Logistics Manager

Vale Concepts•Seattle, WA

11d•$125,000 - $135,000•Onsite

About The Position

The Logistics Manager is responsible for leading end-to-end supply chain and logistics operations across a rapidly growing matcha beverage business. This role oversees ERP implementation, international sourcing, inventory management, daily deployment of mobile beverage carts, wholesale distribution, and e-commerce fulfillment. The ideal candidate is a hands-on operations leader who thrives in a fast-paced startup environment and enjoys building scalable systems while ensuring flawless day-to-day execution.

Requirements

Bachelor’s degree in Supply Chain Management, Business, Operations, or related field (or equivalent experience).
5+ years of logistics, supply chain, or operations management experience.
Experience implementing or managing ERP systems (Katana perferred, or similar).
Experience managing international imports, preferably from Asia.
Knowledge of inventory control, warehouse operations, and fulfillment best practices.
Strong analytical skills with advanced proficiency in Excel and ERP reporting.
Excellent organizational, communication, and project management skills.
Ability to balance strategic initiatives with hands-on operational execution.
Experience managing an organization of 10 or more employees during two-shift, 7-day continuous operations

Nice To Haves

Experience in specialty food, beverage, coffee, tea, or consumer packaged goods.
Familiarity with FDA food import regulations and customs procedures.
Experience supporting wholesale distribution and direct-to-consumer e-commerce operations.
Knowledge of route optimization and last-mile logistics.
Lean, Six Sigma, or continuous improvement experience.
Familiarity with Katana ERP

Responsibilities

Manage inbound procurement and logistics for premium matcha and tencha sourced directly from Japan.
Coordinate international freight, customs clearance, import documentation, and domestic transportation in cooperation with Vale’s 3PL.
Develop inventory forecasting / demand planning models to maintain optimal stock levels while minimizing waste.
Build and maintain strong relationships with suppliers, freight forwarders, customs brokers, and logistics partners.
Lead the implementation and optimization of the company’s ERP platform - Katana.
Design and document standard operating procedures across purchasing, inventory, fulfillment, and logistics.
Ensure accurate inventory tracking, lot traceability, purchasing workflows, and financial integration.
Develop dashboards and KPIs to improve operational visibility and decision-making.
Oversee the daily deployment and retrieval of mobile matcha beverage carts throughout the Seattle metropolitan area.
Coordinate staffing, equipment readiness, inventory loading, and route planning.
Ensure carts are fully stocked, maintained, compliant with health regulations, and operating efficiently.
Continuously optimize delivery schedules, labor utilization, and fleet productivity.
Manage outbound replenishment and deliveries to wholesale customers.
Provide demand forecasts to the Vale Production Manager
Maintain high order accuracy and on-time delivery performance.
Develop scalable distribution processes to support business growth.
Oversee fulfillment operations for direct-to-consumer online orders.
Ensure same-day or next-day shipping performance where applicable.
Manage warehouse inventory accuracy, picking, packing, shipping, and returns.
Collaborate with customer service to resolve shipping issues and improve the customer experience.
Maintain accurate inventory across multiple storage locations.
Conduct cycle counts and inventory audits.
Monitor inventory turnover, shrinkage, and product freshness.
Improve warehouse organization and operational efficiency.
Lead a team of managers who will supervise a team of logistics coordinators, warehouse personnel, drivers, and fulfillment staff.
Hire, train, and coach team members while fostering a culture of accountability and continuous improvement.
Establish performance metrics and conduct regular team reviews.