International Shipping Manager - Commercial Programs

At Zone 5 Technologies, we're redefining what's possible in unmanned aircraft systems. Our team of engineers and innovators is developing cutting-edge autonomous solutions that push the boundaries of UAS technology - solving complex challenges that matter.

We're building the future of UAS capabilities, and we're looking for exceptional talent to join us. If you're driven by hard problems, energized by rapid innovation, and ready to make an impact on next-generation flight systems, you belong here.

Position Summary 

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 

• Lead all international shipping activities supporting direct commercial sales, foreign military sales (FMS), and global defense customers.  

• Serve as the primary logistics partner for Commercial Sales and Business Development teams, providing shipping strategies during proposal development, contract execution, and customer delivery planning.  

• Coordinate international shipments across multiple concurrent programs while meeting customer delivery commitments and contractual requirements.  

• Collaborate with Program Managers to develop integrated shipping schedules aligned with production milestones and customer acceptance dates.  

• Partner with Manufacturing, Planning, Procurement, and Quality teams to ensure shipment readiness and resolve delivery risks proactively.  

• Manage relationships with freight forwarders, customs brokers, carriers, and third-party logistics providers to optimize service, cost, and performance.  

• Ensure compliance with U.S. export regulations including ITAR, EAR, OFAC, Customs requirements, and applicable international trade regulations.  

• Prepare and review export documentation including:  

• Commercial Invoices  

• Packing Lists  

• Shipper's Export Declarations (EEI)  

• Certificates of Origin  

• Bills of Lading  

• Dangerous Goods documentation  

• Import/Export licenses  

• Support international customer shipments involving complex routing, special handling, hazardous materials, and secure transportation requirements.  

• Monitor logistics performance metrics including on-time delivery, freight cost, customs clearance, transit times, and customer satisfaction.  

• Drive continuous improvement initiatives to reduce transportation costs while improving service levels.  

• Resolve shipping issues including customs delays, damaged freight, export compliance concerns, and customer escalations.  

• Develop logistics strategies that support company growth in international commercial markets.  

• Provide logistics expertise during new program launches and transition activities.  

• Maintain shipping procedures and ensure adherence to company quality management systems.  

• Lead and mentor shipping personnel while promoting operational excellence and continuous improvement.  

 Cross-Functional Leadership 

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 

• 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  

• 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.  

 

Preferred Qualifications 

• Experience within the aerospace and defense manufacturing industry.  

• Working knowledge of:  

• ITAR  

• EAR  

• DFARS  

• Foreign Military Sales (FMS)  

• Defense export licensing  

• APICS (ASCM), CSCMP, or related supply chain certification.  

• Lean Manufacturing or Six Sigma certification.  

• Experience with international government and commercial customers.  

• Familiarity with transportation management systems (TMS) and export compliance software.  

 Core Competencies 

• Commercial Customer Focus  

• Cross-Functional Leadership  

• Global Logistics Strategy  

• International Trade Compliance  

• Program Management  

• Operational Excellence  

• Supply Chain Optimization  

• Risk Management  

• Contract Execution  

• Relationship Management  

• Process Improvement  

• Decision Making  

• Financial Acumen  

• Negotiation Skills