Shipping Coordinator

We are currently looking for a Shipping Coordinator to join our Standards Lifecycle Function within the Scientific Research and Innovation group.

This is a part-time opportunity, on a permanent basis, working 2 days per week. The role will be based in South Mimms, Hertfordshire.  

Who are we? 

The Medicines and Healthcare products Regulatory Agency enhance and improve the health of millions of people every day through the effective regulation of medicines and medical devices, underpinned by science and research.  

The Standards Lifecycle group is responsible for the development, manufacturing and distribution of biological reference reagents to life science customers and organisations across the globe. These reference reagents play a critical role in maintaining and improving the quality of medicines and diagnostics, vaccine manufacturing, and public health.

The Logistics Function, located within the Standards Lifecycle group, is responsible for export of biological samples and life sciences products globally. This includes fulfilment of customer orders, research support, and responding to global health projects and emergencies.

What’s the role? 

The Shipping Coordinator works as part of a courier and customer facing team to carry out the preparation, documentation and shipping of technically complex products to customers in more than 100 countries. The team works directly with customers and couriers to generate shipping documentation, arrange transport with couriers and troubleshoot issues. 

Key responsibilities: 

• Planning and shipping of customer orders. 

• Communicating with internal and external contacts including scientists, customers and couriers. 

• Proactive working as part of a dynamic team to problem-solve and support daily team objectives. 

• Follow compliance requirements for H&S policies and shipping regulations for all shipping activity. 

Who are we looking for? 

Our successful candidate will have: 

• Ability to proactively problem solve and communicate with stakeholders to find solutions. 

• Strong team-worker ability to work as part of a high-tempo team and support colleagues. 

• Ability to understand and apply new knowledge including complex technical information. 

• Experience working with quality systems balancing customer needs against quality and regulatory requirements. 

• Experience working in an international customer-facing logistics environment. (biological, pharmaceutical, and ABP advantageous) 

Person Specification: 

Method of assessment: A=Application, T=Test, I=Interview, P=Presentation 

Behaviour Criteria:

• Delivering at Pace (A, I)

• Managing a Quality Service (A, I)

• Working Together (A, I)

Experience Criteria:

• Proven experience in a team oriented, high-tempo environment (A, I)

• Experience of working under a quality system such as ISO9001 (A, I)

• Experience within a global shipping and logistics environment and role (A, I)

• Experience in a customer-facing role and environment (A, I)

Technical Criteria:

• IT literacy: MS Office, ERP, Warehouse/shipping software (A, I)

• Understanding of dangerous goods and able to obtain and maintain necessary competencies and certifications for shipping of dangerous goods by air and road (A, I)

• Understanding of global shipping terminology and practices (A, I)

If you would like to find out more about this fantastic opportunity, please read our Job Description and Person Specification!

Please note: The job description may not open in some internet browsers. Please use Chrome or Microsoft Edge. If you have any issue viewing the job description, please contact careers@mhra.gov.uk 

The selection process: 

We use the Civil Service Success Profiles to assess our candidates, find out more here. 

• Online application form, including questions based on the Behaviour, Experience and Technical Success Profiles. Please ensure all application questions are completed in full; your application may not be considered if any responses are left blank. Our applications are CV blind, and our Hiring Managers will not be able to access your CV when reviewing your application. 

• Interview, which can include questions based on the Behaviour, Experience, Technical and Strengths Success Profiles. 

Applicants are assessed on whether they meet any mandatory requirements as well as the necessary skills and experience for the role. Applications are scored based on the competency-based answers provided- ensure you have read these thoroughly and allow sufficient time. You can view the competencies for this role in the job description. 

Use of AI in Job Applications

Artificial Intelligence can be a useful tool to support your application, however, all examples and statements provided must be truthful, factually accurate and taken directly from your own experience. Where plagiarism has been identified (presenting the ideas and experiences of others, or generated by artificial intelligence, as your own) applications may be withdrawn and internal candidates may be subject to disciplinary action. Please see our candidate guidance for more information on appropriate and inappropriate use.

If you require any disability related adjustments at any point during the process, please contact careers@mhra.gov.uk as soon as possible. 

Closing date: 20th May 2026

Shortlisting date: from 27th May 2026

Interview date: from 3rd June 2026

If you need assistance applying for this role or have any other questions, please contact careers@mhra.gov.uk 

Candidates will be subject to UK immigration requirements as well as Civil Service nationality rules. Further information on whether you are able to apply is available here. 

Successful candidates must pass a disclosure and barring security check as well as animal rights and pro-life activism checks. People working with government assets must complete basic personnel security standard checks.

Certain roles within the MHRA will require post holders to have vaccinations, and in some circumstances, routine health surveillance. These roles include:

• Laboratory-based roles working directly with known pathogens

• Maintenance roles, particularly those required to work in laboratory settings

• Roles that involve visiting other establishments where vaccination is required

• Roles required to travel overseas where specific vaccination may be required.

Applicants who are successful at interview will be, as part of pre-employment screening subject to a check on the Internal Fraud Database (IFD). This check will provide information about employees who have been dismissed for fraud or dishonesty offences. This check also applies to employees who resign or otherwise leave before being dismissed for fraud or dishonesty had their employment continued. Any applicant’s details held on the IFD will be refused employment. A candidate is not eligible to apply for a role within the Civil Service if the application is made within a 5 year period following a dismissal for carrying out internal fraud against government. 

Any move to the MHRA from another employer will mean you can no longer access childcare vouchers. This includes moves between government departments. You may however be eligible for other government schemes, including Tax-Free Childcare. Determine your eligibility here.

Individuals appointed on level transfer will retain their existing salary and are responsible for ensuring they fully understand the financial implications of any potential move and the impact (if any) on their terms. If an individual is in any doubt, they should seek clarification before accepting a job offer.

Staff joining on promotion will receive up to a 10% increase of their current basic salary, or the pay band minimum, whichever is the greater.

The individual will not retain any allowances paid by the former department/Agency, unless there are special circumstances, such as a reserved right to those allowances on transfer.

Successful candidates may be subject to annual Occupational Health reviews dependent on role requirements. If you have any queries, please contact careers@mhra.gov.uk.

In accordance with the Civil Service Commissioners’ Recruitment Principles our recruitment and selection processes are underpinned by the requirement of selection for appointment on the basis of merit by a fair and open competition. If you feel your application has not been treated in accordance with the Recruitment Principles and you wish to make a complaint, in the first instance, you should contact the MHRA Recruitment Team at careers@mhra.gov.uk.   

If you are not satisfied with the response you receive, you can contact the Civil Service Commission at: civilservicecommission.independent.gov.uk 

info@csc.gov.uk 

Civil Service Commission 

Room G/8 

1 Horse Guards Road 

London 

SW1A 2HQ 

About Us

The Medicines and Healthcare products Regulatory Agency enhance and improve the health of millions of people every day through the effective regulation of medicines and medical devices, underpinned by science and research.

The agency is made up of c.1300 staff working across two main centres and peripatetically across the UK and abroad.

The agency consists of Corporate, Digital & Technology, Enablement, Healthcare Quality & Access, Partnerships, Safety & Surveillance and Scientific Research & Innovation.