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

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.

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.

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.

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

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.

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.

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.

Cold-chain compliance incidents (temperature excursions, spoilage).

Carrier performance (on-time pickup/delivery, claim ratio).

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