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
- 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. Cross-Functional Leadership
- Prepare and circulate a weekly shipping schedule (ETAs, delays, risks and actions)
- Act as first point of contact for Sales on shipment status and customer-impacting changes
- Work closely with Purchasing, Finance, Logistics and Customs
- Challenge poor inputs constructively and provide clear, proactive updates
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
