Shipping Manager / Head of ShippingLocation:Wicklow, HybridContract:Full-time, PermanentRole PurposeWe are seeking an experiencedShipping Manager / Head of Shippingwith end-to-end accountability for all shipping activity across a growing international business.This is amanagement 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 toprevent problems, not to correct them after the fact.Scope of the RoleSea, air and road freight (EU, UK, China, India and other global origins)Management of freight forwarders and third-party logistics providersLeadership and development of the shipping function, including training and resourcing as the business growsClose collaboration with Purchasing, Finance, Customs & Compliance and SalesMonitoring external factors (world events, economics, weather) and proactively advising the business on risk mitigation and alternative strategiesKey Responsibilities1. End-to-End Shipping OwnershipFull accountability for shipping outcomes with clear decision authority within agreed financial and risk thresholdsEnsure shipments progress without repeated chasing or routine escalationEnsure all shipments are fully compliant and release-to-order ready before shipmentCoordinate with Customs & Compliance to ensure correct tariff classification, export documentation, health certification and hazardous/dangerous goods requirementsOwn Products of Animal Origin (POAO) health certification accuracy end-to-endLead resolution of POAO Port Health holds or queries, liaising directly with Port Health and relevant authorities (UK, Netherlands and others) until clearance is secured2. Release-to-Order & Decision AuthorityOwn release-to-order decisions within defined parametersApprove freight method, timing and cost within agreed thresholds3. Cost Control & Risk ManagementProactively monitor freight costs, detention, demurrage and free timePrevent unnecessary costs rather than reacting to invoicesChallenge freight charges, service failures and incorrect billing4. Data Accuracy & Financial ProtectionEnsure shipping data, system entries, landed costs and allocations are correct first timeEnsure accurate and timely Goods Receipt Notes (GRNs) aligned with shipment arrival and documentationAct as first line of defence before Finance involvementOwn and resolve shipping-related finance queries5. Process, SOPs & ControlsDesign, implement and enforce clear shipping SOPsEnsure SOPs fully cover regulated and hazardous/dangerous goods shipmentsIntroduce checklists and embedded controls for all shipment typesRemove dependency on individual knowledge by standardising processes6. Team Leadership & Capability BuildingLead, train and develop the Shipping AdministratorSet clear standards, priorities and decision boundariesBuild a scalable, resilient shipping functionWhat We're Looking ForStrong experience in international shipping and freight managementProven ability to manage risk, cost and compliance in regulated environmentsConfident decision-maker with clear ownership mentalityExperience with POAO shipments and Port Health clearance highly advantageousAble to lead, influence and challenge cross-functionallyDetail-driven with strong systems and financial awarenessEmployment PackageFull-time, permanent positionHybrid working after probation (2 days per week WFH)25 days annual leavePrivate health insurance (post-probation)Pension scheme with up to 5% employer matching (post-probation)Employee Assistance ProgrammeImmediate start availableOnsite parking