Logistics Manager

Location: Addis Ababa, Ethiopia
Employment Type: Full-Time
Department: Supply Chain & Logistics
Reports To: Country Manager

About the Role

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.