Degree, professional qualification or equivalent experience in Logistics, Supply Chain, International Trade, Customs, Freight Forwarding or a related discipline.
Description
About the role
Osprey believes that innovative, precision-engineering logistics, by land and by water, can transform the way critical UK infrastructure is built. We bring together the very best multi-disciplinary engineering and delivery team to accelerate projects, enhance safety, and work side by side with clients to solve the most complex construction challenges.
We are seeking an experienced and proactive Head of Freight & Customs to lead the development of Osprey’s freight, customs and logistics capability. Working closely with project, commercial and operational teams, you will play a key role in ensuring the safe, efficient and compliant movement of project cargo across the UK, Europe and international markets. A key focus of the role will be establishing Osprey’s freight and customs capability in the Netherlands, developing the partnerships, processes and infrastructure needed to support European project delivery. You will lead solutions to complex logistics and customs challenges, build strong relationships with suppliers and stakeholders, and support Osprey’s continued international growth. This is an excellent opportunity for a freight and customs professional who enjoys building new capabilities and delivering practical solutions in a dynamic project environment.
Location – Portbury, Bristol
Work Rotation – Monday – Friday
What You’ll do
- Lead and develop Osprey’s freight, customs and logistics capability, ensuring the safe, efficient and compliant delivery of project cargo across the UK, Europe and internationally.
- Establish and operationalise Osprey’s freight and customs function in the Netherlands, creating a scalable platform for future European growth.
- Build and manage relationships with freight forwarders, customs brokers, ports, hauliers and logistics partners to deliver reliable and cost-effective solutions.
- Develop innovative freight and logistics strategies to support complex, large-scale infrastructure and energy projects.
- Navigate UK, EU and international customs requirements, ensuring compliance while minimising risk, delays and unnecessary costs.
- Act as Osprey’s subject matter expert for freight, customs and trade compliance, providing guidance to project, commercial and operational teams.
- Lead the setup and mobilisation of new logistics hubs, supply chains and transport solutions to support project delivery.
- Support bids, tenders and project planning through the development of logistics strategies, schedules and cost estimates.
- Support Osprey’s international growth ambitions by strengthening logistics networks and customs capabilities across Europe and other global markets.
Skills & Experience
- Degree, professional qualification or equivalent experience in Logistics, Supply Chain, International Trade, Customs, Freight Forwarding or a related discipline.
- Recognised customs, trade compliance or freight forwarding qualification, or substantial practical experience operating at a senior level within the sector.
- Proven experience in freight, customs and logistics management within complex, project-based, engineering, infrastructure, energy or construction environments.
- Strong knowledge of UK, EU and international customs regulations, import/export requirements and trade compliance processes.
- Experience developing and implementing freight and logistics solutions for large-scale or complex projects.
- Strong understanding of multimodal transport, freight forwarding, customs brokerage and cross-border logistics operations.
- Experience managing and negotiating with freight forwarders, customs brokers, hauliers, ports and other logistics providers.
- Excellent stakeholder management and communication skills, with the ability to influence and build relationships at all levels.
- Willingness to travel regularly within the UK, the Netherlands and internationally as required.
- 25 days’ annual leave, plus 8 bank holidays
- Enhanced employer pension contributions and salary sacrifice schemes
- Private medical insurance
- Life insurance cover
- Performance-related pay scheme
- Enhanced parental leave benefits
- Cycle to work scheme
- Family friend policies
- Access to our Employee Assistance Programme
- Get Active from Aviva – Gym discounts up to 40% off
- Support your career development through our success management process
Who we are
Osprey Shipping Limited is the data controller for the personal information you provide during the recruitment process.
Purpose of data collection
We collect and process your personal data to:
- Assess your suitability for the role applied for
- Contact you regarding your application
- Carry out pre-employment checks (e.g. references, right to work)
- Comply with legal obligations and safeguard our legitimate interests
The legal bases we rely on for processing your personal data include:
- Article 6(1)(b): processing is necessary for the performance of a contract or to take steps prior to entering into a contract
- Article 6(1)(f): legitimate interests of the organisation
- Article 6(1)(c): compliance with a legal obligation (e.g. right to work checks)
- Article 9(2)(b) or (h), where special category data (e.g. health or diversity data) is collected
What personal data we collect
We may collect the following information:
- Your name, contact details, and job history
- Qualifications, education and training records
- Information provided in your CV, cover letter or application form
- Interview notes and assessment results
- Right to work documentation and references
- Equal opportunities data (if collected, this is anonymised and used only for monitoring)
Who we share your data with
Your data will only be shared with those involved in the recruitment process. We may also share it with:
- Third-party providers of recruitment assessments or platforms
- Former employers or referees you’ve identified
- Government bodies where required by law (e.g. UK Visas and Immigration)
We do not share your data internationally or with third parties for marketing purposes.
Retention of your data
If your application is unsuccessful, your data will be retained for 6 months from the closure of the recruitment process, after which it will be securely deleted. If you are successful, your data will be kept in your employee record and processed in accordance with our Staff Privacy Notice.
Your rights
Under UK data protection law, you have the right to:
- Access the personal data we hold about you
- Request correction or deletion of your data
- Restrict or object to how we process your data
- Request data portability (where applicable)
To exercise your rights, please contact us at: careers@osprey.group
If you believe your data has been handled unlawfully, you can also lodge a complaint with the Information Commissioner’s Office (ICO):
https://www.ico.org.uk
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Head of Freight and Customs employer: Osprey Shipping Limited
Osprey is an exceptional employer that prioritises innovative logistics and precision engineering, fostering a collaborative work culture at Portbury Docks, Bristol. With a strong focus on employee growth, we offer comprehensive benefits including enhanced pension contributions, private medical insurance, and generous annual leave, ensuring our team members thrive both personally and professionally. Join us to be part of a dynamic environment where your expertise in port operations will directly contribute to the success of critical infrastructure projects across the UK.
