Job Description:

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.