Job Overview
We have an exciting opportunity for a part-time Shipping Co-Ordinator with excellent organisational, communication and administrative skills who has a passion for children's books and a desire to build a successful career within the publishing industry.
Working at Make Believe Ideas is an opportunity to be part of an exciting story. Our company prides itself on its family culture and we believe we are unique in the world of publishing through our creative, innovative formats and speed-to-market approach.
As the Shipping Co-Ordinator, you will play a key role in ensuring our products are delivered efficiently to customers across the globe. Acting as the central link between our internal teams, freight forwarders, manufacturers and customers, you will coordinate shipments from production approval through to final delivery, ensuring all documentation is accurate, customer requirements are met and deliveries arrive on time.
Working closely with our Studio, Sales and Finance teams, you'll help ensure the smooth flow of products through the supply chain while identifying opportunities to improve processes and deliver outstanding customer service. This is a varied, fast-paced, office-based role where excellent attention to detail, strong organisational skills and the ability to prioritise are essential.
This is a part-time role (4 hours per day totalling 20 hours per week, Monday to Friday) based at our Berkhamsted office.
Duties
Your duties and responsibilities as the Shipping Co-Ordinator will include:
- Coordinate international shipments from manufacturing partners to customers worldwide, ensuring deliveries are made on time and in the most cost-effective manner.
- Liaise with freight forwarders, shipping agents, manufacturers and customers to ensure the smooth movement of goods.
- Maintain customer shipping instructions and ensure suppliers comply with individual packing and shipping requirements.
- Monitor shipment schedules, proactively managing delays, changes and expedited deliveries where necessary.
- Prepare, check and issue commercial invoices, packing lists and all shipping documentation.
- Coordinate Bills of Lading and other customs documentation to ensure timely customs clearance.
- Ensure all testing documentation, compliance certificates and CPCs are supplied to the relevant parties.
- Verify carton markings, packing specifications and shipment details are accurate before dispatch.
- Work closely with the Production and Sales teams to ensure products are shipped in line with customer requirements and deadlines.
- Maintain accurate production schedules, shipment trackers, purchase order logs and other reporting systems.
- Identify opportunities to improve shipping processes, efficiencies and customer service.
- Assist with receiving and distributing samples and deliveries within the office.
- Provide administrative support across the Production team and cover for colleagues when required.
Ideal Candidate
We're looking for someone who has:
- Excellent organisational skills with the ability to manage multiple priorities simultaneously.
- Outstanding attention to detail and a high level of accuracy.
- Strong communication and relationship-building skills.
- Excellent administrative skills and confidence working with documentation and data.
- The ability to work collaboratively across departments and with international suppliers and logistics partners.
- Good working knowledge of Microsoft Office, particularly Excel and Word.
- Strong problem-solving skills with a proactive approach to resolving issues.
- Previous experience in shipping, logistics, supply chain, import/export, production administration or a similar coordination role would be advantageous, although we welcome applications from candidates with transferable skills.
What We Offer
We offer an excellent range of benefits including 25 days annual leave plus Bank Holidays, contributory pension scheme, life assurance, substantial discounts on our books, 20% off hot food served in our on-site café, discounts at many high street and online retailers, an employee assistance programme, social events throughout the year, complimentary massages at our on-site wellness centre and many more.
Job Type: Part-time, Permanent
Location: Berkhamsted, Hertfordshire (office-based)
Applicants must have the right to work in the UK and be able to reliably commute to, or relocate to, Berkhamsted prior to starting employment.
We welcome and encourage applications from candidates who are under-represented in the creative industries.
Benefits:
- Casual dress
- Company events
- Company pension
- Discounted or free food
- Health & wellbeing programme
- Store discount
Work Location: In person
