The head of Logistics and Operations

LIONPRO is searching for The Head of Logistics and Operations department professional. This is a senior executive role responsible for the strategic direction, performance optimization, and day-to-day management of LIONPRO`s end-to-end supply chain.

Key Responsibilities:

Team Leadership & Documentation Management

• Lead, mentor, and develop the Logistics Team and Documentation Department, setting clear KPIs aligned with LIONPRO’s commercial objectives.
• Establish and enforce standardized documentation processes for all shipment types (B/L, AWB, CMR, certificates of origin, phytosanitary, customs entries, etc.).
• Ensure 100% accuracy and on-time delivery of all shipping documents to counterparties, authorities, and clients.
• Conduct regular performance reviews, training programs, and succession planning across both departments.
• Comply with ISO 9001 quality management principles in all documentation workflows.

Market Intelligence & Sea Freight Trend Monitoring

• Continuously monitor global sea freight markets, identifying rate trends, capacity shifts, port congestion, and emerging trade-lane dynamics before they impact cost or service.
• Track regulatory developments including IMO 2020 Sulphur cap updates, CII ratings, EU ETS carbon levy obligations, and container shipping alliances restructuring.
• Subscribe to and synthesise intelligence from sources such as Drewry, Freightos Baltic Index, Alphaliner, Lloyd’s List, and BIMCO.
• Translate market insight into actionable procurement and booking strategies, presenting recommendations to senior leadership in concise, data-driven format.
• Build scenario models (peak season, geopolitical disruption, Red Sea / Suez re-routing) to keep the company agile and cost protected.

Strategic Carrier & Forwarder Relationships

• Maintain direct, C-suite-level relationships with major ocean carriers (Maersk, MSC, CMA CGM, Hapag-Lloyd, ONE, Evergreen, etc.) and key freight forwarders.
• Negotiate annual and spot rate contracts, securing competitive terms on priority lanes and preferred vessel space.
• Evaluate carrier performance quarterly using scorecards covering on-time performance, equipment availability, transit reliability, and claims handling.
• Manage RFQ processes in accordance with procurement of best practices, ensuring transparency and value-for-money aligned with CIPS standards.
• Develop a diversified carrier panel to mitigate single-source risk on critical trade lanes.

 Logistics Operations Advisory & Optimization

• Audit existing logistics flow and identify inefficiencies in routing, modal choices, dwell times, and customs clearance cycles.
• Implement Lean and Six Sigma principles to reduce waste, cut lead times, and improve first time-right rates across the supply chain.
• Advise commercial and procurement teams on Incoterms 2020 selection, trade finance implications, and landed cost optimization.
• Design and maintain a logistics cost model that enables real-time visibility of freight spend vs. budget at shipment and lane level.
• Ensure compliance with international trade regulations: export controls, sanctions screening, AEO/C-TPAT requirements, and country-specific import standards.

AI Integration & Digital Transformation

• Champion the adoption of AI and automation tools across the Logistics and Documentation teams as a standard operating practice.
• Deploy AI-powered TMS and freight rate benchmarking platforms (e.g., Flexport, project44, Beacon, or equivalent) to automate booking, tracking, and exception management.
• Leverage large language model tools (e.g., Claude, Copilot) for rapid drafting of correspondence with carriers, clients, and authorities, ensuring the team saves time without sacrificing precision.
• Use predictive analytics to forecast freight rate movements, equipment shortages, and port disruption, feeding outputs directly into procurement planning.
• Establish AI usage guidelines, training, and governance for the department, ensuring responsible, accurate, and compliant use of AI-generated content.
• Report quarterly to leadership on AI-driven efficiency gains using measurable KPIs (hours saved, error rate reduction, cost avoidance).

LIONPRO Warehouse Workflow Organization

• Audit and optimize structured inbound and outbound workflow processes across all LIONPRO warehouse facilities.
• Define and maintain clear Standard Operating Procedures (SOPs) for receiving, storage, picking, packing, and dispatch in line with ISO 9001 and OHSAS 18001/ISO 45001 safety standards.
• Implement a Warehouse Management System (WMS) or optimize the existing one to achieve real-time inventory accuracy and shipment traceability.
• Coordinate cross-functional workflows between warehouse, customs, procurement, and commercial teams to eliminate communication bottlenecks.
• Drive KPI discipline in the warehouse: order fulfilment accuracy, stock discrepancy rate, throughput per FTE, and on-time dispatch.

Experience and qualifications

• 5+ years in international logistics, in a leadership role.
• Deep knowledge of international sea freight & trade documentation.
• Incoterms 2020, AEO, IMO, ISO 9001 familiarity.
• Excellent English (additional languages a plus).

What we offer

• 5,000–6,500 EUR gross monthly salary + performance bonus.
• Individual growth development budget EUR 1000 (annually).
• Health insurance from day 1.
• Extra vacation days.
• Courses and seminars on industry trends.
• International travel & collaboration.
• A senior leadership role in a fast-growing international company.