Logistics Officer - Export & Import Operations

Job Description

Job Title

Logistics Officer – Export & Import Operations

Location: Qatar

Industry: Manufacturing

Employment Type: Full-Time

Job Summary

The Logistics Officer – Export & Import Operations is responsible for coordinating and managing international logistics activities to ensure the efficient movement of raw materials, finished goods, and equipment. The role oversees export and import documentation, customs clearance, freight coordination, and shipment tracking while ensuring full compliance with Qatar Customs regulations and international trade requirements. The position plays a key role in maintaining uninterrupted supply chain operations by coordinating with freight forwarders, shipping lines, customs brokers, and internal stakeholders to ensure timely, cost-effective, and compliant delivery of goods.

Key Responsibilities

Export & Import Operations

• Coordinate end-to-end export and import logistics activities from order processing to final delivery.
• Arrange and monitor international shipments through sea, air, and land transportation.
• Coordinate with freight forwarders, shipping lines, customs brokers, and transport providers to ensure timely shipment execution.
• Monitor shipment schedules and proactively address delays or operational disruptions.
• Ensure compliance with company policies and international trade regulations throughout the logistics process.

Customs Clearance & Regulatory Compliance

• Ensure all import and export activities comply with Qatar Customs laws and regulations.
• Coordinate customs clearance activities to avoid delays and additional costs.
• Manage customs-related documentation, permits, and regulatory submissions.
• Liaise with government authorities, customs officials, and regulatory agencies when required.
• Stay updated on changes in customs regulations, trade policies, and import/export requirements.

Shipping Documentation

• Prepare, verify, and maintain complete shipping documentation, including:
  • Bill of Lading (B/L)
  • Commercial Invoice
  • Packing List
  • Certificate of Origin (COO)
  • Export Permit Certificate (EPC)
  • Bill Approval Letter (BAL)
  • Delivery Orders
  • Shipping Instructions
  • Any additional regulatory documents required for international trade
• Ensure documentation accuracy to facilitate smooth customs clearance and shipment processing.
• Maintain organized shipment records for audit and compliance purposes.

Freight & Container Management

• Coordinate high-volume container shipments across multiple international destinations.
• Track container movements and monitor shipment milestones from origin to destination.
• Optimize container utilization and transportation schedules to improve efficiency.
• Coordinate with shipping lines and logistics partners regarding bookings, vessel schedules, and freight arrangements.
• Resolve issues related to shipment delays, damaged cargo, demurrage, detention charges, and freight claims.

Vendor & Stakeholder Coordination

• Maintain effective communication with suppliers, customers, freight forwarders, shipping agents, and customs brokers.
• Negotiate freight rates and logistics service agreements where applicable.
• Coordinate with warehouse, production, procurement, finance, and sales teams to ensure smooth logistics operations.
• Provide regular shipment status updates to internal stakeholders.

Reporting & Documentation

• Prepare logistics reports, shipment status reports, freight cost reports, and KPI dashboards.
• Maintain accurate records of logistics transactions and supporting documentation.
• Support internal and external audits by providing complete logistics records.
• Analyze logistics performance and recommend process improvements to reduce costs and improve delivery performance.

Health, Safety & Compliance

• Ensure logistics activities comply with company HSE policies and applicable regulations.
• Promote safe handling and transportation of goods, particularly hazardous or regulated materials where applicable.
• Support continuous improvement initiatives within the logistics function.

Qualifications

• Bachelor's Degree in Logistics, Supply Chain Management, International Trade, Business Administration, or a related field.
• Professional certification in Supply Chain or Logistics is an advantage.

Experience

• Minimum 5 years of experience in export and import logistics operations.
• Experience within a manufacturing environment is preferred.
• Proven experience handling large volumes of international container shipments.
• Strong experience managing sea freight, air freight, and land transportation.
• Experience coordinating with freight forwarders, customs brokers, and shipping lines.

Knowledge

• Strong knowledge of Qatar Customs regulations and import/export procedures.
• Thorough understanding of international shipping documentation and trade compliance.
• Knowledge of Incoterms and global trade practices.
• Familiarity with GCC customs procedures and regional port operations.
• Understanding of freight management, container logistics, and supply chain operations.

Skills & Competencies

• Strong organizational and planning skills.
• Excellent communication and coordination abilities.
• Strong analytical and problem-solving skills.
• Effective negotiation and vendor management skills.
• Ability to manage multiple shipments simultaneously under tight deadlines.
• High attention to detail and documentation accuracy.
• Proficiency in ERP systems and Microsoft Office applications.
• Strong knowledge of shipment tracking systems and logistics software.

Preferred Qualifications

• Experience in lubricant, petrochemical, chemical, or industrial manufacturing sectors.
• Familiarity with GCC trade regulations and regional logistics networks.
• Knowledge of international freight forwarding and shipping line operations.
• Arabic language skills are an advantage.

Key Performance Indicators (KPIs)

• On-time shipment delivery performance.
• Customs clearance turnaround time.
• Documentation accuracy rate.
• Freight cost optimization.
• Container utilization efficiency.
• Reduction in demurrage and detention costs.
• Compliance with customs and regulatory requirements.
• Shipment tracking accuracy and visibility.
• Vendor performance and service levels.
• Customer satisfaction with logistics operations.