International Shipping Manager - Commercial Programs

Zone5Technologies; Paso Robles (CA); On-site; USD 104,000 - 188,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

401(k) with company match

4 weeks paid time off

12 company holidays

Comprehensive medical/dental/vision

Job summary

Zone 5 Technologies is seeking an International Shipping Manager to lead global logistics for direct sales, FMS, and defense programs. You will coordinate export compliance, documentation, and complex routing while partnering with Sales, Program Management, and Manufacturing to ensure timely, cost-effective shipments.

The role requires deep knowledge of international freight, ITAR/EAR, and cross-functional execution in a defense manufacturing environment, driving revenue growth through

Qualifications

• Bachelor's degree in a related field.
• 7–10+ years in international shipping/logistics.
• 3–5+ years leadership/management.
• Experience supporting direct commercial sales in manufacturing.
• Experience managing logistics for multiple programs.

Responsibilities

• Lead international shipping activities for direct sales, FMS, and defense customers.
• Partner with Sales/Biz Dev for shipping strategies during proposals and delivery planning.
• Coordinate shipments across concurrent programs meeting delivery and contractual requirements.
• Develop shipping schedules aligned with production milestones and customer acceptance dates.
• Manage relationships with freight forwarders, brokers, and carriers to optimize service and cost.
• Ensure compliance with ITAR, EAR, OFAC, and other export controls.

Skills

Analytical skills

Organizational skills

Project management

Communication

Customer relationship mgmt

Education

Bachelor's degree in Supply Chain Management, Business, Logistics, International Trade, or related field

Tools

SAP

Oracle

Microsoft Dynamics

Job description

At Zone 5 Technologies, we're redefining what's possible in unmanned aircraft systems. Our team of engineers and innovators is developing cutting-edge autonomous solutions that push the boundaries of UAS technology - solving complex challenges that matter.

We're building the future of UAS capabilities, and we're looking for exceptional talent to join us. If you're driven by hard problems, energized by rapid innovation, and ready to make an impact on next-generation flight systems, you belong here.

Position Summary

The International Shipping Manageris responsible forleading globallogisticsoperations with a strong emphasis on supporting direct commercial sales and international customer deliveries. This role partners closely with Sales, Business Development, Program Management, Operations, Manufacturing, Contracts, Compliance, Customer Service, and Finance to ensuretimely,compliant, and cost-effective execution of international shipments across multiple commercial and defense programs.

The ideal candidatepossessesdeepexpertisein international transportation, export compliance, commercial shipping documentation, and cross-functional program execution within a defense manufacturing environment. This position requires balancing customer commitments, regulatory compliance, and operational excellence while supporting revenue growth through exceptionallogisticsexecution.

Key Responsibilities

• Lead all international shipping activities supporting direct commercial sales, foreign military sales (FMS), and global defense customers.

• Serve as the primarylogisticspartner for Commercial Sales and Business Development teams, providing shipping strategies during proposal development, contract execution, and customer delivery planning.

• Coordinate international shipments across multiple concurrent programs while meeting customer delivery commitments and contractual requirements.

• Collaborate with Program Managers to develop integrated shipping schedules aligned with production milestones and customer acceptance dates.

• Partner with Manufacturing, Planning, Procurement, and Quality teams to ensure shipment readiness and resolve delivery risks proactively.

• Manage relationships with freight forwarders, customs brokers, carriers, and third-partylogisticsproviders tooptimizeservice, cost, and performance.

• Ensure compliance with U.S. export regulations including ITAR, EAR, OFAC, Customs requirements, and applicable international trade regulations.

• Prepare and review export documentation including:

• Commercial Invoices

• Packing Lists

• Shipper's Export Declarations (EEI)

• Certificates of Origin

• Bills of Lading

• Dangerous Goods documentation

• Import/Export licenses

• Support international customer shipments involving complex routing, special handling, hazardous materials, and secure transportation requirements.

• Monitorlogisticsperformance metrics including on-time delivery, freight cost, customs clearance, transit times, and customer satisfaction.

• Drive continuous improvement initiatives to reduce transportation costs while improving service levels.

• Resolve shipping issues including customs delays, damaged freight, export compliance concerns, and customer escalations.

• Developlogisticsstrategies that support company growth in international commercial markets.

• Providelogisticsexpertiseduring new program launches and transition activities.

• Maintain shipping procedures and ensure adherence to company quality management systems.

• Lead and mentor shipping personnel while promoting operational excellence and continuous improvement.

Cross-Functional Leadership

This role works extensively across the organization, including:

• Commercial Sales

• Business Development

• Program Management

• Contracts Administration

• Export Compliance

• Manufacturing Operations

• Production Planning

• Procurement

• Quality Assurance

• Engineering

• Customer Service

• Finance

• Warehouse and Distribution

Required Qualifications

• Bachelor's degree in Supply Chain Management, Business, Logistics, International Trade, or related field.

• 7–10+ years of progressive experience in international shipping, globallogistics, or supply chain management.

• 3–5+ years of leadership or management experience.

• Experience supporting direct commercial sales within a manufacturing environment.

• Experience managinglogisticsfor multiple programs simultaneously.

• Strong knowledge of: International freight transportation

• Customs regulations

• Incoterms®

• Export documentation

• Import/export processes

• Freightforwardingoperations

• Experience with ERP systems such as SAP, Oracle, Microsoft Dynamics, or similar.

• Strong analytical, organizational, and project management skills.

• Excellent communication and customer relationship management abilities.

Preferred Qualifications

• Experience within the aerospace and defense manufacturing industry.

• Working knowledge of: ITAR

• EAR

• DFARS

• Foreign Military Sales (FMS)

• Defense export licensing

• APICS (ASCM), CSCMP, or related supply chain certification.

• Lean Manufacturing or Six Sigma certification.

• Experience with international government and commercial customers.

• Familiarity with transportation management systems (TMS) and export compliance software.

Core Competencies

• Commercial Customer Focus

• Cross-Functional Leadership

• Global Logistics Strategy

• International Trade Compliance

• Program Management

• Operational Excellence

• Supply Chain Optimization

• Risk Management

• Contract Execution

• Relationship Management

• Process Improvement

• Decision Making

• Financial Acumen

• Negotiation Skills

Pay range for this role

$104,000 — $188,000 USD

What's in it for you:

Benefits:

• Competitive total compensation package
• Comprehensive benefit package options include medical, dental, vision, life, and more.
• 401k with company-match
• 4 weeks of paid time off each year
• 12 annual company holidays

Why Join Zone 5 Technologies?

• Innovative Environment: Work on cutting-edge technology that is shaping the future of defense and aerospace.
• Collaborative Culture: Join a team of passionate professionals dedicated to pushing the boundaries of who’s possible.
• Career Growth: Opportunities for professional development and career advancement.

In compliance with federal law, all persons hired will be required to verify identity and eligibility to work in the United States and to complete the required employment eligibility verification form upon hire.

Zone 5 Technologies is a federal contractor and participates in E-Verify to confirm employment eligibility. As required by law, we will verify the identity and employment authorization of all new employees using the E-Verify system. Learn more about your rights and responsibilities under E-Verify:https://www.e-verify.gov.