Import Logistics & Supply Chain Manager for a Chocolate eCommerce retailer

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About the Client

Our client is a premium eCommerce retailer and curator of craft chocolate, specializing in high-quality, ethically sourced chocolate from artisan makers around the world.

The company focuses on bean-to-bar and small-batch chocolate, working with a global network of producers and suppliers. Their product range includes chocolate bars, truffles, and specialty confections, often emphasizing transparency in sourcing, sustainability, and unique flavor profiles.

In addition to direct-to-consumer sales through their online store, our client also has a growing wholesale (B2B) channel, supplying products to retailers, cafes, and other businesses. Their operations rely heavily on international sourcing and import logistics, particularly for food products that require compliance with FDA and import regulations.

About the Role

We are seeking a highly organized and experienced Logistics & Supply Chain Manager to manage international import operations for a fast-growing chocolate and food company.

This role is critical to ensuring smooth, timely, and cost-efficient inbound shipments from a global network of vendors. You will take ownership of day-to-day logistics execution, working closely with vendors, freight forwarders, customs brokers, and internal stakeholders to keep operations running seamlessly.

The ideal candidate has hands-on experience in import logistics (preferably in food or regulated goods), thrives in a fast-paced environment, and is comfortable managing multiple moving parts with precision and urgency.

Key Responsibilities

Import Logistics & Shipment Coordination

• Manage end-to-end international shipments across air, ocean, and inland freight
• Coordinate with freight forwarders, customs brokers, and carriers to ensure timely delivery
• Track shipments proactively and identify risks, delays, or issues before they escalate
• Confirm pallet configurations, packaging standards, and shipment readiness
• Ensure vendors meet shipping timelines and requirements

Vendor Management & Follow-Up

• Manage relationships with ~30 global vendors and act as the primary point of contact for logistics coordination
• Follow up persistently on purchase orders, shipment status, and required documentation
• Ensure vendors remain aligned on timelines, requirements, and expectations
• Coordinate multi-vendor shipments and support freight consolidation efforts

Compliance & Documentation

• Manage import documentation including prior notices, FDA clearance, product codes, and HTS classifications
• Review all shipment documents for accuracy and completeness prior to dispatch
• Coordinate compliance requirements for food imports and regulated goods
• Maintain organized records of shipments, documentation, and compliance workflows

Cost Optimization & Process Improvement

• Support initiatives to reduce shipping costs, including freight consolidation and modal shifts (air → ocean/reefer)
• Identify inefficiencies in current logistics workflows and recommend improvements
• Help standardize processes, documentation, and internal SOPs
• Contribute to building a more scalable and efficient supply chain operation

Operational Ownership

• Take full ownership of inbound logistics operations and serve as the go-to person for shipment coordination
• Ensure consistent execution with minimal oversight
• Reduce operational friction, delays, and last-minute issues through proactive management
• Long-term: support broader supply chain functions including purchase order drafting and inventory planning

Requirements

• Strong English communication skills (written and verbal)
• Availability aligned with East Coast (EST), with early morning coverage (~7:00 AM EST)
• Based in Latin America or a compatible time zone for real-time coordination
• Proven experience in import/export logistics (food or regulated goods strongly preferred)
• Familiarity with compliance requirements such as FDA clearance, prior notices, HTS codes, and product classifications
• Experience coordinating air, ocean, and inland freight shipments
• Strong vendor and carrier relationship management skills
• Highly organized with exceptional attention to detail and follow-through
• Comfortable managing multiple shipments, vendors, and deadlines simultaneously
• Able to operate with urgency and persistence in a fast-paced environment
• Comfortable learning and applying technical logistics and regulatory concepts