Shipping Manager

We're partnering with a well established Australian food and beverage organisation to recruit a Shipping Manager who will lead the end to end international shipping function across imports and exports while managing a high-performing team and driving continuous improvement across the supply chain. This is a strategic leadership role where you'll oversee shipping operations, customs compliance, freight procurement and carrier performance, ensuring products move efficiently across global markets while delivering exceptional service to both customers and the wider business. The Opportunity Reporting to the General Manager of Supply Chain, you will lead the end-to-end international shipping function, driving operational excellence across imports and exports while ensuring best-in-class service, regulatory compliance and commercial outcomes. Working closely with Procurement, Finance, Sales, Planning and key logistics partners, you will optimise freight performance, negotiate commercial agreements, enhance supply chain visibility, reduce costs and build strong, strategic relationships with carriers, freight forwarders and service providers. Key Responsibilities

• Lead the end to end import and export shipping function across Australia.
• Manage all international freight operations, ensuring on time delivery and operational excellence.
• Oversee customs compliance and import/export documentation, ensuring adherence to ABF, DAFF and relevant regulatory requirements.
• Minimise demurrage, detention and freight delays through proactive exception management and shipment visibility.
• Lead, coach and develop a team across shipping, customs, export coordination and freight procurement.
• Negotiate freight rates and manage strategic relationships with shipping lines, freight forwarders and customs brokers.
• Drive supplier performance through regular business reviews, KPI management and continuous improvement initiatives.
• Partner with Procurement and Commercial teams to optimise freight spend and improve commercial outcomes.
• Work cross functionally with Planning, Inventory, Customer Service, Finance and Sales to ensure seamless supply chain execution.
• Identify opportunities to improve systems, reporting and shipping processes through data-driven decision making.

About You You'll be a commercially minded shipping or international logistics professional who enjoys leading teams, improving processes and building strong relationships across the supply chain. You'll bring:

• Proven leadership experience within international shipping, import/export or supply chain operations.
• Strong understanding of customs regulations, international trade and import/export compliance.
• Experience managing freight providers, customs brokers and shipping contracts.
• Exposure to freight procurement, carrier negotiations and cost management.
• Strong analytical skills with the ability to interpret operational data and drive improvements.
• Excellent stakeholder management and communication skills.
• Experience working with ERP systems and shipping management platforms.
• A continuous improvement mindset with the ability to influence change across the business.

What's on Offer

• Senior leadership role with genuine ownership of the international shipping function.
• Opportunity to lead and develop an established team.
• Broad role combining operations, procurement, commercial negotiations and continuous improvement.
• Join a successful Australian business with a strong reputation and ambitious growth plans.
• Competitive salary package and long term career opportunities.

If you're an experienced Shipping Manager, International Logistics Manager or Import & Export leader looking for your next challenge, we'd love to hear from you. For a confidential discussion about this role, please phone Martyn Horridge on 03 9823 7416