At a Glance
- Tasks: Lead and optimise global shipping operations while ensuring compliance with international trade regulations.
- Company: Join Vitabiotics, the UK's No.1 vitamin company with a culture of innovation and teamwork.
- Benefits: Enjoy competitive salary, generous leave, private medical insurance, and staff discounts.
- Other info: Dynamic work environment with opportunities for professional growth and development.
- Why this job: Make a real impact in global logistics and be part of a pioneering team.
- Qualifications: Bachelor's degree in Supply Chain Management or related field with extensive shipping experience.
The predicted salary is between 60000 - 70000 £ per year.
Location: North West London, NW2 7HF
Salary: £60,000 - £70,000 per annum
Hours: Monday – Friday 9:00am – 6:00pm + 1 hour lunch break
Hybrid: 3 days in office, 2 days working from home
Our business… At Vitabiotics, you'll find a diverse bunch of talented folk who come from a wide range of backgrounds and possess an extensive array of experience. What brings us all together is a culture that thrives on innovation, mutual respect, teamwork and a sense of commitment. Vitabiotics has pioneered advances in nutritional healthcare products for over 50 years and the range includes many of Britain’s leading supplement brands such as Perfectil, Pregnacare, Wellman, Wellwoman and Menopace.
As the UK’s No.1 vitamin company, exporting to over 100 countries, Vitabiotics is widely acknowledged as leaders in innovation and in 2018 became the first vitamin company to twice receive the Queen’s Award for Innovation, awarded for its groundbreaking clinical research.
As part of our commitment to innovation and development, we are seeking an experienced and results-driven Global Import & Export Shipping Manager to lead and optimise our international logistics operations. In this role, you will oversee the end-to-end movement of goods across global markets, ensuring compliance with international trade regulations while delivering efficiency, cost control, and service excellence.
Responsibilities will include…
- Develop and implement global freight and shipping strategies to optimise delivery timelines, improve service levels, and reduce logistics costs.
- Manage all international import and export shipments across sea freight, air freight, UK and courier networks.
- Ensure full compliance with international trade regulations, customs procedures, export controls, and shipping documentation requirements.
- Oversee preparation and accuracy of shipping documentation, including commercial invoices, packing lists, certificates of origin, and customs declarations.
- Coordinate with internal teams and external partners to ensure compliance with shipping regulations, customs procedures, and company policies.
- Build and manage relationships with freight forwarders, carriers, customs brokers, and third-party logistics providers (3PLs).
- Negotiate freight rates, service agreements, and contracts with logistics providers to secure competitive pricing and reliable service levels.
- Monitor shipping performance through key metrics including freight costs, delivery timelines, service levels, and customs clearance performance.
- Analyse shipping data and operational metrics to identify opportunities for process improvement, cost optimisation, and operational efficiency.
- Lead, train, and mentor the shipping team to maintain high levels of performance, accountability, and compliance awareness.
- Stay up to date on global logistics trends, customs regulations, and industry best practices to maintain compliant and competitive shipping operations.
Essential:
- Bachelor's degree in Supply Chain Management, Logistics, Business Administration, or a related field.
- Extensive years of experience in international shipping, freight forwarding, or logistics management, with a proven track record of improving shipping operations.
- Strong understanding of global import/export/logistics processes, customs regulations, and international trade compliance requirements.
- Experience managing air freight, sea freight, and international shipping operations across multiple regions.
- Strong analytical and problem-solving skills with the ability to make data-driven decisions.
- Excellent communication and leadership skills.
- Ability to multitask and work under pressure.
- Attention to detail and strong problem-solving capability.
- Ability to work independently and as part of a team.
Desirable:
- Experience with logistics management software, freight management systems, or ERP platforms.
- Proficiency in project management methodologies.
- Certifications in supply chain or logistics management (e.g., APICS, CSCP, CILT) are a plus.
Skills:
- Proficient in logistics management software and ERP systems.
- Knowledge of global freight operations (air, sea, road) and last mile.
- Understanding of international trade regulations and customs compliance.
- Strong vendor management and freight negotiation skills.
- Supply chain optimisation and logistics planning.
- Data analysis to monitor shipping performance and KPIs.
- Strong leadership and operational management capability.
Benefits:
- 24 days annual leave plus bank holidays.
- Birthday day off.
- 2 Charity days a year.
- Bupa dental cover.
- Private medical insurance.
- 50% staff discount on all Vitabiotics products.
- Staff skills training.
- Health and wellbeing programme.
- Pension contributions.
- Sick pay support.
- Free onsite parking.
- Enhanced maternity or paternity leave.
- Company events.
- Fresh fruit and snacks.
- Free EV charging station.
Global Import Export Shipping Manager employer: Vitabiotics
At Vitabiotics, we pride ourselves on fostering a vibrant and inclusive work culture that champions innovation and teamwork. As a Global Import Export Shipping Manager, you'll benefit from a competitive salary, generous annual leave, and a range of health and wellbeing programmes, all while working in the dynamic environment of North West London. With opportunities for professional growth and a commitment to employee development, Vitabiotics is not just a workplace; it's a community dedicated to making a meaningful impact in nutritional healthcare.
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Global Import Export Shipping Manager
✨Tip Number 1
Network like a pro! Reach out to people in the industry, attend events, and connect on LinkedIn. You never know who might have the inside scoop on job openings or can put in a good word for you.
✨Tip Number 2
Prepare for interviews by researching the company and its culture. Understand their products and values, especially since Vitabiotics is all about innovation and teamwork. Tailor your answers to show how you fit into their mission.
✨Tip Number 3
Practice your pitch! Be ready to explain your experience in international shipping and logistics clearly and confidently. Highlight your achievements and how they align with the role of Global Import Export Shipping Manager.
✨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 being part of the Vitabiotics team.
We think you need these skills to ace Global Import Export Shipping Manager
Some tips for your application 🫡
Tailor Your CV:Make sure your CV is tailored to the Global Import Export Shipping Manager role. Highlight your experience in international shipping and logistics management, and don’t forget to mention any relevant certifications or software skills that match the job description.
Craft a Compelling Cover Letter:Your cover letter is your chance to shine! Use it to explain why you’re the perfect fit for Vitabiotics. Share specific examples of how you've improved shipping operations or managed complex logistics projects in the past.
Showcase Your Analytical Skills:Since this role requires strong analytical abilities, be sure to include examples of how you've used data to drive decisions in your previous roles. This will show us that you can monitor shipping performance and identify areas for improvement.
Apply Through Our Website:We encourage you to apply directly through our website. It’s the best way to ensure your application gets into the right hands and shows us you’re serious about joining our team at Vitabiotics!
How to prepare for a job interview at Vitabiotics
✨Know Your Stuff
Make sure you brush up on your knowledge of international shipping regulations and logistics processes. Familiarise yourself with the specific requirements for air and sea freight, as well as customs compliance. This will show that you're not just a candidate, but someone who understands the intricacies of the role.
✨Showcase Your Experience
Prepare to discuss your previous roles in logistics management and how you've improved shipping operations. Use specific examples to highlight your achievements, such as cost reductions or efficiency improvements. This will help demonstrate your capability to lead and optimise operations at Vitabiotics.
✨Ask Smart Questions
Come prepared with insightful questions about Vitabiotics' logistics strategies and challenges. This shows your genuine interest in the company and the role. You might ask about their current shipping performance metrics or how they stay ahead of global logistics trends.
✨Demonstrate Leadership Skills
Since this role involves leading a team, be ready to discuss your leadership style and how you've mentored others in the past. Share examples of how you've built relationships with partners and managed teams effectively, as this will resonate well with the company's culture of teamwork and mutual respect.
