Shipping Manager / Head of Shipping

Location: Wicklow, Hybrid

Contract: Full-time, Permanent

Role Purpose

We are seeking an experienced Shipping Manager / Head of Shipping with end-to-end accountability for all shipping activity across a growing international business.

This is a management and control role, not a coordination role. You will own shipping outcomes, protect the business from unnecessary cost and risk, and ensure shipments move efficiently, compliantly, and with accurate data first time.

The role exists to prevent problems, not to correct them after the fact.

Scope of the Role

Sea, air and road freight (EU, UK, China, India and other global origins)
Management of freight forwarders and third-party logistics providers
Leadership and development of the shipping function, including training and resourcing as the business grows
Close collaboration with Purchasing, Finance, Customs & Compliance and Sales
Monitoring external factors (world events, economics, weather) and proactively advising the business on risk mitigation and alternative strategies

Key Responsibilities

1. End-to-End Shipping Ownership

Full accountability for shipping outcomes with clear decision authority within agreed financial and risk thresholds
Ensure shipments progress without repeated chasing or routine escalation
Ensure all shipments are fully compliant and release-to-order ready before shipment
Coordinate with Customs & Compliance to ensure correct tariff classification, export documentation, health certification and hazardous/dangerous goods requirements
Own Products of Animal Origin (POAO) health certification accuracy end-to-end
Lead resolution of POAO Port Health holds or queries, liaising directly with Port Health and relevant authorities (UK, Netherlands and others) until clearance is secured

2. Release-to-Order & Decision Authority

Own release-to-order decisions within defined parameters
Approve freight method, timing and cost within agreed thresholds

3. Cost Control & Risk Management

Proactively monitor freight costs, detention, demurrage and free time
Prevent unnecessary costs rather than reacting to invoices
Challenge freight charges, service failures and incorrect billing

4. Data Accuracy & Financial Protection

Ensure shipping data, system entries, landed costs and allocations are correct first time
Ensure accurate and timely Goods Receipt Notes (GRNs) aligned with shipment arrival and documentation
Act as first line of defence before Finance involvement
Own and resolve shipping-related finance queries

5. Process, SOPs & Controls

Design, implement and enforce clear shipping SOPs
Ensure SOPs fully cover regulated and hazardous/dangerous goods shipments
Introduce checklists and embedded controls for all shipment types
Remove dependency on individual knowledge by standardising processes

6. Team Leadership & Capability Building

Lead, train and develop the Shipping Administrator
Set clear standards, priorities and decision boundaries
Build a scalable, resilient shipping function

What We’re Looking For

Strong experience in international shipping and freight management
Proven ability to manage risk, cost and compliance in regulated environments
Confident decision-maker with clear ownership mentality
Experience with POAO shipments and Port Health clearance highly advantageous
Able to lead, influence and challenge cross-functionally
Detail-driven with strong systems and financial awareness

Employment Package

Full-time, permanent position
Hybrid working after probation (2 days per week WFH)
25 days annual leave
Private health insurance (post-probation)
Pension scheme with up to 5% employer matching (post-probation)
Employee Assistance Programme
Immediate start available
Onsite parking

Cpl

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