Logistics Lead

Role Summary

Hörmann Middle East FZE is looking for a proactive Logistics Lead responsible for managing the end-to-end freight coordination, shipment execution, provider sourcing and negotiation, and freight cost control across Middle East and Africa regions. This role demands hands-on involvement in operational shipment cases, along with overseeing the quality and efficiency of logistics support activities.

Purpose of the Role

• Ensure competitive and dependable shipping solutions while adapting to fluctuations in freight markets, route alterations, urgent requests, and regional disruptions.
• Establish and maintain a qualified network of freight forwarders and logistics providers covering sea, air, road transport, cross-trade, and last-mile deliveries.
• Deliver precise logistics data, freight cost trends, port-to-port analyses, performance evaluations of providers, and management summaries to inform commercial decisions.
• Enhance logistics processes including workflow optimization, documentation accuracy, reporting standards, and cost management within daily operations.

Key Responsibilities

• Plan, book, track, and finalize inbound, outbound, cross-trade, and last-mile shipments tailored to customer, project, destination, and schedule requirements.
• Coordinate with suppliers, customers, sales, finance, warehouse, procurement, drivers, transport support, and external partners to guarantee smooth shipment execution.
• Resolve shipment challenges, inventory discrepancies, documentation and customs issues, port coordination, and urgent recovery tasks until completion.
• Identify, assess, qualify, and develop relationships with freight forwarders and logistics providers for sea, air, and road freight services.
• Negotiate pricing and service terms, conduct request for quotations, benchmark offers, and recommend optimal solutions based on cost efficiency, transit times, reliability, and service quality.
• Develop alternatives for routes, ports, transport modes, and contingency plans for delayed or urgent shipments.
• Verify and approve logistics invoices against contracts, quotations, shipment details, and actual services rendered.
• Address invoice discrepancies, including demurrage, detention, storage costs, penalties, and other avoidable expenses.
• Maintain accurate records within SAP/ERP systems, including ME2M tracking, DocuSign approvals, Letters of Credit documentation, shipment logs, and operational reports.
• Ensure compliance with workflows, standard operating procedures, method statements, checklists, customs regulations, and documentation standards.
• Oversee logistics support quality, mentor colleagues, ensure follow-up on pending activities, and apply corrective measures as necessary.
• Develop or refine logistic templates, reports, workflows, and documentation to boost operational efficiency, transparency, and accountability.
• Lead initiatives for ongoing improvements in logistics coordination, cost analysis, forwarder performance, compliance, and customer service excellence.
• Manage inventory movements, stock transfers, replenishment, and warehouse transactions to guarantee material availability for timely project completion.
• Monitor inventory accuracy and stock levels, investigate discrepancies, support reconciliation efforts, and collaborate with warehouse teams to sustain reliable records and effective storage practices.

Additional Major Tasks

• Verify shipping invoices.
• Coordinate approvals via DocuSign.
• Conduct freight pricing and service negotiations.
• Monitor and update SAP/ERP data (ME2M) including follow-ups on logistics matters.
• Assess freight forwarder performance and manage disputes.
• Perform quarterly RFQ comparisons and logistics data reporting.
• Conduct comparative analysis of sea, land, and air freight pricing.
• Monitor port-to-port pricing trends.
• Provide support for Letters of Credit documentation.
• Oversee inventory control, stock reconciliation, and warehouse performance monitoring.

Required Skills and Qualifications

• Demonstrated experience in logistics coordination, freight forwarding, supply chain management, provider relations, shipment issue resolution, and cost management.
• Strong commercial mindset with aptitude for identifying savings opportunities, disputing unnecessary costs, and maximizing value through effective supplier and forwarder management.
• Thorough knowledge of UAE freight operations, customs, free zones (especially Jebel Ali Free Zone), Dubai Trade Portal, UAE Customs, DP World, and Abu Dhabi Ports.
• Collaborative team player capable of working closely with logistics teams and multiple departments such as sales, finance, warehouse, and procurement.
• Strong ownership mentality, following tasks through to completion while supporting team members and maintaining high operational standards.
• Proven leadership skills in coordinating logistics activities and managing multiple stakeholders in a dynamic environment.
• Experience with SAP/ERP systems preferred.
• Bachelor's degree in Business Administration, Logistics, Supply Chain Management or related field; relevant certifications are a plus.
• Excellent negotiation, analytical thinking, reporting, price comparison, problem solving, organizational abilities, communication skills, and meticulous attention to detail.
• Prior experience in industries such as building materials, construction supplies, door systems, industrial equipment, or project logistics involving technical products is highly advantageous.