Export Logistics Director

About the CompanyThe company is an ambitious fast-growing organization in the Agricultural Production and FMCG landscape, dedicated to sustainable farming practices and high-quality crop production. Backed by a leading international investment fund, the company combines innovation, operational excellence, and responsible environmental practices to drive long-term growth. With an expanding presence across East Africa, the organization is developing a diversified agricultural platform and aims to become one of the region's foremost integrated agribusiness enterprises.About the RoleWe are looking for an experienced logistics leader to establish and scale the export logistics function.This is a unique opportunity to build international logistics capabilities from the ground up, ensuring reliable and cost-effective transportation of crop production to key export markets, while developing new trade routes and strategic logistics partnerships.The successful candidate will bring deep expertise in international shipping, containerized exports, and cold chain logistics, combined with an established network across shipping lines, freight forwarders, port operators, customs authorities, and logistics service providers.If you enjoy building operations, developing commercial shipping routes, negotiating with global logistics partners, and solving complex supply chain challenges, we'd love to hear from you.Key ResponsibilitiesExport Logistics Strategy & Route DevelopmentDevelop and execute the company's export logistics strategy for crop production and fresh produce exports.Identify, evaluate, and establish potential new international trade routes to support business growth and market expansion.Optimize transportation networks, transit times, service reliability, and logistics costs.Monitor global freight market trends and recommend improvements to logistics and transportation strategy.Carrier & Strategic Partner ManagementBuild and maintain strong relationships with major shipping lines (e.g., Maersk, MSC, CMA CGM, Hapag-Lloyd etc) and regional logistics providers.Negotiate freight rates, service contracts, equipment allocation, and capacity commitments.Ensure consistent reefer container availability during peak production periods.Leverage industry relationships to secure competitive commercial terms and reliable service levels.Manage carrier and logistics partner performance through KPI and SLA frameworks.End-to-End Export OperationsOversee the complete export logistics process from packing facilities to destination markets.Coordinate activities across plantations, packhouses, transport providers, shipping lines, ports, customs authorities, and customers.Ensure uninterrupted cold chain management throughout the export process.Proactively identify and resolve logistics disruptions impacting product quality, transit times, or customer commitments.Customs, Compliance & DocumentationEnsure compliance with export regulations, phytosanitary requirements, customs procedures, and destination-country import requirements.Manage relationships with customs brokers, freight forwarders, and relevant government authorities.Oversee the preparation and control of all export documentation.Maintain high standards of governance and compliance across logistics operations.Cost & Budget OwnershipOwn logistics budgets and freight spend.Drive initiatives to improve efficiency and reduce transportation costs while maintaining product quality and service levels.Analyze route economics and develop recommendations to improve profitability.Support forecasting, capacity planning, and long-term logistics budgeting.Risk Management & Supply Chain ContinuityDevelop contingency plans for shipping disruptions, port congestion, equipment shortages, and other operational challenges.Continuously assess logistics risks and implement mitigation strategies.Build a resilient logistics network through diversified carrier and routing solutions.Experience Required10+ years of experience in international logistics, export operations, freight forwarding, shipping, or supply chain leadership.Proven track record managing export logistics for fresh produce, agriculture, perishables, FMCG, or temperature-controlled products.Strong understanding of containerized sea freight operations, reefer logistics, port operations, and cold chain management.Established network across shipping lines, freight forwarders, ports, customs authorities, and logistics service providers.Demonstrated experience negotiating freight agreements and developing international transportation solutions.Experience in East Africa, emerging markets, or developing logistics infrastructures is a strong advantage.Ability to operate effectively in dynamic and fast-growing business environments.LanguagesEnglish – fluentRussian – fluent or native preferredIdeal CandidateEntrepreneurial and comfortable building logistics capabilities from the ground up.Well-connected within the international shipping and freight forwarding industry.Strong commercial mindset with excellent negotiation and stakeholder management skills.Results-oriented and highly proactive.Able to balance strategic planning with hands-on operational execution.Passionate about creating scalable export supply chains that support long-term business growth.