About us

Established in 2016, Qima Coffee is a distinguished international organisation specialising in coffee sourcing, development, and marketing. Operating strategically in key coffee growing regions of Colombia, Yemen, and Ecuador, Qima establishes collaborative partnerships with thousands of smallholder coffee farmers to meticulously source and expertly process some of the world's most exceptional coffee varieties. With a comprehensive importing and distribution network spanning seven countries, Qima's proficient local sales teams engage with an extensive portfolio of cafes and roasters globally, facilitating the widespread recognition and adoption of their premium coffees. Expanding beyond the world of trade, in 2022 Qima Coffee strategically extended its market presence by venturing into the retail sector, inaugurating a flagship showcase café in central London.

Renowned for its pioneering advancements in processing techniques, genetic enhancements, and strategic marketing initiatives, Qima Coffee stands as a beacon of innovation, equitable business practices, and sustainability within the coffee industry. The company's unwavering commitment to excellence has positioned it as a transformative force, earning global acclaim for revolutionising the coffee landscape.

About the Role

The Logistics Lead is responsible for overseeing the entire lifecycle of product movement to ensure efficient and timely delivery across the supply chain. This senior role requires managing end-to-end logistics processes, from the coordination of shipments and sample movements to export and import management. The Logistics Lead plays a key role in building strategic partnerships, maintaining inventory accuracy, negotiating rates, and ensuring regulatory compliance. The role will support Qima Coffee (green), Qima Cafe (retail), and Gentlemen Baristas cafe (retail), ensuring that logistics operations align with the company's high standards and objectives.

Responsibilities

-Shipment Fulfilment

• Monitor and track progress at each stage of shipping to identify and mitigate potential issues.
• Maintain open lines of communication with all stakeholders, including suppliers, clients, and shipping agents, to ensure seamless fulfilment.

-Sample Movements

• Oversee and coordinate the movement of samples related to sourcing, purchasing, and deal fulfilment.
• Ensure timely delivery of sample shipments with complete and accurate documentation.

-Export Management

• Manage all export-related procedures, ensuring compliance with relevant regulations and documentation requirements.
• Track and report costs involved in exports and maintain contact points for export operations in various regions.

-Import Management

• Supervise import procedures, documentation, and compliance with local and international regulations.
• Monitor and report associated import costs while establishing contacts for import handling.

-Stock Management

• Oversee stock levels and movements linked to sales, samples, and warehouse operations.
• Notify the warehouse team on receiving and checking deliveries to ensure that the correct amount and type of stock is delivered.
• Monitor stock levels and follow control protocol procedures to ensure that no inventory is taken out of the storage facility without appropriate approval.
• Maintain accurate inventory records across all storage locations and ensure robust data tracking.
• Maintain a comprehensive and up-to-date inventory database, including stock quantities, locations, and other product information.
• Prepare daily and immediate inventory reports showing a summary of receivables and releases, including opening quantity, closing balance, stock variance, and any other required documentation to track inventory performance.
• Conduct regular audits and reconciliations to minimize discrepancies and enhance accuracy.
• Regular stock audits and reconciliation to minimize discrepancies and improve accuracy with the team responsible.
• Ensure proper reconciliation of physical stock with the stock in the system.

-Rate Negotiation and Agent Management

• Negotiate competitive rates with shipping agents and service providers to optimize costs.
• Ensure compliance with customs regulations across different countries and build lasting relationships with logistics partners.

-Warehouse-to-Client Movements

• Coordinate and oversee the movement of goods from warehouses to clients, ensuring documentation is correct and comprehensive.
• For client-arranged shipments, verify logistics requirements; for buyer-arranged shipments, manage the process end-to-end.

-Freight/Import Cost Estimation

• Develop and maintain a cost estimation tool for freight and import expenses from export hubs to import hubs.
• Capture and analyze shipment data to refine estimates and enhance future cost projections.

-Inventory and Audit Reporting

• Notify warehouse teams on receiving and checking deliveries to ensure accuracy and completeness.
• Prepare daily and immediate inventory reports detailing receivables, releases, variances, and inventory performance.
• Identify opportunities for process improvements to boost warehouse efficiency.

-Identify opportunities for process improvement to enhance overall warehouse operations.

-Other duties as assigned.

Qualifications

Education: Bachelor's degree in Supply Chain Management, Logistics, Business Administration, or a related field. A Master’s degree or relevant certification (e.g., CSCP, CLTD) is a plus.

Required Skills

• Proficiency in logistics and supply chain softwares
• Strong understanding of international trade regulations, customs compliance, and documentation.
• Proven experience in managing and developing high-performing teams.
• Excellent problem-solving and decision-making skills.
• Communication and Interpersonal Skills
• Proficiency in maintaining up-to-date and accurate inventory records.
• Strong ability to analyze data for cost tracking and process improvement.
• Competence in conducting thorough stock audits and reconciliations to ensure accuracy.
• Experience in developing and managing relationships with global logistics partners and suppliers.

Preferred Skills

• Knowledge of the specialty coffee industry.
• Proficiency in cost estimation tools and financial analysis related to logistics and transportation.
• Experience in warehouse operations and lean logistics methodologies.
• Expertise in coordinating multi-modal shipping (air, sea, and land) for international operations.
• Ability to implement process improvements for enhanced efficiency and reduced costs.
• Familiarity with quality assurance standards relevant to global logistics and inventory control.

Experience required

Minimum of 7 years in logistics, supply chain management, or a related field, with at least 2 years in a senior or lead role.

Benefits

• Competitive salary based on experience
• Competitive salary based on experience
• Paid time off and holidays
• Ongoing training and professional development opportunities
• Employee discounts on company products