Senior Executive – Shipping & Logistics

WE ARE HIRING: Senior Executive – Shipping & Logistics

Location: Colombo, Sri Lanka

Employment Type: Full-TimeWork Arrangement: OnsiteIndustry: Apparel Manufacturing & Supply ChainAbout the RoleOur client is seeking a proactive and detail-oriented Senior Executive – Shipping & Logistics to manage and coordinate end-to-end shipping and logistics operations for both import and export movements across sea and air freight.The role is responsible for ensuring timely, cost-effective, and compliant logistics execution while working closely with procurement, production, plant operations, freight forwarders, courier providers, customs agents, and transport partners.

The successful candidate will play a vital role in supporting uninterrupted supply chain operations and ensuring on-time delivery of goods.Key ResponsibilitiesShipping & Logistics OperationsOversee and coordinate end-to-end logistics activities related to sea and air freight shipments, including imports and exports.Monitor shipment schedules and proactively manage shipment exceptions and delays.Ensure uninterrupted supply chain operations through effective logistics planning and coordination.Maintain shipment visibility and provide timely status updates to stakeholders.Stakeholder & Vendor ManagementAct as the key liaison between procurement, sourcing, plant operations, and production teams.Coordinate logistics activities to align with production schedules and inventory requirements.Develop and maintain strong relationships with freight forwarders, logistics providers, and customs clearance agents.Evaluate logistics partners based on service quality, reliability, performance, and cost-effectiveness.Freight & Customs CoordinationManage bookings, cargo movements, container allocations, and freight arrangements.Ensure compliance with Incoterms, freight terms, customs requirements, and international trade regulations.Coordinate customs clearance processes and documentation with external agents.Support local and regional transportation activities through third-party logistics providers.Courier & Documentation ManagementAnalyze courier rates and service offerings to obtain cost-effective shipping solutions.Manage courier documentation, including invoices, airway bills, packing lists, and regulatory documentation.Ensure complete and accurate documentation for all shipments and courier transactions.Invoice Verification & Cost ControlManage end-to-end invoice verification and processing for freight forwarding, customs clearance, courier services, and transportation providers.Validate charges against agreed rates, contracts, shipment records, and supporting documents.Support logistics cost management and identify opportunities for operational savings.Reporting & AnalyticsDesign, maintain, and update logistics performance dashboards.Monitor and report on key logistics KPIs, including:Shipment timelinesFreight costsCustoms clearance statusVendor performanceGenerate management reports and provide actionable insights to support decision-making.Utilize reporting tools such as Excel, Power BI, or similar platforms to present logistics performance trends.RequirementsBachelor's Degree in Logistics Management, Supply Chain Management, or a related discipline.Minimum 3–5 years of hands-on experience in shipping and logistics operations.Experience within the apparel sector will be a strong advantage.Proven experience handling import and export logistics operations.Strong freight negotiation and vendor management capabilities.Sound knowledge of:IncotermsHS CodesCustoms proceduresInternational trade complianceClearance documentationGood understanding of local customs regulations and customs clearance processes.Strong analytical and cost-management skills.Proficiency in Microsoft Excel, including Pivot Tables, VLOOKUPs, and reporting tools.Experience with Power BI, Tableau, or similar business intelligence platforms will be an added advantage.Excellent communication, coordination, and stakeholder management skills.Strong attention to detail and ability to manage multiple priorities simultaneously.Key Performance IndicatorsOn-Time Shipment Delivery RateCustoms Clearance Lead TimeInvoice Accuracy & Processing EfficiencyLogistics Cost OptimizationDashboard & Report Submission TimelinessVendor Performance ManagementInternal & External Stakeholder Satisfaction