Shipping Controller Lead in Tonbridge

We’re looking for an experienced Shipping Controller Lead to manage and coordinate international shipments in a highly regulated alcohol manufacturing environment. This is a critical role ensuring exports are processed accurately, compliantly and cost-effectively, from order receipt through to final invoicing and proof of export.

You’ll take ownership of end-to-end export operations, maintain HMRC-compliant audit trails, support excise duty movements and deliver a high standard of service to global customers.

What you’ll be doing

Export Operations

• Coordinate the full export process from order receipt to shipment, delivery and final invoicing
• Issue clear shipping instructions to freight forwarders, couriers and despatching warehouses
• Prepare, check and maintain all export documentation (commercial invoices, packing lists, bills of lading, certificates of origin/age, destination-specific paperwork)
• Track shipments and proactively manage delays or exceptions
• Monitor bonded and non-bonded export stock levels, ensuring accuracy at all times

Compliance, HMRC & Excise

• Ensure all alcohol exports comply with HMRC regulations, excise duty and duty suspension rules
• Maintain complete, auditable export records in line with HMRC requirements
• Liaise with bonded warehouses, customs agents and internal compliance teams
• Support EMCS movements, including ARC references and reconciliations
• Obtain and retain proof of export
• Identify and escalation compliance risks, discrepancies or documentation errors

Freight, Cost & Commercial Management

• Work with freight forwarders and courier partners to secure reliable, cost-effective transport
• Support shipping rate negotiation and cost‑control initiatives
• Ensure shipping costs are processed accurately and on time
• Balance commercial decision-making with compliance and service delivery
• Contribute to KPIs and continuous improvement initiatives

Customer & Stakeholder Management

• Act as a key contact for export-related customer queries
• Build strong relationships with Sales, Finance, Compliance and Warehouse teams
• Communicate shipment updates clearly and professionally
• Handle complex queries with confidence and a solutions‑focused approach

Continuous Improvement

• Identify opportunities to improve export processes and documentation accuracy
• Support onboarding and development of logistics team members
• Remain adaptable and support wider logistics activities as the business grows

What we’re looking for

• Proven experience coordinating exports within the alcohol / drinks manufacturing industry
• Strong working knowledge of HMRC regulations, excise duty and under‑bond movements
• Experience with EMCS, bonded warehouses and excise controls
• Solid understanding of Incoterms 2020
• Highly organised, detail‑oriented and process‑driven
• Confident working with ERP/order management systems and freight forwarder portals
• Strong communication, numerical and stakeholder management skills
• Ability to work autonomously while managing multiple priorities in a regulated environment

Desirable

• Knowledge of dangerous goods shipping requirements

Why join us?

You’ll play a key role in a growing, internationally focused business where compliance, quality and customer experience matter. This is a great opportunity to take real ownership in a specialist export function and make a tangible impact.

At Atom, we back curious, ambitious people who want to win. You’ll have real autonomy to run your area, challenge ideas and make decisions that directly impact the growth of a fast‑scaling brand.

We move quickly, care deeply about results, and give high performers the trust and ownership to deliver. You’ll be accountable for outcomes, not activity.

There’s no politics or red tape here. Just smart people, high standards and the expectation that you show up, think commercially and get things done.

Alongside competitive pay and core benefits, you’ll get a generous staff discount on over 15,000 brand SKU\’s.

We don’t sit still, and there’s a lot more to come… Apply now if you want to join us.