Logistics Manager

Role Overview

The Logistics Manager will oversee end-to-end logistics operations across DRC for an electric vehicle (EV) company that specializes in electric motorbikes and battery-swapping infrastructure. The role demands strong expertise in managing international shipments, inland distribution, bonded warehousing, and plant-level dispatch operations under strict regulatory and cost-efficiency parameters. The incumbent will lead all inbound and outbound logistics activities, ensuring seamless coordination from overseas suppliers to final delivery at the assembly or manufacturing plant.

Key Responsibilities

1. Shipment Planning and Execution

• Manage booking of international ocean and air freight with carriers and freight forwarders.

• Coordinate collection from overseas suppliers and ensure compliance with incoterms and export regulations.

• Plan and execute Pre-Export Verification of Conformity (PVOC) inspections in cooperation

with recognized agencies (e.g., Bureau Veritas, Intertek, SGS) to ensure all imported vehicles and automotive parts comply with DRC standards before shipment departure.

• Oversee all documentation and certification processes, including obtaining Certificates of Conformity (where required) for customs clearance and regulatory compliance in DRC

markets.

• Mitigate delays or non-compliance risks by ensuring timely execution of PVOC activities

integrated into shipment planning schedules.

• Monitor, track, and actively manage shipment progress through digital logistics platforms

(e.g., GoComet, Windward, SeaVantage) to ensure containers connect on intended

transshipping and connecting vessels across indirect routes.

• Use digital container visibility tools to confirm container load status, vessel departures, and transshipment completion at hub ports.

• Proactively communicate with carriers, port authorities, and transshipment hubs to mitigate connection risks and avoid rollover or missed vessel connections.

2. Customs, Clearance & Compliance

• Manage and oversee customs clearance processes for imports into DRC, including both

local and transit consignments, as well as exports from DRC.

• Liaise with customs agents, regulators (RRA), and third-party logistics providers to ensure

timely clearance.

• Manage bonded warehouse operations and compliance documentation for transit goods.

3. Warehouse & Inventory Management

• Maintain accurate tracking of goods within bonded and free warehouses using Warehouse Management Systems (WMS).

• Implement and enforce FIFO, FEFO, and 5S inventory management principles.

• Plan and supervise dispatch scheduling for plant supply, ensuring timely availability of parts and units for assembly.

4. Transportation & Distribution

• Optimize last-mile delivery routes between port, warehouse, and manufacturing plants.

• Ensure road transport safety, cost efficiency, and fleet coordination across DRC.

• Negotiate service level agreements with logistics service providers and transport partners.

5. Performance and Process Optimization

• Develop and track logistics KPIs (cost per shipment, on-time delivery rate, transit time,

clearance cycle time).

• Continuously improve logistics processes, leveraging technology for visibility and

automation.

• Collaborate with procurement, production planning, and finance teams to align logistics with business goals.

6. Reporting responsibilities:

• Develop, compile, and submit structured logistics performance reports to senior management and key stakeholders.

• Align all reporting with company-approved templates, data standards, and submission

schedules.

• Provide detailed analysis of logistics deliverables, including shipment accuracy, lead time

adherence, cost variance, and sustainability metrics.

• Maintain transparent and traceable documentation for all logistics deliverables and

exceptions.

• Support management in decision-making by preparing briefing notes, dashboards, and

variance analyses in the required format.

• Ensure all reports meet corporate governance, quality, and confidentiality requirements.

7. Team and Vendor Management

• Lead and mentor a cross-border logistics team including warehouse, transport, and customs

specialists.

• Build strategic relationships with shipping lines, freight forwarders, and government agencies.

• Oversee the training, safety, and performance evaluation of logistics staff.

Qualifications and Experience

• Bachelor’s degree in supply chain management, Logistics, Business Administration, or

related field.

• Minimum of 7–10 years of logistics management experience, preferably in the automotive or EV industry.

• Proven experience managing international shipments, bonded warehouse operations, and customs clearance.

• Strong understanding of INCOTERMS, port operations, and customs regulations.

• Proficiency in WMS and ERP platforms (e.g., SAP, Oracle, or Odoo).

• Demonstrated leadership, problem-solving, and negotiation skills.

• Certification in logistics or supply chain (APICS, CSCMP, or CILT) will be an added

advantage.