Role Purpose

The Logistics Manager is responsible for executing and optimizing all logistics, freight, import/export, and customs clearance activities to ensure the timely, compliant, and cost-effective flow of materials and finished products in Togo.

This role manages freight forwarding partners, Customs House Agents, transport vendors, and other logistics service providers, ensuring full documentation governance, regulatory compliance, and SLA adherence across the logistics chain.

Key Responsibilities

1. Shipment Coordination & Execution

• Support the execution of the Logistics & Customs Clearance plan in alignment with Procurement & Supply Chain objectives.
• Coordinate with Customs House Agents (CHA) and freight forwarders to ensure all shipments meet transportation and customs clearance timelines.
• Prepare, maintain, and control all required documentation for import, export, and domestic logistics transactions.
• Record and archive shipment documentation, including all cost components, duties, levies, taxes, and related charges.
• Ensure compliance with the regulations of the Togolese Customs Authority (Office Togolais des Recettes – OTR), applicable Togolese import/export laws, and ECOWAS regional trade requirements.
• Coordinate shipment activities through key entry points, particularly the Port of Lomé and Lomé–Tokoin International Airport cargo operations.
• Ensure proper coordination of cross-border shipments within the ECOWAS region.

2. Vendor & Freight Management

• Manage transport vendors, freight forwarders, and customs clearing agents, ensuring all required insurance coverage is in place.
• Conduct vendor evaluations and select logistics service providers based on cost, service quality, capacity, and reliability.
• Manage freight quotation processes and negotiate rates to optimize and reduce logistics costs.
• Build and maintain strong relationships with logistics partners to ensure operational efficiency and service continuity.
• Monitor vendor performance against agreed SLAs and operational KPIs.

3. Performance, Reporting & Governance

• Generate periodic shipment and logistics performance reports and ensure alignment with internal stakeholders.
• Lead regular performance review meetings with freight forwarding partners and key internal functions.
• Proactively prevent demurrage, penalties, delays, and cost leakages through timely documentation submission and payment processing.
• Obtain approvals for all logistics costs in accordance with the company's approval matrix and governance framework.
• Monitor compliance with local import/export regulations, customs requirements, and company policies.
• Ensure transparency and accuracy in all customs-related costs and logistics transactions.

4. Continuous Improvement

• Drive reductions in customs clearance lead times for all shipments.
• Continuously improve logistics processes, vendor performance, service levels, and cost efficiency.
• Identify opportunities for process automation and operational optimization across the logistics chain.
• Support the implementation of best practices in inventory movement visibility and shipment tracking.
• Strengthen shipment visibility and coordination across domestic and regional supply chains.

Qualifications & Experience

• Bachelor's degree in Supply Chain Management, Logistics, Business Administration, or a related field.
• Minimum 5+ years of experience in Logistics, Customs Clearance, Import/Export Operations, or Supply Chain Management.
• Strong knowledge of Togolese customs regulations, OTR customs procedures, ECOWAS trade protocols, and shipment documentation requirements.
• Experience managing imports through the Port of Lomé and coordinating with customs clearing agents in Togo is highly preferred.
• Proven vendor management and freight cost negotiation capabilities.
• Strong analytical, communication, and stakeholder management skills.
• Proficiency in Microsoft Excel and logistics tracking/reporting tools is an advantage.