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.Are you ready to apply Make sure you understand all the responsibilities and tasks associated with this role before proceeding.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 Act as the single point of accountability for all shipping activity 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 Escalate only where decisions fall outside agreed limits or carry material risk 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 7.