Job Profile: Logistics Manager (Food Export Startup)

Position: Logistics Manager (or Head of Logistics & Export Operations)
Location: Spain (with frequent coordination across GCC, Turkey and China)
Employment type: Full-time, on-site (startup environment)

Role Purpose
Lead the end-to-end export logistics function for a food-export startup based in Spain, selling into GCC, Turkish, Chinese markets. Build the logistics function from zero: design processes, select and manage carriers and forwarders, implement systems, and ensure on-time, compliant, cost-efficient delivery of perishable and ambient food products.

Key Responsibilities
1. Build Logistics & Export Function from Scratch - Design and document standard operating procedures (SOPs) for order-to-shipment, warehousing, transport, and documentation. - Define service levels, KPIs, and performance dashboards (on-time delivery, cost per kg/liter, claims rate, documentation accuracy). - Select, negotiate, and onboard freight forwarders, shipping lines, trucking companies, and customs brokers for Spain → GCC/Turkey/China flows.

2. Export Operations & Shipment Coordination - Plan and coordinate all export shipments (FCL/LCL, reefer containers, air freight for high-value/perishable goods). - Ensure timely booking, container availability, loading plans, and temperature control for cold-chain products. - Track shipments end-to-end and proactively manage delays, reroutes, or quality risks.

3. Documentation & Compliance - Prepare and verify export documents: commercial invoices, packing lists, certificates of origin, health/veterinary certificates, halal certificates (if required), and any specific import permits. - Ensure compliance with EU export rules and destination import regulations (labeling,



shelf-life, temperature, food-safety standards). - Coordinate with authorities, inspection agencies, and labs for required certifications and tests.

4. Carrier & Partner Management - Build and maintain a carrier database with rates, transit times, service quality, and contract terms. - Run periodic tenders or RFQs to optimize cost and service. - Manage relationships and performance of 3PLs, cold-storage providers

5. Reporting & Documentation - Maintain simple, up-to-date reports on product movement, orders, and shipments (e.g., in Excel or Google Sheets). - Track order status from confirmation to delivery, including key milestones: booking, pickup, departure, arrival, customs clearance, and final delivery. - Record basic data for each shipment: customer, product, quantity, Incoterms, carrier, container/trucking reference, dates, and any incidents or delays. - Prepare regular summary reports for management (e.g., weekly/monthly) showing: orders shipped, pending orders, main delays/issues, and basic logistics costs. - Ensure all shipment-related documents (invoices, packing lists, transport documents, certificates) are filed in an organized way and easy to retrieve.

6. Cross-functional Collaboration - Work closely with Procurement, Quality, and Finance to align capacity, lead times, and Incoterms with commercial strategy.



- Support new product launches and new market entries with logistics feasibility, cost estimates, and risk assessments. - Train internal teams on export requirements, documentation, and basic logistics processes.

Profile & Requirements

Experience
- 4–8 years in logistics, export operations, or supply chain, preferably in food, FMCG, or perishables. - Proven experience with reefer containers, cold chain, and temperature-sensitive cargo.
- Hands-on experience with GCC markets (UAE, KSA, Qatar, etc.) is a strong plus. - Startup or scale-up experience (building processes from 0–1) highly valued.

Education
- Bachelor’s degree in Logistics, Supply Chain, International Trade, Business Administration, or related field.

Skills & Competencies
- Strong knowledge of Incoterms 2020, export documentation, and customs procedures.
- Excellent negotiation and vendor-management skills.
- Analytical mindset; comfortable with Excel and basic data analysis; able to design simple KPIs and reports.
- High attention to detail, problem-solving orientation, and ability to work under time pressure.
- Fluent English (written and spoken); Spanish

Personal Attributes
- Entrepreneurial, proactive, and comfortable with ambiguity.
- Structured and process-oriented, yet adaptable in a fast-changing startup environment.
- Strong communicator, able to coordinate across cultures and time zones.

Key Performance Indicators (KPIs)
- On-time in-full (OTIF) delivery to GCC customers.
- Documentation error rate / customs clearance delays.
- Cold-chain compliance incidents (temperature excursions, spoilage).
- Carrier performance (on-time pickup/delivery, claim ratio).

📌 Logistics Manager (Food Export Startup) (Barcelona)
🏢 Confidential
📍 Barcelona