At a Glance
- Tasks: Lead and optimise international logistics operations, ensuring compliance and resolving supply chain issues.
- Company: Draken, a mission-focused aviation services provider in defence and aerospace.
- Benefits: Competitive salary, pension matching, bonuses, wellbeing programmes, and tech vouchers.
- Other info: Join a diverse team committed to fairness and continuous improvement.
- Why this job: Make a real impact in global defence operations while developing your logistics expertise.
- Qualifications: 5+ years in transport, shipping, or customs with strong problem-solving skills.
The predicted salary is between 45000 - 55000 € per year.
Draken believes in fair reward and recognition for our employees. As such, we offer competitive salaries and a comprehensive benefits package including up to 12% matching pension contributions, bonus incentives, discounted PMI, electric car scheme, tech vouchers, wellbeing programmes and much more.
At Draken, we deliver mission-critical aviation services to military and government customers worldwide. Operating in a highly regulated defence and aerospace environment, the effective and compliant movement of goods across international borders is essential to sustaining operational readiness. We are seeking an experienced Transport, Shipping & Customs professional to support and coordinate transport, freight forwarding, and customs activities. This role focuses on the day-to-day execution and optimisation of international logistics operations, including customs compliance, shipment coordination, and import/export documentation. You will play a key role in removing supply chain constraints, ensuring regulatory compliance, and supporting continuous improvement across our logistics operations. In addition, you will provide operational support to ongoing logistics contracts and projects, working alongside the Procurement team where required to ensure services continue to meet operational needs.
Key Responsibilities
- Managing and improving relationships with freight forwarders and customs brokers
- Overseeing customs activity, including UK CDS reporting, reconciliations, and query resolution
- Supporting export documentation (commercial invoices, packing lists) in line with export control requirements
- Coordinating import clearance instructions to ensure timely, compliant delivery of goods
- Acting as the escalation point for shipment delays or customs holds — identifying root causes and resolving issues quickly
- Working closely with internal teams (engineering, procurement, finance) and external partners to keep everything aligned
- Managing risk and cost across transport and customs activities
- Driving continuous improvements in processes, reporting, and automation
We’re looking for someone who understands the complexity of international logistics and thrives in a fast‑paced, regulated environment. You’ll have:
- Experience in transport, shipping, or customs (typically 5+ years)
- Strong knowledge of UK and international customs processes, including CDS
- Experience managing freight forwarders and customs brokers
- A solid understanding of import/export compliance and trade regulations
- Experience working in a complex or regulated environment (aerospace/defence highly desirable)
- Strong problem-solving skills, particularly in resolving supply chain disruptions
- Confidence working with stakeholders across different functions
- Knowledge of Incoterms, rules of origin, and tools such as ATA Carnets
Why Join Draken Europe?
This role offers an opportunity to influence and strengthen critical logistics capabilities in a mission‑focused organization. At Draken, you’ll work at the centre of global defence operations, helping ensure that our people and platforms are supported wherever they are deployed.
Draken is committed to eliminating unlawful and unfair discrimination and we celebrate the differences that a diverse workforce brings. A range of perspective and talent supports our values and drives our success, with a mix of voices generating better discussions, business decisions and outcomes for all. At all our sites internationally, every member of the Draken team is accountable to ensure that we are all treated fairly and with respect. We are also an Armed Forces friendly organisation, and as part of our commitment to the Armed Forces Covenant, welcome applications from veterans and services spouses and partners who met the criteria in our job specifications. In line with our Disability Confident Commitments, we provide reasonable adjustments to facilitate our interview process, please liaise with us if any reasonable adjustments are required.
Supply Chain Operations Lead in Bournemouth employer: Draken Europe
Draken is an exceptional employer that prioritises fair reward and recognition, offering competitive salaries alongside a comprehensive benefits package that includes generous pension contributions, bonus incentives, and wellbeing programmes. With a strong commitment to employee growth and a diverse work culture, Draken provides a unique opportunity to influence critical logistics operations in the defence sector, all while fostering an inclusive environment that values every team member's contributions.
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Supply Chain Operations Lead in Bournemouth
✨Tip Number 1
Network like a pro! Reach out to folks in the supply chain and logistics field on LinkedIn or at industry events. A friendly chat can lead to opportunities that aren’t even advertised yet.
✨Tip Number 2
Prepare for interviews by researching Draken and its operations. Understand their mission-critical services and think about how your experience aligns with their needs. Show them you’re not just another candidate!
✨Tip Number 3
Practice your problem-solving skills! Be ready to discuss specific challenges you've faced in logistics and how you resolved them. This will demonstrate your ability to thrive in a fast-paced, regulated environment.
✨Tip Number 4
Don’t forget to apply through our website! It’s the best way to ensure your application gets noticed. Plus, it shows you’re genuinely interested in joining the Draken team.
We think you need these skills to ace Supply Chain Operations Lead in Bournemouth
Some tips for your application 🫡
Tailor Your CV:Make sure your CV is tailored to the Supply Chain Operations Lead role. Highlight your experience in transport, shipping, and customs, and don’t forget to mention any specific achievements that relate to international logistics.
Craft a Compelling Cover Letter:Your cover letter is your chance to shine! Use it to explain why you’re passionate about the role and how your skills align with Draken’s mission. Be sure to mention your problem-solving skills and experience in regulated environments.
Showcase Relevant Experience:When filling out your application, emphasise your 5+ years of experience in the field. Include specific examples of how you've managed freight forwarders or resolved supply chain disruptions to demonstrate your expertise.
Apply Through Our Website:We encourage you to apply through our website for a smoother process. It’s the best way for us to receive your application and ensures you don’t miss out on any important updates from our team!
How to prepare for a job interview at Draken Europe
✨Know Your Customs Inside Out
Make sure you brush up on your knowledge of UK and international customs processes, especially CDS reporting. Being able to discuss specific regulations and how they impact logistics will show that you're not just familiar with the basics but are ready to tackle the complexities of the role.
✨Showcase Your Problem-Solving Skills
Prepare examples of past challenges you've faced in transport or shipping and how you resolved them. Highlighting your strong problem-solving skills will demonstrate your ability to handle supply chain disruptions effectively, which is crucial for this role.
✨Understand the Bigger Picture
Familiarise yourself with Draken's mission and how the logistics operations support military and government customers. Showing that you understand the importance of your role in maintaining operational readiness will resonate well with the interviewers.
✨Engage with Stakeholders
Be ready to discuss your experience working with various stakeholders, from freight forwarders to internal teams like engineering and finance. Emphasising your ability to manage relationships and keep everyone aligned will highlight your collaborative approach, which is key in this position.
