Logistics Manager – Import & Export

About the Role

Al Barakah Dates Factory LLC is seeking an experienced Logistics Manager to oversee our import and export shipping operations at our Dubai Industrial City facility. This senior position involves complete accountability for the end-to-end international shipping process, including ocean, air, and cross-border freight movements across multiple regions such as the GCC, Indian Subcontinent, Africa, Europe, and the Americas.

Key Responsibilities

• Manage the entire import and export shipping workflow, from container booking through to final delivery.
• Negotiate freight rates with shipping lines, Non-Vessel Operating Common Carriers (NVOCCs), and air freight forwarders, taking responsibility for the freight cost management on the profit and loss statements.
• Conduct quarterly benchmarking of freight rates against market indices like Freightos and Xeneta to ensure competitive pricing.
• Prepare and manage export documentation including Bills of Lading, Certificates of Origin, Health and Phytosanitary Certificates, Fumigation Certificates, Export Declarations, and VAT Exit Certificates.
• Handle import documentation and customs clearance requirements such as MOFAIC Attestation, FIRS, ATLP, Import Release Permits, and Dubai Municipality registrations including FITR, FLRA, and ZAD.
• Manage organic certifications such as Certificate of Inspection (COI), Traceability Certificate (TC), and Good Agricultural Practices Certificate (GB COI).
• Oversee export Letter of Credit transactions, including resolving any discrepancies with banks.
• Administer marine insurance policies for inbound machinery and other high-value cargo shipments.
• Coordinate third-party pre-shipment inspections with authorized agencies like Bureau Veritas, SGS, or Intertek.
• Integrate and liaise with SAP logistics systems for operational efficiency.

Candidate Profile

• Possess 10 to 12 years of extensive experience in import/export shipping operations, including at least 5 years in a leadership or managerial capacity.
• Have expert knowledge of Incoterms 2020 (EXW to DDP), with a thorough understanding of their commercial and risk implications.
• Demonstrate practical proficiency with trade finance instruments, including Letter of Credit, Documents against Payment (DP), Documents against Acceptance (DA), open accounts, and advance payment methods.
• Show a history of successful freight rate negotiations with carriers and freight forwarders.
• Hold strong familiarity with UAE customs procedures and clearance processes, particularly Dubai Customs.
• Experience in food or Fast-Moving Consumer Goods (FMCG) exportation preferred, with a focus on perishables or agricultural products considered a significant advantage.

Additional Details

This position is based onsite in Dubai. Interested candidates should submit their curriculum vitae via email with the subject line "Logistics Manager – Import/Export."