail-oriented Transport Coordinator (Import/Export) to manage the end-to-end domestic & international movement of our defence and aerospace products. Working closely with our in-house Export Control Lead, you will be the operational powerhouse responsible for booking freight, managing relationships with freight forwarders, and generating all necessary shipping documentation.

Because we are in our scaling phase, this is a greenfield role. You won’t just inherit a smooth-running machine; you will be the primary architect responsible for designing, building, and implementing our transport, shipping, and customs processes from scratch.

Crucially, this role involves coordinating the transport of military-grade/controlled assets and Dangerous Goods (DG), establishing a proactive international network of secure port-side logistics partners, and maintaining flawless system logs to ensure 100% readiness for customs and government compliance audits.

Responsibilities

• Process Creation & System Implementation: Establish SOPs, ERP tracking, and workflows for import, export, MoD shipping, and dangerous goods from scratch.
• Shipment Coordination & Carrier Management: Plan, book, and track international shipments of military and dual-use items while managing freight forwarders.
• Border Contingency & Regional Partner Management: Build a network of security-cleared border/port partners and manage emergency holds or customs delays.
• Documentation & Customs Preparation: Issue all shipping documents (Invoices, Packing Lists, DGNs) and verify declarations via HMRC systems (CDS/GVMS).
• Systems Logging & Audit Readiness: Maintain real-time ERP logs and secure record archives to ensure full compliance for government export audits.

Qualifications

• Defence Sector Experience: 3+ years of experience in international logistics, shipping, or freight forwarding, specifically handling controlled, military, or dual-use goods under UK and international export control regulations.
• Export Control Familiarity: Working knowledge of UK export licensing frameworks, including SIELs and OGELs, administered through SPIRE/LITE.
• Security Clearance: Eligible to obtain, or currently holding, UK Security Clearance (SC).
• Systems Literacy: Proficient in using ERP systems, logistics management software, and spreadsheets for shipment tracking, reporting, and data management.
• Vendor & Network Management: Strong relationship-building skills with a proven track record of sourcing, onboarding, and managing high-security third-party warehousing and cross-docking partners internationally.
• Technical Skills: Expert knowledge of HS code classification, customs procedures, and Incoterms® 2020.
• Documentation: Proven track record of preparing accurate commercial invoices, packing lists, and shipping documentation.
• Meticulous Document Control: Exceptional attention to detail, ensuring accurate documentation and minimizing compliance risks and financial penalties during audits.
• Crisis Management & Resilience: Proven ability to remain calm and coordinate effective logistics solutions during border delays, customs holds, or other supply chain disruptions.
• Communication Skills: Strong communicator, effectively coordinating between internal operational teams and external freight forwarders, customs brokers, and border authorities.

Nice to have

• Dangerous Goods Expertise: Proven experience handling hazardous cargo, with familiarity with at least one major regulatory framework (ADR for road, IATA Dangerous Goods Regulations for air, or the IMDG Code for sea transport).
• HMRC Audit Support: Experience preparing for or supporting HMRC customs audits.
• Industry Network: An established network of relationships with UK port-side or airport-adjacent logistics providers and partners in key international trade hubs.
• Dangerous Goods Certification: A valid IATA Dangerous Goods or ADR certification.