Shipping Officer | Contract | 12 months | Inside IR35 | Hybrid working | Guildford
Rate negotiable and dependent on experience (This roles 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.