Logistics Manager

Brief

The Logistics Manager is responsible for overseeing the execution of coffee export contracts from shipment planning through final documentation and financial settlement. The role ensures efficient logistics operations, timely contract fulfillment, compliance with export and destination-country requirements, cost optimization, and accurate reporting.

The position serves as the key interface between internal commercial teams, third-party coffee exporters, shipping lines, banks, and other service providers to ensure seamless execution of export transactions while minimizing operational and commercial risks.

Main responsibilities

Shipment & Operational Management

• Manage end-to-end shipment execution for coffee export contracts
• Ensure timely fulfillment of purchase and sales contracts
• Oversee container booking, vessel scheduling, and loading activities
• Monitor container availability and coordinate with shipping lines to mitigate shortages
• Optimize shipment planning in line with contractual delivery schedules
• Supervise logistics staff and drive operational excellence across the logistics function
• Identify execution risks and proactively implement mitigation measures
• Maintain loading schedules and provide regular shipment updates to internal stakeholders

  Documentation & Regulatory Compliance

• Ensure timely preparation, collection, verification, and distribution of export documentation
• Monitor accuracy and completeness of Bills of Lading, Commercial Invoices, Packing Lists, COO’s, Phytosanitary and all other relevant shipping documents.
• Coordinate with exporters to ensure documentation is received within agreed timelines
• Assure compliance with destination-country regulations, client requirements, and trade documentation standards, including EUDR data and documentations
• Ensure original documentation is dispatched and received within contractual deadlines
• Maintain proper document control and record retention practices

Cost Control

• Monitor logistics-related costs and identify opportunities for efficiency improvements
• Support freight and logistics cost optimization initiatives
• Analyze shipment performance and logistics expenditures
• Escalate cost variances, delays, and operational inefficiencies when identified
• Contribute to continuous improvement and supply chain optimization efforts

Systems, Reporting & Financial Processing

• Ensure accurate and timely maintenance of contract and shipment data within company systems
• Manage logistics-related financial processes including:

•        - Letters of Credit (LC)
•       - Cash Against Documents (CAD)
•       - Payment requests
•       - Payment advice follow-up

• Monitor execution milestones and ensure system data accurately reflects shipment status.
• Support risk monitoring through accurate reporting and visibility of execution performance.
• Prepare and distribute operational and performance reports including:

•       - Daily loading reports
•       -  Weekly shipment reports
•       - Monthly performance reports
•       - Missing shipping instruction reports
•       - Claims reporting
•       - Contract execution dashboards
• Third‑Party & Vendor Management

• Develop and maintain strong relationships with counterparts within suppliers & exporters
• Manage engagements with shipping lines, freight forwarders, transport providers, and logistics service partners
• Ensure service providers meet agreed performance, compliance, and contractual requirements
• Resolve operational challenges and service disruptions in collaboration with vendors
• Drive continuous performance improvements across logistics partners & service providers

Commercial & Contract Execution

• Work closely with Commercial Teams to ensure smooth execution of contracts
• Monitor contract performance against shipment and delivery commitments
• Ensure all execution activities align with commercial obligations and customer requirements
• Coordinate shipment priorities based on contractual commitments and market requirements
• Support issue resolution related to execution, documentation, and customer service

Stakeholder Coordination & Governance

• Act as the primary logistics/execution contact for internal and external stakeholders
• Collaborate with commercial, quality control, finance, exporters, banks, and logistics service providers
• Ensure transparency and timely communication on shipment status and risks
• Implement and monitor logistics SOPs, KPI’s, and best practices
• Promote strong governance, compliance, and continuous improvement within execution team
• Lead, coach, and develop execution team members to foster a high-performance culture

Education

• Bachelor’s degree in Logistics & supply chain management, business administration, or related fields
• Knowledge of Ethiopian regulatory requirements, international trade documentation, and Incoterms is essential

Experience

• 5-8 years of relevant experience in logistics, execution, supply chain, export operations, or commodity trading
• Experience in agribusiness or bulk commodity supply chains is a strong advantage

Additional competencies

• Clear, consistent, and timely communication with all stakeholders is essential to prevent delays
• Ensure compliance, and maintain smooth execution of all coffee export operations.

Staff

This role will have direct & indirect reports and requires strong cross functional coordination with internal teams and external logistics partners, often across different locations.

What We Offer

We provide a dynamic and stimulating international environment, which will stretch and develop your abilities and channel your skills and expertise with outstanding career development opportunities in one of the largest and most solid private companies in the world.

Our Benefits

• Competitive salary and benefits​​​​​​
• Hybrid work available (not applicable to all roles)
• Pension contributions
• Access to Training and Development 
• Access to Concierge Partnerships

Diversity & Inclusion

LDC is driven by a set of shared values and high ethical standards, with diversity and inclusion being part of our DNA. LDC is an equal opportunity employer committed to providing a working environment that embraces and values diversity, equity and inclusion.

LDC encourages diversity, supports local communities and environmental initiatives. We encourage people of all backgrounds to apply.

Sustainability

Sustainable value is at the heart of our purpose as a company.

We are passionate about creating fair and sustainable value, both for our business and for other value chain stakeholders: our people, our business partners, the communities we touch and the environment around us