Job Summary
The Logistics Manager is a key operational leader responsible for overseeing all inbound and outbound logistics activities for the mobile retail company operating in Erbil and across the Kurdistan Region of Iraq. This role is accountable for developing, implementing, and continuously improving end-to-end logistics processes from vendor shipment intake through customs clearance, warehousing, and final delivery to retail locations or customers. The Logistics Manager will build the company's logistical infrastructure by designing policies, establishing standard operating procedures (SOPs), and deploying tracking systems that ensure full supply chain visibility, cost efficiency, and compliance with Iraqi and Kurdistan Regional Government (KRG) trade regulations.
Key Responsibilities
1. Inbound Logistics — Ship-In Management:
- Manage and oversee all inbound shipments of mobile devices, accessories, and retail supplies from local and international vendors via Erbil International Airport, Ibrahim Khalil (Zakho) border crossing, and other entry points
- Coordinate with Iraqi and KRG customs authorities for clearance of imported goods; manage import documentation (commercial invoices, packing lists, certificates of origin, IMEI registration)
- Establish vendor compliance standards, including shipment documentation, labelling, and agreed delivery windows
- Coordinate with procurement to align purchase orders (POs) with inbound schedules and customs timelines
- Monitor and track all inbound freight air, land, and local from origin to warehouse receipt
- Manage relationships with freight forwarders, customs brokers, and local carriers operating in the KRI
- Oversee all outbound shipping operations, including transfers to retail locations within Erbil and other KRI cities (Sulaymaniyah and Duhok), direct-to-customer deliveries, and B2B dispatches
- Design and manage order picking, packing, and dispatch workflows for speed and accuracy
- Establish delivery SLAs with local courier partners and monitor performance
- Ensure customers receive accurate shipment tracking and timely communication for all outbound orders
- Manage reverse logistics: coordinate device returns, warranty exchanges, and refurbishment flows in line with Iraqi consumer protection norms
- Track and report on-time delivery (OTD), damage rates, and carrier performance KPIs monthly
- Oversee inventory accuracy across all warehouse and retail storage locations using cycle counts, physical inventories, and real-time tracking
- Implement a Warehouse Management System (WMS) or Inventory Management System (IMS) suited to the local operational environment
- Define inventory storage strategies (FIFO) and bin/location structures to improve pick efficiency for mobile device SKUs
- Monitor inventory levels to prevent stockouts and excess; coordinate with purchasing on reorder points and safety stock thresholds
- Implement strict loss prevention protocols for high-value mobile devices (serial number tracking, IMEI logging, dual-authorisation procedures)
- Design, document, and implement logistics SOPs covering all ship-in, ship-out, customs, warehousing, and returns processes
- Create process maps and workflow diagrams to identify bottlenecks and inefficiencies in the local logistics network
- Lead continuous improvement initiatives aligned with the company's operational goals
- Conduct regular process audits; recommend and implement corrective actions
- Train all logistics team members on SOPs and maintain up-to-date training documentation in both Arabic and English
- Develop comprehensive logistics policies covering the full supply chain lifecycle, including (1) a shipping and receiving policy; (2) Import/customs compliance policy (aligned with KRG and Iraqi trade law); (3) Inventory control and cycle count policy; (4) Returns and reverse logistics policy; (5) Loss prevention and high-value asset handling policy; (6) Vendor compliance and performance policy
- Ensure all logistics operations comply with Iraqi Labour Law No. 37 (2015), KRI Investment Authority regulations, and applicable customs laws
- Maintain documentation for internal and external audit readiness
- Implement and manage logistics tracking tools for real-time visibility of in-transit and warehouse inventory
- Leverage ERP/WMS platforms suitable for the Iraqi market; coordinate integration with POS and retail systems
- Develop and present monthly logistics performance dashboards to senior leadership
- Identify technology gaps and recommend upgrades to enhance supply chain capabilities
- Negotiate contracts, rates, and SLAs with freight carriers, customs brokers, 3PL providers, and local delivery partners
- Monitor carrier performance and manage corrective action plans for underperformers
- Manage relations with key logistics partners operating in KR and cross-border carriers
- Recruit, hire, train, and manage a logistics team, including receiving staff, warehouse workers, and shipping coordinators
- Set performance objectives, conduct regular reviews, and foster a culture of accountability and improvement
- Ensure compliance with Iraqi Labour Law regarding working hours, contracts, leave entitlements, and employee rights
Requirements
Education:
- A bachelor's degree in Supply Chain Management, Logistics, Business Administration, or related field required
- Master's degree (MBA or MS in Supply Chain) preferred
- A minimum of 5 years of progressive logistics or supply chain experience required
- Minimum 3 years in a supervisory or management role
- Experience working in Iraq, Kurdistan Region, or the broader MENA region strongly preferred
- Familiarity with Iraqi customs clearance processes and cross-border trade is a significant advantage
- Experience in mobile/electronics retail or distribution preferred
- Arabic: Full professional proficiency (required)
- Kurdish: Conversational to professional proficiency (strongly preferred for Erbil operations)
- English: Professional proficiency required for documentation, vendor communication, and reporting
- Analytical Thinking: ability to interpret logistics data and translate insights into operational improvements
- Process Orientation: disciplined, systematic approach to designing scalable workflows
- Cross-Cultural Communication: effective working relationships across local, regional, and international stakeholders
- Problem-Solving: proactive identification and resolution of supply chain disruptions
- Compliance Mindset: thorough understanding of local regulatory requirements
- Leadership: ability to build, motivate, and develop a team in a fast-growing retail environment
- Office and warehouse environment in Erbil; field visits to retail locations and logistics partners required
- Must be available outside standard hours during peak seasons, product launches, or logistics disruptions
- Travel within KRI and occasionally to Baghdad
*Only applicants meeting the strict criteria outlined above will be contacted as part of the shortlisting process.