Logistics Lead

Role Summary: Hörmann Middle East FZE is seeking a hands-on Logistics Lead to take ownership of freight coordination, shipment execution, provider sourcing and negotiation, freight-cost control, invoice verification, logistics reporting, process compliance and continuous improvement across Middle East and Africa operations. This is not a supervision-only position. The successful candidate will personally manage operational cases while guiding, checking and improving the work quality of logistics support activities.

Purpose of the Role

• Secure competitive and reliable shipping solutions while considering freight-market volatility, route changes, urgent cases and regional disruptions.
• Build, qualify and maintain a strong network of freight forwarders and logistics providers for sea, air, road, cross-trade and final-delivery requirements.
• Provide accurate logistics data, freight-cost trends, port-pair analysis, provider performance reports and management summaries to support commercial decisions.
• Improve logistics workflows, documentation discipline, reporting quality and cost-control practices across day-to-day operations.

Key Responsibilities

Shipment Execution and Coordination

• Plan, book, track and close inbound, outbound, cross-trade and final-delivery shipments according to customer, project, destination and timeline requirements.
• Coordinate with suppliers, customers, sales, finance, warehouse, procurement, drivers, transport support teams and external logistics partners to ensure smooth execution.
• Manage shipment issues, inventory concerns, documentation gaps, customs or port coordination matters and urgent recovery requirements through to closure.

Freight Provider Management and Cost Control

• Source, evaluate, qualify and develop freight forwarders and logistics providers for sea, air and road freight requirements.
• Negotiate rates and service conditions, conduct RFQs, benchmark offers and recommend the best total-value solution based on cost, transit time, reliability and service quality.
• Develop alternative routes, ports, transport modes and recovery options for delayed, disrupted, urgent or cost-sensitive shipments.

Invoice Verification, Reporting and Compliance

• Verify logistics invoices against approved quotations, agreed rates, shipment references and actual service scope before approval.
• Challenge invoice discrepancies, demurrage, detention, storage fees, penalties and other avoidable logistics costs.
• Maintain accurate SAP/ERP data, ME2M follow-up status, DocuSign approval records, Letters of Credit support documents, shipment logs and operational reports.
• Ensure workflows, SOPs, method statements, checklists, approvals, customs rules and documentation standards are followed.

Leadership, Quality Control and Improvement

• Review the quality and accuracy of logistics support work, guide colleagues, follow up pending actions and implement corrective measures where required.
• Create or improve logistics templates, checklists, reports, workflows and operational documents to support efficiency, transparency and accountability.
• Drive continuous improvement in logistics coordination, freight-cost analysis, forwarder performance, process compliance and customer-service quality.

Inventory Control and Warehouse Management

• Coordinate inventory movements, stock transfers, replenishment activities, and warehouse transactions to ensure material availability and support on-time project deliveries.
• Monitor inventory accuracy and warehouse stock levels, investigate discrepancies, support stock reconciliation activities, and work with warehouse teams to maintain reliable inventory records and efficient storage practices.

Major Tasks

• Shipping invoice verification
• Docusign coordination for approvals
• Freight price / service negotiations
• Updated SAP/ERP monitoring (ME2M) and follow-up status for relevant logistics items
• Forwarder performance assessment
• Quarterly RFQ comparison
• Forwarder dispute handling
• Logistics data collection / reporting
• Sea, land and air price comparisons
• Port-pair price monitoring
• Letter of Credit documentation support
• Inventory control, stock reconciliation and warehouse performance monitoring

Requirements and Skills

• Proven experience in logistics coordination, freight forwarding, supply chain operations, provider management, invoice verification, shipment problem-solving and freight-cost control.
• Strong commercial awareness with the ability to identify cost-saving opportunities, challenge unnecessary logistics costs, and drive value through effective supplier and freight-forwarder management.
• Strong UAE freight, customs, free-zone and port knowledge, preferably including Jebel Ali Free Zone, Dubai Trade Portal, UAE Customs, DP World and Abu Dhabi Ports.
• A proactive team player who collaborates effectively with in-house logistics colleagues and across sales, finance, warehouse, procurement and external logistics partners to ensure seamless supply chain operations.
• Takes ownership, follows tasks through to closure, supports colleagues, and maintains high operational standards.
• Demonstrated ability to lead logistics activities, coordinate multiple stakeholders, and drive operational improvements in a dynamic business environment.
• SAP/ERP experience is preferred.
• Bachelor’s Degree in Business Administration, Logistics, Supply Chain. Related field certification is an advantage.
• Strong negotiation, analytical, reporting, price-comparison, problem-solving, organizational, communication and attention-to-detail skills.
• Experience in industry such as building materials, construction materials, door systems, industrial equipment, project logistics, or similar technical products is highly preferred.