Logistics & International Freight Manager

The Opportunity

Are you a natural organiser with a passion for logistics and global operations? We're looking for a proactive Logistics Manager to lead our small but dynamic team based at our Boldon site. In this hands-on role, a key priority will be managing import and export operations, with a strong focus on air freight compliance, customs regulations, and the accurate preparation of all required documentation. You’ll ensure that international shipments are meticulously planned, fully compliant, and executed with precision. Your solid understanding of customs procedures, trade regulations, and freight documentation will be essential to the role. Alongside this, you’ll oversee warehouse activity and support broader logistics processes, sharing your expertise across the wider business. You'll work closely with colleagues in Sales, Production, Site Management, and Group Operations, playing a key part in our collaborative and fast-paced environment.

In this dynmaic role, you will be responsible for:

Team Leadership: Lead and coordinate the daily activities of the Logistics team, ensuring smooth and efficient operations.

Shipment Planning: Plan and organise product shipments from the Boldon site, meeting international standards and delivery schedules.

Budget Oversight: Manage departmental spending and identify opportunities to improve efficiency and reduce costs.

Trade Compliance: Ensure compliance with trade and customs regulations, updating procedures to meet evolving requirements.

Performance Monitoring: Track and report on key logistics metrics such as On-Time Delivery, stock accuracy, and shipping costs.

Equipment & Materials Care: Ensure logistics equipment is well-maintained and materials are protected during storage and transit.

Vendor Management: Build and manage relationships with shipping providers, negotiating competitive rates and monitoring service levels.

People Development: Support and develop team members through regular feedback, training, and performance reviews.

Sharing Best Practice: Promote and share logistics best practices across the IDS Group, supporting other sites as needed.

Skills, Knowledge and Experience

Qualifications

Bachelor’s degree in Supply Chain Management or a related field

Skills & Knowledge

• Strong understanding of freight modalities and management

• Ability to negotiate with vendors

• Ability to communicate effectively with colleagues

• Good understanding of financial reports

• Able to use disparate systems for data generation

• Understanding of Trade Compliance and legislation

Experience

• Strong experience in shipping management

• Proven ability in International Transport, Customs processes and Shipper contracts processes

• Solid understanding of Customs processes and Incoterms

• Worked in an environment utilising Trade Compliance protocols

Our Values

• Embrace the unknown - every big idea starts with a bold, fundamental question: What If?
• Passion for people - our people are our greatest asset and fuel our success in service of humanity.
• Collaborate for success - we put team before self to achieve the unexpected with transparency, accountability and integrity.
• Partner with purpose - we inspire new paths with customers to accelerate positive outcomes.

Benefits

• 25 days holiday + bank holidays. In addition, we offer a holiday purchase scheme where employees can purchase a further 5 days.
• Enhanced private company pension, IDS contribute up to 5% of your annual salary.
• Should you wish to opt into private healthcare, IDS will pay 50% of your healthcare cover for either single or family plans.
• Access to our Employee Assistance Platform, providing you and your family with access to wellbeing resources and therapy, as well as retailer discounts.
• Life insurance at 2x your annual salary.
• Hybrid working
• Sports and social club - a subsidised membership scheme offering four fun activities each year (go-karting, abseiling, meals out, comedy club, cinema etc)
• Benefit from our Skillsoft learning and development platform, offering a wide range of modules to tailor your personal growth
• Free on-site parking
• Discretionary annual bonus
• Complementary tea, coffee, fruit and season treats

We are committed to supporting your career development and offer a number of incentives and rewards to recognise your contributions: