Job description
Black & Grey HR is recruiting for a leading East African tea producer and exporter, known for its high-quality black teas and strong presence in global markets. Our client is looking for an experienced Manager – Shipping, Logistics & Collections to oversee the complete shipping and logistics lifecycle for bulk tea exports. This role is responsible for ensuring timely, cost-effective, and compliant delivery of black tea to international markets. The position requires close coordination with internal teams and external stakeholders, along with strong reporting capabilities to support operational visibility and financial tracking.
Key Responsibilities:
Logistics & Supply Chain Management:
- Plan and execute the movement of full truckloads and bulk container shipments.
- Coordinate transportation from factory to warehouses and ensure smooth transition of goods to port for export.
- Monitor and streamline tracking of tea lots and invoices, ensuring optimal consolidation for efficient truck and container utilization.
- Ensure timely dispatch of approved teas to meet customer delivery schedules.
- Oversee the weekly uploading of designated teas to the auction platform and coordinate deliveries to designated warehouses, ensuring proper segregation between auction and private sale consignments.
Documentation & Regulatory Compliance:
- Prepare, review, and issue all required shipping and export documentation, including bills of lading, invoices, packing lists, certificates of origin, and phytosanitary certificates.
- Ensure that all organic-certified shipments are supported by complete and accurate documentation submitted within required timelines.
- Maintain compliance with export regulations in Rwanda and Kenya, as well as international trade standards.
- Support audits and maintain records related to certifications such as Organic, Fair Trade, and Rainforest Alliance.
Stakeholder & Client Coordination:
- Collaborate with clearing agents, freight forwarders, and shipping lines to secure bookings and address logistical challenges.
- Build and maintain effective relationships with internal production teams and external partners.
- Act as the primary point of contact for customers on shipment updates, ensuring clear and timely communication.
- Provide detailed weekly shipment status reports to both local and international clients.
- Manage the distribution of product samples, including courier dispatches and warehouse-based sampling.
Reporting, Analysis & Process Improvement:
- Prepare weekly logistics and shipping reports using Excel to track shipment status, invoicing timelines, and payment schedules.
- Partner with finance teams to align shipment data with invoicing and collections.
- Monitor key supply chain metrics and identify opportunities to enhance efficiency and reduce costs.
- Track shipment progress and provide regular updates on timelines and performance.
Collections & Financial Coordination:
- Work closely with the finance department to support payment follow-ups and collections linked to shipment timelines and contractual terms.
Requirements- Minimum 7 years of experience, with a strong focus on tea logistics (mandatory).
- Proven experience in international import/export operations across multiple transport modes (air, ocean, road, FCL & LCL shipments).
- Excellent command of spoken and written English.
- Advanced proficiency in Microsoft Excel and database tools (e.g., Microsoft Access) for reporting, tracking, and analysis.
- Strong problem-solving skills with the ability to prioritize tasks, work efficiently under pressure, and maintain high accuracy levels.
- Proactive approach with strong attention to detail and commitment to customer service excellence.
Benefits- Attractive salary & benefits
This job post has been translated by AI and may contain minor differences or errors.
