Senior Operator – Logistics, Order Fulfilment & Shipping

Location Essex
Discipline: Chemicals, Polymers
Job type: Logistics
Salary: ££50,000 depending on experience
Contact name: Jeremy Clarke

Contact email: jeremy@merrittrecruitment.com
Job ref: 431
Published: 9 days ago

​Senior Operator – Logistics, Order Fulfilment & Shipping

Location: Essex, UK or Hamburg, Germany

Working pattern: Hybrid (3 days office / 2 WFH)

Language: Fluent English required

The Company

Our client is a fast-growing international trading and distribution business, delivering consistent double-digit growth. With plans to double capacity over the next two years, they are investing heavily in their operations team to support increased scale and complexity.

The Role

This is a key role at the heart of the operation, managing the end-to-end execution of trades — from supplier to final delivery. You will ensure efficient, compliant, and cost-effective logistics while proactively managing risk and driving continuous improvement across the supply chain.

Key Responsibilities

  • Coordinate day-to-day logistics, trading activities, and delivery execution

  • Issue and manage purchase and sales contracts (spot and long-term)

  • Optimise supply/demand alignment to maximise efficiency and margin

  • Oversee high-volume material flows (hundreds of kilotonnes annually)

  • Resolve operational challenges across the supply chain

  • Work closely with Finance/Credit on instruments such as letters of credit and insurance

  • Manage relationships with storage/tank partners, maintaining stock availability & accuracy

  • Lead resolution of claims, damages, and insurance cases

  • Maintain accurate data in CTRM/ERP systems

  • Ensure full compliance with relevant regulations and standards

Experience & Knowledge

  • 5+ years’ experience in logistics, supply chain, or operations within trading or distribution

  • Strong knowledge of Incoterms, import/export, and regulatory frameworks (e.g. REACH)

  • Experience working with ERP/CTRM systems and MS Office

  • Degree or equivalent experience

Skills & Requirements

  • UK or Germany based with full right to work at either location (no sponsorship available)

  • Willingness to travel between UK and Germany

  • Full driving license (UK or EU)

  • Strong organisational and problem-solving skills

  • Commercially aware, with a focus on efficiency and risk management

  • Confident managing internal and external stakeholders

  • Proactive, solutions-driven, and comfortable working at pace

Why Apply?

  • Competitive salary, bonus, and pension

  • Modern offices and a collaborative, international team

  • High-growth environment with real ownership and visibility

  • Opportunity to play a key role in scaling a dynamic business