International Shipping Manager - Commercial Programs

International Shipping Manager - Commercial Programs

The International Shipping Manager is responsible for leading global logistics operations with a strong emphasis on supporting direct commercial sales and international customer deliveries. This role partners closely with Sales, Business Development, Program Management, Operations, Manufacturing, Contracts, Compliance, Customer Service, and Finance to ensure timely, compliant, and cost-effective execution of international shipments across multiple commercial and defense programs.

The ideal candidate possesses deep expertise in international transportation, export compliance, commercial shipping documentation, and cross-functional program execution within a defense manufacturing environment. This position requires balancing customer commitments, regulatory compliance, and operational excellence while supporting revenue growth through exceptional logistics execution.

Key responsibilities include:

• Leading all international shipping activities supporting direct commercial sales, foreign military sales (FMS), and global defense customers.
• Serving as the primary logistics partner for Commercial Sales and Business Development teams, providing shipping strategies during proposal development, contract execution, and customer delivery planning.
• Coordinating international shipments across multiple concurrent programs while meeting customer delivery commitments and contractual requirements.
• Collaborating with Program Managers to develop integrated shipping schedules aligned with production milestones and customer acceptance dates.
• Partnering with Manufacturing, Planning, Procurement, and Quality teams to ensure shipment readiness and resolve delivery risks proactively.
• Managing relationships with freight forwarders, customs brokers, carriers, and third-party logistics providers to optimize service, cost, and performance.
• Ensuring compliance with U.S. export regulations including ITAR, EAR, OFAC, Customs requirements, and applicable international trade regulations.
• Preparing and reviewing export documentation including Commercial Invoices, Packing Lists, Shipper's Export Declarations (EEI), Certificates of Origin, Bills of Lading, Dangerous Goods documentation, and Import/Export licenses.
• Supporting international customer shipments involving complex routing, special handling, hazardous materials, and secure transportation requirements.
• Monitoring logistics performance metrics including on-time delivery, freight cost, customs clearance, transit times, and customer satisfaction.
• Driving continuous improvement initiatives to reduce transportation costs while improving service levels.
• Resolving shipping issues including customs delays, damaged freight, export compliance concerns, and customer escalations.
• Developing logistics strategies that support company growth in international commercial markets.
• Providing logistics expertise during new program launches and transition activities.
• Maintaining shipping procedures and ensuring adherence to company quality management systems.
• Leading and mentoring shipping personnel while promoting operational excellence and continuous improvement.

This role works extensively across the organization, including:

• Commercial Sales
• Business Development
• Program Management
• Contracts Administration
• Export Compliance
• Manufacturing Operations
• Production Planning
• Procurement
• Quality Assurance
• Engineering
• Customer Service
• Finance
• Warehouse and Distribution

Required qualifications include:

• Bachelor's degree in Supply Chain Management, Business, Logistics, International Trade, or related field.
• 7–10+ years of progressive experience in international shipping, global logistics, or supply chain management.
• 3–5+ years of leadership or management experience.
• Experience supporting direct commercial sales within a manufacturing environment.
• Experience managing logistics for multiple programs simultaneously.
• Strong knowledge of international freight transportation, customs regulations, Incoterms®, export documentation, import/export processes, and freight forwarding operations.
• Experience with ERP systems such as SAP, Oracle, Microsoft Dynamics, or similar.
• Strong analytical, organizational, and project management skills.
• Excellent communication and customer relationship management abilities.

Pay range for this role: $104,000 - $188,000 USD

What's in it for you:

• Competitive total compensation package
• Comprehensive benefit package options include medical, dental, vision, life, and more.
• 401k with company-match
• 4 weeks of paid time off each year
• 12 annual company holidays

Why Join Zone 5 Technologies?

• Innovative Environment:
  Work on cutting-edge technology that is shaping the future of defense and aerospace.
• Collaborative Culture:
  Join a team of passionate professionals dedicated to pushing the boundaries of what's possible.
• Career Growth:
  Opportunities for professional development and career advancement.