Transport Coordinator (Import/Export)

We are seeking a highly organized, resilient, and detail-oriented Transport Coordinator (Import/Export) to manage the end-to-end domestic & international movement of our defence and aerospace products. Working closely with our in-house Export Control Lead, you will be the operational powerhouse responsible for booking freight, managing relationships with freight forwarders, and generating all necessary shipping documentation.

Because we are in our scaling phase, this is a greenfield role. You won’t just inherit a smooth-running machine; you will be the primary architect responsible for designing, building, and implementing our transport, shipping, and customs processes from scratch.

Crucially, this role involves coordinating the transport of military-grade/controlled assets and Dangerous Goods (DG), establishing a proactive international network of secure port-side logistics partners, and maintaining flawless system logs to ensure 100% readiness for customs and government compliance audits.

• Process Creation & System Implementation: Establish SOPs, ERP tracking, and workflows for import, export, MoD shipping, and dangerous goods from scratch.
• Shipment Coordination & Carrier Management: Plan, book, and track international shipments of military and dual-use items while managing freight forwarders.
• Border Contingency & Regional Partner Management: Build a network of security-cleared border/port partners and manage emergency holds or customs delays.
• Documentation & Customs Preparation: Issue all shipping documents (Invoices, Packing Lists, DGNs) and verify declarations via HMRC systems (CDS/GVMS).
• Systems Logging & Audit Readiness: Maintain real-time ERP logs and secure record archives to ensure full compliance for government export audits.

• Defence Sector Experience: 3+ years of experience in international logistics, shipping, or freight forwarding, specifically handling controlled, military, or dual-use goods under UK and international export control regulations.
• Export Control Familiarity: Working knowledge of UK export licensing frameworks, including SIELs and OGELs, administered through SPIRE/LITE.
• Security Clearance: Eligible to obtain, or currently holding, UK Security Clearance (SC).
• Systems Literacy: Proficient in using ERP systems, logistics management software, and spreadsheets for shipment tracking, reporting, and data management.
• Vendor & Network Management: Strong relationship-building skills with a proven track record of sourcing, onboarding, and managing high-security third-party warehousing and cross-docking partners internationally.
• Technical Skills: Expert knowledge of HS code classification, customs procedures, and Incoterms® 2020.
• Documentation: Proven track record of preparing accurate commercial invoices, packing lists, and shipping documentation.
• Meticulous Document Control: Exceptional attention to detail, ensuring accurate documentation and minimizing compliance risks and financial penalties during audits.
• Crisis Management & Resilience: Proven ability to remain calm and coordinate effective logistics solutions during border delays, customs holds, or other supply chain disruptions.
• Communication Skills: Strong communicator, effectively coordinating between internal operational teams and external freight forwarders, customs brokers, and border authorities.

• Dangerous Goods Expertise: Proven experience handling hazardous cargo, with familiarity with at least one major regulatory framework (ADR for road, IATA Dangerous Goods Regulations for air, or the IMDG Code for sea transport).
• HMRC Audit Support: Experience preparing for or supporting HMRC customs audits.
• Industry Network: An established network of relationships with UK port-side or airport-adjacent logistics providers and partners in key international trade hubs.
• Dangerous Goods Certification: A valid IATA Dangerous Goods or ADR certification.