Supply Chain Operations Lead

Benefits

Draken offers competitive salaries and a comprehensive benefits package, including up to 12 % matching pension contributions, bonus incentives, discounted PMI, an electric car scheme, tech vouchers and wellbeing programmes.

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 seek an experienced Transport, Shipping & Customs professional to support and coordinate freight forwarding, and customs activities.

Hours:

Full-time 37 hours | Permanent.

• Manage and improve relationships with freight forwarders and customs brokers.
• Oversee customs activity, including UK CDS reporting, reconciliations and query resolution.
• Support export documentation (commercial invoices, packing lists) in line with export control requirements.
• Coordinate import clearance instructions to ensure timely, compliant delivery of goods.
• Act as the escalation point for shipment delays or customs holds – identify root causes and resolve issues quickly.
• Collaborate with internal teams (engineering, procurement, finance) and external partners to keep everything aligned.
• Manage risk and cost across transport and customs activities.
• Drive continuous improvements in processes, reporting and automation.

• 5+ years of experience in transport, shipping or customs.
• Strong knowledge of UK and international customs processes, including CDS.
• Experience managing freight forwarders and customs brokers.
• 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, especially in resolving supply‑chain disruptions.
• Confidence working with stakeholders across different functions.
• Knowledge of Incoterms, rules of origin and tools such as ATA Carnets.

This role offers an opportunity to influence and strengthen critical logistics capabilities in a mission‑focused organisation. You will work at the centre of global defence operations, ensuring people and platforms are supported wherever they are deployed.

Draken is committed to eliminating unlawful and unfair discrimination and celebrates a diverse workforce. We welcome applications from veterans and service spouses/partners who meet the criteria, and we provide reasonable adjustments for the interview process under our Disability Confident Commitment. We are an Armed Forces friendly organisation.