Logistics Operations Manager

Position Overview/Scope of role:    

The Logistics Operations Manager is responsible for overseeing and optimizing the entire logistics process, ensuring the efficient movement of goods across land, air, and sea. This role involves customs clearance, vendor management, transportation planning, warehousing, and inventory control, ensuring compliance with Ethiopian and international trade regulations. This position requires strong leadership, extensive knowledge of customs regulations, and expertise in managing logistics for both local and imported goods. The Logistics Operations Manager will work closely with internal departments, government agencies, and external logistics service providers to ensure timely and cost-effective supply chain operations.
Top Roles and Responsibilities:    

• End-to-End Logistics Operations Management (Land, Air, and Sea)

• Plan, coordinate, and oversee all inbound and outbound shipments via land, air, and sea freight.

• Ensure efficient multimodal transportation by coordinating trucking, airline cargo, and ocean freight logistics.

• Develop strategies to optimize cost, minimize delays, and enhance supply chain efficiency.

• Oversee freight consolidation, containerization, and cargo tracking.

Customs Clearance & Regulatory Compliance

• Ensure full compliance with Ethiopian customs laws, international trade regulations, and import/export policies.

• Manage customs declarations, duty calculations, clearance procedures, and bonded warehouse requirements.

• Liaise with customs brokers, port authorities, airline cargo handlers, and freight forwarders to expedite clearance.

• Ensure proper documentation for letters of credit (L/C), bill of lading (B/L), airway bills (AWB), and duty payments.

Vendor & Supplier Management

• Identify, evaluate, and negotiate contracts with freight forwarders, transportation providers, warehousing services, and customs brokers.

• Manage relationships with carriers and suppliers.

• Establish and maintain strong relationships with global and local logistics service providers.

• Monitor vendor performance, cost-efficiency, and compliance with contractual agreements.

Warehousing & Inventory Control

• Oversee warehouse operations, including material handling, storage, distribution, and inventory accuracy.

• Implement inventory tracking systems to prevent stock losses and optimize turnover.

• Ensure warehouse facilities comply with safety, security, and environmental standards.

•  Develop procedures for efficient stock movement between local and international warehouses.

Fleet & Transportation Management

• Manage both company-owned and third-party transportation fleets, ensuring on-time deliveries.

• Oversee truck loading, routing, and last-mile delivery processes.

• Implement fleet tracking, fuel management, and maintenance programs to optimize transport efficiency.

• Ensure compliance with road transport regulations and safety standards.

Cost Optimization & Budgeting

• Develop and manage logistics budgets, ensuring cost control in freight, warehousing, and customs fees.

• Optimize shipping routes, carrier selection, and freight consolidation to reduce operational costs.

• Implement logistics KPIs and performance tracking systems to measure efficiency.

Risk Management & Crisis Handling

• Identify and mitigate risks related to customs delays, transport disruptions, and supply chain bottlenecks.

• Implement contingency plans for cargo loss, theft, or shipment failures.

• Ensure compliance with health, safety, and environmental policies.

Team Leadership & Stakeholder Coordination

• Lead and mentor the logistics team, ensuring high performance and accountability.

• Collaborate with internal departments (procurement, finance, sales, and operations) to align logistics with business objectives.

•  Maintain effective communication with government agencies, customs officials, and logistics service providers.

Reporting & Documentation

• Prepare and submit weekly, monthly, and quarterly reports on logistics performance, including: 

• Shipment status (land, air, and sea freight).

• Customs clearance progress and delays.

• Vendor performance and logistics cost analysis.

• Warehouse stock levels and inventory turnover.

• Fleet utilization and transportation efficiency.

• All reporting, correspondence, and communication must be conducted in English.

Performing Other Related Duties as Directed by the CEO &/ CLO.