Logistics Operations Manager
Vanilla Steel
We are a Berlin-based startup that has successfully established a leading B2B marketplace for industrial metals across Europe.
The multi-billion-euro metal trading industry is operated on Excel, PDF and Email. We are on a mission to transform buying and selling in one of the oldest industries of the modern world with seamless and intuitive digital solutions. Our technologies increase liquidity, accelerate transactions, reduce scrapping rates and enhance buying convenience for hundreds of steel and metal distributors across Europe.
As a lean team of young, international, and passionate talents, we've recently reached breakeven and are gearing up for the next phase of growth. We are looking for an outstanding individual who wants to join an exciting early stage start-up as a Logistics Operations Manager.
Tasks
As Logistics Operations Manager, you will join the team full-time and work with other Operations Managers and the sales team with the mandate of enabling transactions through providing competitive shipping rates and flawlessly executing negotiated and booked orders. Specifically this will include:
- Managing the end-to-end logistics process for transporting steel products, including booking, tracking and payment of shipments via third-party carriers.
- Obtaining and evaluating quotes from third-party carriers, negotiating competitive rates, and selecting the best options based on cost, reliability, and service quality.
- Building and maintaining strong relationships with freight carriers and logistics providers to ensure consistent service levels and resolve any operational issues.
- Monitoring shipment progress, troubleshooting delays, and communicating proactively with internal teams and external partners to ensure timely deliveries.
- Ensuring adherence to all regulatory requirements, safety standards, and company policies related to transportation and logistics.
- Analyzing logistics costs and implementing strategies to reduce expenses while maintaining high service standards.
- Maintaining accurate records of shipments, invoices, and other logistics-related documentation for audits and reporting.
- Working closely with internal teams, including procurement, sales, and operations, to align logistics strategies with business objectives.
Requirements
- Bachelor’s degree in logistics, supply chain management, business administration, or a related field is preferred.
- Minimum of 3 years of experience in truck logistics, preferably within the steel or manufacturing industry.
- Experience with truck and freight logistics, including an understanding of incoterms and risk transfer.
- Familiarity with legal requirements regarding regional and export shipments and respective documentation.
- Understanding of steel product handling and transportation requirements.
- Familiarity with truck & freight rate structures and carrier selection processes.
- Experience with handling customer claims in a physical goods / trading environment.
- Proficiency in logistics management software (TMS) and ERP systems, advanced knowledge in Excel/Google Sheets.
- Strong negotiation skills. and excellent verbal and written communication skills in English.
- Excellent problem-solving and analytical abilities.
- Ability to work under pressure and meet deadlines.
- Strong track record of achievements.
- Excellent verbal and written communication skills in English.
Benefits
- Visibility and impact with full responsibility for the logistics function as a key driver for transaction growth and scale enablement.
- Fast-paced yet vibrant and collaborative culture with emphasis on customer focus, innovation, entrepreneurship and teamplay. Regular team events and celebrations with regular exchanges and open communication .
- Flexible hybrid office-remote work model to balance team collaboration and deep work. Office located in the heart of Berlin at Kulturbrauerei.
- Competitive compensation depending on experience.
- Company benefits, including Urban Sports Club membership and BVG monthly card.