Operations Officer – Logistics & Export

Role Overview

This position sits at the centre of a Nairobi-based trade and distribution firm, taking ownership of both local and cross-border freight movements. You will handle the full shipping cycle, from preparing compliance-critical export paperwork to coordinating with clearing agents, transporters, and warehouse staff so that cargo moves without unnecessary hold-ups. Your attention to detail and cost awareness will directly protect the company’s delivery reliability and profit margins.

Key Responsibilities

• Prepare and check all export-facing documents, including Bills of Lading, Airway Bills, packing lists, commercial invoices, and Certificates of Origin, making sure each one matches shipment reality.
• Work closely with clearing agents and customs officials to manage declarations, resolve queries, and prevent cargo from being delayed at borders or ports.
• Track air, sea, and road consignments from the point of dispatch at the factory or warehouse through to final delivery, flagging risks and intervening when transit plans go off course.
• Coordinate with freight forwarders, shipping lines, and local transport providers to assign loads, confirm schedules, and ensure trucks and containers arrive when needed.
• Direct warehouse teams on picking, packing, and stock allocation so that orders are ready in line with vessel and flight cutoff times.
• Monitor freight invoices, haulage charges, port fees, and related costs to identify savings opportunities and keep logistics spend in check.
• Maintain clean, audit-ready records of customs entries, shipment documentation, and delivery confirmations across both physical files and digital systems.
• Produce regular shipment tracking summaries and cost reports using Excel and the company’s ERP platform for management review.

Requirements & Qualifications

• A Bachelor’s Degree in Supply Chain Management, Logistics, Operations Management, Business Administration, or a closely related field.
• At least 3 years of hands-on experience in logistics operations, transport scheduling, or export documentation within the freight and international supply chain sector.
• Professional certifications such as CIPS or KISM are considered a strong plus.
• Advanced working knowledge of Microsoft Excel, including the ability to manage large shipment datasets, use formulas, and present clear summaries.
• Practical familiarity with ERP systems for tracking inventory, purchase orders, or shipment lifecycles.
• A solid grasp of Incoterms, customs clearance processes, and the operating procedures of shipping lines and regulatory authorities.
• Strong organisational skills with the judgment to prioritise urgent cargo issues, manage several active shipments at once, and resolve transit problems calmly.
• Excellent written and verbal communication skills for negotiating with freight partners, instructing clearing agents, and giving accurate status updates to internal stakeholders.

What We Offer / Why Join

This is a full-time, on-site role based in Nairobi, Kenya, within a growing trade and distribution business that depends on dependable logistics execution. You will receive a monthly salary of KSh 65,000 to KSh 70,000 and gain the chance to build deep experience across export compliance, international freight coordination, and cost management. The role offers exposure to the full range of stakeholders in the freight ecosystem, from port authorities to shipping lines, making it a strong fit for someone looking to grow as a logistics operations specialist.