Job title: Global Import Export Shipping Manager
Location: North West London, NW2 7HF
Salary: £60,000 - £70,000 per annum
Hours: Monday – Friday 9:00am – 6:00pm + 1 hour lunch break
Hybrid: 3 days in office, 2 days working from home
Our business…
At Vitabiotics, you'll find a diverse bunch of talented folk who come from a wide range of backgrounds and possess an extensive array of experience. What brings us all together is a culture that thrives on innovation, mutual respect, team work and a sense of commitment. Vitabiotics is truly a great place to work!
Vitabiotics has pioneered advances in nutritional healthcare products for over 50 years and the range includes many of Britain’s leading supplement brands such as Perfectil, Pregnacare, Wellman, Wellwoman and Menopace.
As the UK’s No.1 vitamin company, exporting to over 100 countries, Vitabiotics is widely acknowledged as leaders in innovation and in 2018 became the first vitamin company to twice receive the Queen’s Award for Innovation, awarded for its ground breaking clinical research.
As part of our commitment to innovation and development, we are seeking for experienced and results-driven Global Import & Export Shipping Manager to lead and optimise our international logistics operations. In this role, you will oversee the end-to-end movement of goods across global markets, ensuring compliance with international trade regulations while delivering efficiency, cost control, and service excellence.
Responsibilities will include…
* Develop and implement global freight and shipping strategies to optimise delivery timelines, improve service levels, and reduce logistics costs.
* Manage all international import and export shipments across sea freight, air freight, UK and courier networks.
* Ensure full compliance with international trade regulations, customs procedures, export controls, and shipping documentation requirements.
* Oversee preparation and accuracy of shipping documentation, including commercial invoices, packing lists, certificates of origin, and customs declarations.
* Coordinate with internal teams and external partners to ensure compliance with shipping regulations, customs procedures, and company policies. Build and manage relationships with freight forwarders, carriers, customs brokers, and third-party logistics providers (3PLs).
* Negotiate freight rates, service agreements, and contracts with logistics providers to secure competitive pricing and reliable service levels.
* Monitor shipping performance through key metrics including freight costs, delivery timelines, service levels, and customs clearance performance.
* Analyse shipping data and operational metrics to identify opportunities for process improvement, cost optimisation, and operational efficiency.
* Lead, train, and mentor the shipping team to maintain high levels of performance, accountability, and compliance awareness.
* ·Stay up to date on global logistics trends, customs regulations, and industry best practices to maintain compliant and competitive shipping operations.
Requirements
Essential:
* Bachelor's degree in Supply Chain Management, Logistics, Business Administration, or a related field.
* Extensive years of experience in international shipping, freight forwarding, or logistics management, with a proven track record of improving shipping operations.
* Strong understanding of global import/export / logistics processes, customs regulations, and international trade compliance requirements.
* Experience managing air freight, sea freight, and international shipping operations across multiple regions.
* Strong analytical and problem-solving skills with the ability to make data-driven decisions.
* Excellent communication and leadership skills.
* Ability to multitask and work under pressure.
* Attention to detail and strong problem-solving capability.
* Ability to work independently and as part of a team.
Desirable:
* Experience withlogistics management software, freight management systems, or ERP platforms.
* Proficiency in project management methodologies
* Certifications in supply chain or logistics management (e.g., APICS, CSCP,CILT) are a plus customs brokers, freight forwarders, and international logistics networks.
Skills:
* Proficient in logistics management software and ERP systems
* Knowledge of global freight operations (air, sea, road) and last mile
* Understanding of international trade regulations and customs compliance
* Strong vendor management and freight negotiation skills
* Supply chain optimisation and logistics planning
* Data analysis to monitor shipping performance and KPIs
* Strong leadership and operational management capability
Benefits
* 24 days annual leave plus bank holidays.
* Birthday day off.
* 2 Charity days a year.
* Bupa dental cover.
* Private medical insurance.
* 50% staff discount on all Vitabiotics products.
* Staff skills training.
* Health and wellbeing programme.
* Pension contributions.
* Sick pay support.
* Free onsite parking.
* Enhanced maternity or paternity leave.
* Company events.
* Fresh fruit and snacks.
* Free EV charging station.