Logistics and Supply Chain · Full-time
Recruitment agency · Employer not disclosed by People First ConsultLogistics Manager
Employer not disclosed by People First Consult

About this role
Role overview
Logistics Manager
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Location: Addis Ababa, Ethiopia
Employment Type: Full-Time
Department: Supply Chain & Logistics
Reports To: Country Manager
Role overview
On behalf of our client, a growing and dynamic company operating in the automotive distribution sector , we are seeking an experienced and highly organized Logistics Manager to establish and lead end-to-end logistics operations.
The successful candidate will be responsible for managing the movement of high-value products and materials from international shipment planning and importation through customs clearance, warehousing, inventory control, and final delivery.
This role requires a strong understanding of international logistics, Ethiopian import and customs procedures, freight forwarding, warehousing, inventory management, and transportation operations .
Key Responsibilities
Logistics Planning & Operations
- Develop and implement effective logistics processes, systems, controls, and standard operating procedures.
- Translate sales and inventory plans into effective shipment, storage, clearance, and distribution requirements.
- Develop logistics plans and schedules covering shipment, arrival, customs clearance, receiving, storage, and delivery.
- Identify logistics risks and develop practical contingency plans.
International Freight & Import Operations
- Coordinate international shipments with suppliers, manufacturers, freight forwarders, and other stakeholders.
- Manage shipment planning, shipping instructions, Incoterms, and required trade documentation.
- Review and verify commercial invoices, packing lists, certificates of origin, bills of lading, insurance documents, and other shipping documents.
- Track shipments from origin through customs clearance and final delivery.
- Proactively resolve shipment delays, documentation discrepancies, and logistics-related issues.
Customs Clearance & Regulatory Compliance
- Manage import permits, customs clearance processes, inspections, duties, taxes, and product release activities.
- Coordinate with clearing agents, customs brokers, freight forwarders, and relevant authorities.
- Ensure complete and accurate documentation for all import transactions.
- Minimize avoidable costs related to demurrage, detention, storage, delays, and penalties.
- Maintain complete and auditable shipment records.
Warehouse & Inventory Management
- Oversee receiving, storage, inventory tracking, and reconciliation activities.
- Ensure accurate physical and system records for vehicles, spare parts, accessories, and other inventory.
- Implement effective inventory control, location management, stock reconciliation, and cycle-counting processes.
- Monitor inventory accuracy, stock movement, damages, and losses.
- Coordinate appropriate action for damaged or missing inventory, including insurance and supplier claims where required.
Distribution & Delivery
- Plan and coordinate the movement of products to showrooms, branches, dealers, service centers, customers, and other approved locations.
- Ensure effective transportation planning and timely delivery.
- Monitor delivery performance and resolve operational exceptions.
- Maintain appropriate proof-of-delivery and product traceability records.
Vendor & Cost Management
- Manage relationships with shipping lines, freight forwarders, clearing agents, transport providers, warehouses, and other logistics service providers.
- Negotiate and monitor logistics service levels and costs.
- Prepare logistics cost reports and support accurate landed-cost calculations.
- Identify opportunities to improve logistics efficiency and reduce overall supply chain costs.
Systems, Reporting & Team Leadership
- Support the implementation and effective use of logistics, ERP, warehouse, and shipment-tracking systems.
- Develop logistics dashboards, reports, and performance indicators.
- Lead, coach, and develop the logistics and warehouse team.
- Report key logistics risks, operational performance, shipment status, inventory issues, and improvement opportunities to management.
Qualifications & Experience
- Bachelor's degree in Supply Chain Management, Logistics, Business Administration, Engineering, or a related field .
- Minimum of 7 years of progressive experience in logistics or supply chain operations .
- At least 3 years of experience in a supervisory or managerial role .
- Strong experience in international logistics, import operations, customs clearance, freight forwarding, and trade documentation .
- Experience in automotive distribution, vehicle or spare-parts importation, freight forwarding, manufacturing, or another high-value inventory environment is highly preferred.
- Strong practical knowledge of Ethiopian import, customs, transport, and logistics procedures.
- Experience working with ERP, warehouse management, or shipment-tracking systems.
- Strong Excel and reporting skills.
- Fluency in English and Amharic is required.
Required Skills & Competencies
- International Logistics & Freight Management
- Import & Customs Clearance
- Shipping & Trade Documentation
- Warehouse & Inventory Management
- Transportation & Distribution Planning
- Vendor & Service Provider Management
- Cost Control & Landed Cost Analysis
- Supply Chain Planning
- ERP & Logistics Systems
- Negotiation & Stakeholder Management
- Strong Analytical and Problem-Solving Skills
- Leadership and Team Management
- High Attention to Detail
- Strong Communication and Coordination Skills
Ideal Candidate
We are looking for a hands-on and commercially aware logistics leader who can build reliable logistics operations while managing multiple stakeholders and ensuring strong control over high-value inventory.
The ideal candidate should be comfortable working with international suppliers, freight forwarders, clearing agents, customs authorities, warehouses, transport providers, and internal commercial and finance teams .
This is an excellent opportunity for an experienced logistics professional who wants to play a key role in building and strengthening the supply chain and logistics function of a growing business.
Interested candidates are encouraged to submit their updated CV through the application portal.