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
1. Sea, air and road freight (EU, UK, China, India and other global origins)
2. Management of freight forwarders and third-party logistics providers
3. Leadership and development of the shipping function, including training and resourcing as the business grows
4. Close collaboration with Purchasing, Finance, Customs & Compliance and Sales
5. 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
6. Full accountability for shipping outcomes with clear decision authority within agreed financial and risk thresholds
7. Ensure shipments progress without repeated chasing or routine escalation
8. Act as the single point of accountability for all shipping activity
9. Ensure all shipments are fully compliant and release-to-order ready before shipment
10. Coordinate with Customs & Compliance to ensure correct tariff classification, export documentation, health certification and hazardous/dangerous goods requirements
11. Own Products of Animal Origin (POAO) health certification accuracy end-to-end
12. 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
13. Own release-to-order decisions within defined parameters
14. Approve freight method, timing and cost within agreed thresholds
15. Escalate only where decisions fall outside agreed limits or carry material risk
3. Cost Control & Risk Management
16. Proactively monitor freight costs, detention, demurrage and free time
17. Prevent unnecessary costs rather than reacting to invoices
18. Challenge freight charges, service failures and incorrect billing
4. Data Accuracy & Financial Protection
19. Ensure shipping data, system entries, landed costs and allocations are correct first time
20. Ensure accurate and timely Goods Receipt Notes (GRNs) aligned with shipment arrival and documentation
21. Act as first line of defence before Finance involvement
22. Own and resolve shipping-related finance queries
5. Process, SOPs & Controls
23. Design, implement and enforce clear shipping SOPs
24. Ensure SOPs fully cover regulated and hazardous/dangerous goods shipments
25. Introduce checklists and embedded controls for all shipment types
26. Remove dependency on individual knowledge by standardising processes
6. Team Leadership & Capability Building
27. Lead, train and develop the Shipping Administrator
28. Set clear standards, priorities and decision boundaries
29. Build a scalable, resilient shipping function
7. Cross-Functional Leadership
30. Prepare and circulate a weekly shipping schedule (ETAs, delays, risks and actions)
31. Act as first point of contact for Sales on shipment status and customer-impacting changes
32. Work closely with Purchasing, Finance, Logistics and Customs
33. Challenge poor inputs constructively and provide clear, proactive updates
What We're Looking For
34. Strong experience in international shipping and freight management
35. Proven ability to manage risk, cost and compliance in regulated environments
36. Confident decision-maker with clear ownership mentality
37. Experience with POAO shipments and Port Health clearance highly advantageous
38. Able to lead, influence and challenge cross-functionally
39. Detail-driven with strong systems and financial awareness
Employment Package
40. Full-time, permanent position
41. Hybrid working after probation (2 days per week WFH)
42. 25 days annual leave
43. Private health insurance (post-probation)
44. Pension scheme with up to 5% employer matching (post-probation)
45. Employee Assistance Programme
46. Immediate start available
47. Onsite parking