International Shipping Manager - Commercial Programs

• 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

• 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.

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

• 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.

• Experience within the aerospace and defense manufacturing industry.
• Working knowledge of:
• ITAR
• EAR
• DFARS

• 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.

• Cross-Functional Leadership

• Program Management
• Operational Excellence

• Risk Management
• Contract Execution
• Relationship Management
• Process Improvement
• Decision Making
• Financial Acumen
• Negotiation Skills

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
• 3 weeks of paid time off each year
• 40 hours of sick time
• 12 annual company holidays

• 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.

If you are passionate about unmanned aircraft technology and want to be a part of a dynamic and growing company, we would love to hear from you.

Apply today and join the Zone 5 Technologies team!

In compliance with federal law, all persons hired will be required to verify identity and eligibility to work in the United States and to complete the required employment eligibility verification form upon hire.

Zone 5 Technologies is a federal contractor and participates in E-Verify to confirm employment eligibility.

As required by law, we will verify the identity and employment authorization of all new employees using the E-Verify system.

Learn more about your rights and responsibilities under E-Verify: https://www.e-verify.gov.