Senior Logistics Specialist

Senior Logistics Specialist

Location: Heliopolis, Cairo, Egypt

Department: Supply Chain / Logistics

Employment Type: Full-Time

Job Summary

We are seeking an experienced and proactive Senior Logistics Officer to manage and optimize international logistics operations for imported raw materials.

The role will be responsible for ensuring the efficient movement of shipments from suppliers’ ports to company warehouses while optimizing total landed cost, transit time, service levels, and operational efficiency.

The successful candidate will manage freight negotiations, shipping lines, freight forwarders, shipment execution, logistics documentation, ERP data accuracy, and performance reporting. The role will also contribute to process improvement and provide guidance to junior logistics team members.

Key Responsibilities

1. Freight Negotiation & Logistics Strategy

• Negotiate freight rates and service terms with shipping lines and freight forwarders.
• Identify and secure cost-effective direct shipment solutions.
• Develop long-term freight agreements and seasonal contracts to optimize costs and vessel availability.
• Maintain freight rate benchmarks across key routes and ports.
• Monitor freight market trends and identify cost-saving opportunities.

2. Port & Route Optimization

• Evaluate major Egyptian ports, including Alexandria, Dekheila, Damietta, and Sokhna, based on total landed cost and transit time.
• Analyze freight, inland transportation, port charges, and related logistics costs.
• Recommend the most efficient port of discharge and shipping route.
• Maintain updated inland transportation cost matrices and logistics service provider rate databases.

3. Shipment Planning & Coordination

• Manage shipment bookings with shipping lines and freight forwarders.
• Follow up on booking confirmations, Bills of Lading, vessel details, and shipping documentation.
• Coordinate CIF and FOB shipments in line with company procedures.
• Ensure effective shipment planning and execution from origin through final destination.

4. Shipment Tracking & ETA Management

• Monitor ETD, ATD, and ETA for all active shipments.
• Track vessel movements through shipping platforms and tracking systems.
• Maintain accurate shipment schedules and logistics dashboards.
• Provide proactive updates on delays, schedule changes, and potential disruptions.
• Issue arrival forecasts and notifications to relevant stakeholders.

5. Logistics Risk Management

• Identify potential shipment risks and develop contingency plans for:
• Port congestion
• Blank sailings
• Strikes
• Adverse weather conditions
• Freight rate increases
• Minimize operational disruptions through proactive risk management and alternative routing solutions.

6. Transportation & Marine Insurance

• Coordinate inland transportation with approved logistics service providers.
• Arrange and monitor marine cargo insurance coverage.
• Ensure transportation and insurance costs are accurately recorded and controlled.

7. Landed Cost Management

• Consolidate and monitor all logistics cost components, including freight, inland transportation, marine insurance, and port-related expenses.
• Review supplier and service provider invoices against approved quotations and agreed rates.
• Identify and resolve billing discrepancies.
• Provide Finance with accurate supporting documentation for landed cost calculations.

8. Import Coordination & Compliance

• Coordinate with the Import Department to ensure ACID requirements are completed before shipment departure.
• Ensure shipment files and supporting documents are complete and accurate before customs clearance.
• Maintain compliance with company procedures and applicable import regulations.

9. ERP & Data Management – Odoo

• Maintain accurate shipment and logistics records within Odoo ERP.
• Update shipment workflows, milestones, and statuses.
• Ensure proper filing and maintenance of shipment documentation, including:
• Proforma Invoice (PI)
• Bill of Lading (BL)
• Commercial Invoice
• Packing List
• Form 46
• Insurance Documents
• Swift Copy
• Ensure data accuracy, integrity, and timely reporting.

10. Reporting & Performance Monitoring

• Prepare monthly logistics performance reports and management dashboards.
• Monitor and analyze key logistics KPIs, including:
• Average freight cost per container
• Direct shipment ratio
• Transit time
• Freight negotiation savings
• ETA accuracy
• Demurrage and avoidable penalty costs
• Provide insights and recommendations to improve logistics performance and reduce costs.

11. Team Support & Continuous Improvement

• Provide guidance, coaching, and support to junior logistics team members.
• Develop, implement, and continuously improve logistics SOPs.
• Standardize freight comparison templates and shipment workflows.
• Establish and maintain strong working relationships with shipping lines, freight forwarders, suppliers, and logistics service providers.
• Identify opportunities to improve efficiency, reduce costs, and strengthen logistics processes.

Qualifications & Experience

• Bachelor’s degree in Logistics, Supply Chain Management, Business Administration, Commerce, or a related field.
• 5–8 years of relevant experience in international logistics, shipping, freight forwarding, or supply chain operations.
• Strong hands-on experience managing import shipments under CIF and FOB Incoterms.
• Solid knowledge of Egyptian ports and import logistics procedures.
• Experience with ERP systems; Odoo is highly preferred.
• Strong freight negotiation, procurement, and vendor management skills.
• Excellent analytical, problem-solving, and decision-making abilities.
• Advanced Microsoft Excel and reporting skills.
• Excellent communication and coordination skills.
• Fluent in English and Arabic.

Key Performance Indicators (KPIs)

• Average Freight Cost per Container
• Direct Shipment Ratio
• Transit Time to Warehouse
• Freight & Port Cost Savings
• ETA Accuracy
• Avoidable Demurrage & Penalty Costs
• Shipment Execution & Documentation Accuracy
• Logistics Data Accuracy in Odoo