Shipping & Logistics Manager, Childrenswear brand

• Watford
• £40,000 – £50,000 + bonus

Our client is a fast-growing £20m children’s wear brand, supplying major international retailers from Tesco in the UK to Walmart in the US. As the business continues to scale globally, they are seeking an experienced Shipping & Logistics Manager to take ownership of end-to-end logistics, ensuring product moves seamlessly from factory to warehouse to customer.

This is a hands‑on role responsible for international shipping, inbound stock management and logistics processes, working cross‑functionally with Production, Buying, Finance and Customer Service to support continued growth.

• Issue and manage factory purchase orders following internal approvals.
• Partner with Creative, Purchasing and Production teams to review pricing, quantities and timelines, approving pro forma invoices.
• Ensure production and shipping dates are confirmed and aligned across all stakeholders.
• Liaise with Finance to support deposit and final payment processing.

• Manage international shipping schedules and critical paths to meet customer and retailer delivery deadlines.
• Coordinate with factories, freight forwarders and couriers to ensure timely despatch and accurate documentation.
• Arrange and manage all documentation and approvals required for FOB shipments, ensuring compliance with agreed terms and timelines.
• Build and optimise containers, calculating CBM to maximise utilisation and control costs.
• Prepare and manage all shipping documentation, including commercial invoices, bills of lading, GRNs and ERP stock bookings.
• Maintain accurate, up‑to‑date shipping and stock data across trackers and ERP systems.
• Identify opportunities to improve logistics processes and negotiate freight rates to drive efficiencies.
• Take ownership of delivery issues, providing clear communication to internal teams and customers.

• Coordinate inbound deliveries with third‑party warehouses, managing GRNs and stock receipt processes.
• Ensure stock is checked, approved and accurately booked into the ERP system and available for sale.
• Work closely with warehouse partners to manage storage costs and service levels.

• 5+ years’ experience in shipping or logistics within a product‑based business.
• Strong experience managing international suppliers and freight forwarders, particularly in the Far East.
• Solid understanding of customs processes, tariffs and HS codes.
• Experience of working on FOB shipments.
• Proven ability to manage high‑volume shipments and negotiate logistics costs.
• Strong Excel skills and experience working with ERP systems.
• Highly organised, detail‑focused and proactive, with excellent communication and relationship‑building skills.
• Comfortable working in a fast‑paced, growing brand environment.

ILMJ values diversity, equality and inclusion and encourages applicants from all backgrounds and identities.