Logistics Manager (Sea & Surface)
Full-time
Mid
Description
Key Responsibilities
Sea Freight Operations (Import & Export)
Manage full sea freight operations (FCL, LCL, Break Bulk, Ro-Ro, Project Cargo).
Coordinate with shipping lines, freight forwarders, port authorities (Jebel Ali, Port Rashid, Khalifa Port), and terminal operators.
Ensure accurate booking, vessel scheduling, container planning, and documentation.
Monitor vessel arrivals, container discharge, detention, demurrage, and free-time utilization.
Surface Logistics & Transportation
Plan and manage surface transportation (trailers, flatbeds, low beds, multi-axle, bonded trucks).
Optimize route planning, vehicle utilization, and delivery schedules.
Ensure compliance with border, customs, and transit regulations.
Customs Clearance & Compliance
Liaise with Dubai Customs, JAFZA Customs, Free Zone Authorities, and clearing agents.
Ensure compliance with UAE import/export regulations, HS codes, COO, conformity certificates, and trade documentation.
Handle duty exemptions, re-exports, temporary imports, and bonded movements.
Stay updated on changes in customs laws, tariffs, and trade policies.
Documentation & Trade Compliance
Oversee preparation and accuracy of:
Bill of Lading (Original & Telex Release)
Commercial Invoice & Packing List
Certificate of Origin
Insurance Certificates
Export Declarations & Delivery Orders
Vendor & Cost Management
Negotiate contracts and rates with:
Shipping lines
Freight forwarders
Transporters
Clearing agents
Monitor freight costs, logistics budgets, and cost-saving initiatives.
Review vendor performance through KPIs (OTIF, cost, service quality).
Warehousing & Distribution Coordination
Coordinate inbound and outbound movements with warehouses, free zones, and distribution centers.
Manage stock transfers, stuffing/de-stuffing, and consolidation/deconsolidation activities.
Risk Management & Problem Resolution
Proactively handle shipment delays, port congestion, customs holds, and border issues.
Manage claims related to cargo damage, loss, or insurance.
Ensure adherence to HSE and security standards during transportation.
Key Performance Indicators (KPIs)
On-time shipment delivery
Logistics cost optimization
Customs clearance cycle time
Demurrage & detention reduction
Vendor performance & service quality
Desired Skills & Competencies
Strong knowledge of UAE & GCC logistics regulations
Expertise in sea freight & road transportation
Excellent negotiation and vendor management skills
Strong coordination, problem-solving, and decision-making abilities
High attention to detail in documentation & compliance
Ability to manage multiple shipments under tight deadlines
Educational Qualification
Bachelor s degree in Logistics, Supply Chain, Business Administration, or Engineering
Experience
8 12 years of experience in logistics operations
Minimum 5+ years in UAE / GCC logistics environment
Proven experience handling Dubai ports and cross-border surface logistics
Sea Freight Operations (Import & Export)
Manage full sea freight operations (FCL, LCL, Break Bulk, Ro-Ro, Project Cargo).
Coordinate with shipping lines, freight forwarders, port authorities (Jebel Ali, Port Rashid, Khalifa Port), and terminal operators.
Ensure accurate booking, vessel scheduling, container planning, and documentation.
Monitor vessel arrivals, container discharge, detention, demurrage, and free-time utilization.
Surface Logistics & Transportation
Plan and manage surface transportation (trailers, flatbeds, low beds, multi-axle, bonded trucks).
Optimize route planning, vehicle utilization, and delivery schedules.
Ensure compliance with border, customs, and transit regulations.
Customs Clearance & Compliance
Liaise with Dubai Customs, JAFZA Customs, Free Zone Authorities, and clearing agents.
Ensure compliance with UAE import/export regulations, HS codes, COO, conformity certificates, and trade documentation.
Handle duty exemptions, re-exports, temporary imports, and bonded movements.
Stay updated on changes in customs laws, tariffs, and trade policies.
Documentation & Trade Compliance
Oversee preparation and accuracy of:
Bill of Lading (Original & Telex Release)
Commercial Invoice & Packing List
Certificate of Origin
Insurance Certificates
Export Declarations & Delivery Orders
Vendor & Cost Management
Negotiate contracts and rates with:
Shipping lines
Freight forwarders
Transporters
Clearing agents
Monitor freight costs, logistics budgets, and cost-saving initiatives.
Review vendor performance through KPIs (OTIF, cost, service quality).
Warehousing & Distribution Coordination
Coordinate inbound and outbound movements with warehouses, free zones, and distribution centers.
Manage stock transfers, stuffing/de-stuffing, and consolidation/deconsolidation activities.
Risk Management & Problem Resolution
Proactively handle shipment delays, port congestion, customs holds, and border issues.
Manage claims related to cargo damage, loss, or insurance.
Ensure adherence to HSE and security standards during transportation.
Key Performance Indicators (KPIs)
On-time shipment delivery
Logistics cost optimization
Customs clearance cycle time
Demurrage & detention reduction
Vendor performance & service quality
Desired Skills & Competencies
Strong knowledge of UAE & GCC logistics regulations
Expertise in sea freight & road transportation
Excellent negotiation and vendor management skills
Strong coordination, problem-solving, and decision-making abilities
High attention to detail in documentation & compliance
Ability to manage multiple shipments under tight deadlines
Educational Qualification
Bachelor s degree in Logistics, Supply Chain, Business Administration, or Engineering
Experience
8 12 years of experience in logistics operations
Minimum 5+ years in UAE / GCC logistics environment
Proven experience handling Dubai ports and cross-border surface logistics