At a Glance
- Tasks: Lead and optimise international logistics operations, ensuring smooth transport and customs activities.
- Company: Join Draken, a mission-focused organisation in the defence and aerospace sector.
- Benefits: Enjoy competitive salary, pension contributions, bonuses, and wellbeing programmes.
- Other info: Diverse and inclusive workplace with opportunities for career growth.
- Why this job: Make a real impact in global defence operations while enhancing your logistics expertise.
- Qualifications: 5+ years in transport, shipping, or customs with strong problem-solving skills.
The predicted salary is between 40000 - 50000 € per year.
Location: Hurn, Dorset
Hours: Full-time 37 hours | Permanent
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.
The Role
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
Experience / skills / qualifications
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.
Our employee values
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.
About You
About Us
Whether it is adversarial support, electronic attack or customised rotary-wing training, we offer the most accurate and advanced readiness training in the industry. Our vast, differentiated fleet, cutting edge hardware and experienced instructors are engaged to help your mission take off. Being ready is not only a matter of when. But where. We provide services in the UK, US and across the NATO countries. Making sure that our allies can manoeuvre around defeat and prepare to prevail.
Supply Chain Operations Lead in Bournemouth employer: Draken
Draken Europe is an exceptional employer located in Hurn, Dorset, offering a dynamic work environment where employees are valued and rewarded for their contributions. With a comprehensive benefits package that includes generous pension contributions, wellbeing programmes, and opportunities for professional growth, Draken fosters a culture of inclusivity and respect, making it an ideal place for those looking to make a meaningful impact in the defence and aerospace sector.
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 people in the industry, especially those already working at Draken. A friendly chat can open doors and give you insider info that could make your application stand out.
✨Tip Number 2
Prepare for the interview by brushing up on your knowledge of customs processes and logistics. Be ready to discuss real-life scenarios where you've solved supply chain issues. Show them you’re the go-to person for keeping things moving!
✨Tip Number 3
Don’t just wait for job openings—be proactive! Keep an eye on our website for new roles and apply as soon as they pop up. The early bird gets the worm, right?
✨Tip Number 4
Follow up after your interview with a thank-you note. It’s a simple gesture that shows your enthusiasm for the role and keeps you fresh in their minds. Plus, who doesn’t appreciate a bit of gratitude?
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 relevant achievements that showcase your problem-solving skills.
Craft a Compelling Cover Letter:Your cover letter is your chance to shine! Use it to explain why you’re passionate about logistics and how your background aligns with Draken’s mission. Be sure to mention specific experiences that demonstrate your understanding of international logistics.
Showcase Your Skills:In your application, make sure to highlight your strong knowledge of UK and international customs processes. Mention any tools or systems you’ve used, like CDS or ATA Carnets, to show you’re ready to hit the ground running.
Apply Through Our Website:We encourage you to apply through our website for the best chance of getting noticed. It’s the easiest way for us to keep track of your application and ensure it reaches the right people!
How to prepare for a job interview at Draken
✨Know Your Logistics Inside Out
Make sure you brush up on your knowledge of international logistics, customs processes, and compliance regulations. Be ready to discuss specific examples from your experience that demonstrate your understanding of these areas, especially in a regulated environment like aerospace or defence.
✨Showcase Problem-Solving Skills
Prepare to share instances where you've successfully resolved supply chain disruptions. Highlight your approach to identifying root causes and the steps you took to ensure timely and compliant delivery of goods. This will show your potential employer that you can handle challenges effectively.
✨Build Relationships with Stakeholders
Since this role involves working closely with various internal teams and external partners, think about how you've managed relationships in the past. Be ready to discuss how you’ve collaborated with freight forwarders, customs brokers, and other stakeholders to optimise logistics operations.
✨Continuous Improvement Mindset
Draken values continuous improvement, so come prepared with ideas on how you could drive process enhancements in their logistics operations. Think about tools or methodologies you've used in the past to improve efficiency and compliance, and be ready to share those insights.
