OVERVIEW

The European Logistics Manager is responsible for coordinating and executing import/export logistics activities with a primary focus on transport operations, customs compliance, and international trade processes. This role ensures timely container movement from regional port to distribution centers, maintains compliance with global trade regulations, and supports cost control and service performance across transportation and brokerage partners. 

The ideal candidate is detail-oriented, operationally strong, and experienced in managing port-to-DC container flows, final mile carriage, customs documentation and trade compliance processes in a fast-paced supply chain environment. 

RESPONSIBILITIES  

Inbound Freight Operations Management 

• Coordinate cargo movements from port to distribution centers and/or transload facilities. 

• Manage drayage carriers to ensure on-time pickup, delivery, and empty returns. 

• Monitor port congestion, terminal constraints, chassis availability, and appointment scheduling. 

• Track demurrage and detention exposure; proactively mitigate avoidable charges. 

• Validate and approve drayage invoices, accessorial charges, and billing accuracy. 

• Maintain shipment visibility and ensure accurate milestone tracking in TMS or internal systems. 

Carrier Management 

• Manage relationships with final mile carriers supporting retail store replenishment, eCommerce deliveries, and reverse logistics.  

• Monitor carrier service levels including on-time delivery, delivery exceptions, claims, and customer experience metrics.  

• Review carrier performance through regular business reviews (QBRs), identifying opportunities to improve service, cost, and network efficiency.  

• Partner with Transportation and Distribution teams to optimize routing, carrier allocation, and delivery schedules during peak and promotional periods.  

• Act as the primary escalation point for significant final mile service issues, coordinating resolution with carriers and internal stakeholders. 

Trade & Customs Operations 

• Coordinate with customs brokers to ensure timely and compliant customs clearance. 

• Review commercial invoices, packing lists, HTS classifications, and country-of-origin documentation for accuracy. 

• Support import/export compliance processes in alignment with U.S. and international trade regulations. 

• Maintain proper documentation for audits, duty payments, and recordkeeping requirements. 

• Assist in managing duty optimization programs (e.g., FTA, drawback, bonded movements). 

• Monitor regulatory updates and ensure operational adherence to changing trade requirements. 

Performance & Cost Management 

• Track drayage carrier performance (on-time performance, dwell time, accessorial trends). 

• Identify cost drivers related to detention, demurrage, port storage. 

• Partner with transportation and distribution teams to improve container flow and reduce port dwell time. 

• Support freight accruals and monthly reconciliation of transportation and brokerage invoices. 

• Assist in annual carrier reviews, carrier procurement services, rate negotiations and RFP processes as needed. 

• Ensure compliance with carrier operating procedures, service level agreements (SLAs), and contractual requirements.  

• Analyze transportation spend, delivery performance, and capacity trends to drive continuous improvement and cost optimization.  

Cross-Functional Collaboration 

• Partner with Planning, Distribution, Retail, Transportation, Finance, and external vendors to ensure seamless cargo movement. 

• Provide visibility updates and risk alerts to internal stakeholders. 

• Support peak season planning and contingency strategies related to port disruptions or volume surges. 

• Contribute to continuous improvement initiatives to streamline trade and drayage workflows. 

QUALIFICATIONS

• 5+ years of experience in drayage, ocean import/export, trade operations, or international logistics. 

• Strong understanding of port operations, container lifecycle, and intermodal transportation. 

• Working knowledge of customs clearance processes and trade compliance requirements. 

• Experience managing brokers, drayage carriers, and freight forwarders. 

• Familiarity with TMS systems, ERP platforms, and shipment tracking tools. 

• Strong analytical skills with the ability to manage cost and performance metrics. 

• Detail-oriented with strong organizational and problem-solving skills. 

• Effective communication skills with both internal and external stakeholders. 

Preferred Qualifications 

• Experience with U.K and EU import regulations and HTS classification. 

• Knowledge of demurrage/detention mitigation strategies. 

• Exposure to duty optimization programs or trade compliance audits. 

• Experience in retail, apparel, or consumer goods supply chains.