Sea Exports Manager

Africa Global Logistics (AGL) is seeking an experienced and results-driven Sea Exports Manager to lead and oversee the Sea Exports operations out of Kenya. This is a senior management role that places you at the heart of one of Africa's leading logistics networks, requiring you to balance operational excellence, team leadership, risk management, and client satisfaction across a high-volume freight environment.

Reporting directly to the Operations Manager, you will be responsible for building a high-performing Middle Office team, standardising processes, managing contractual KPIs, and ensuring the department operates with maximum efficiency, compliance, and commercial awareness. If you thrive in fast-paced logistics environments and have a proven track record managing sea exports at a managerial level, this role is for you.

• Lead and manage the Sea Exports team, setting clear objectives, communicating operational changes, and driving internal alignment across all functions.
• Evaluate subordinate performance regularly and develop individual and team capabilities through structured learning and mentorship.
• Build and maintain the Middle Office organisation, ensuring the right expertise, tools, and standard processes are firmly in place.
• Regularly review and update Standard Operating Procedures (SOPs) to ensure they remain aligned with client needs and business objectives.
• Control SOP implementation through quality audits (internal and external) and continuous monitoring against approved action plans.
• Coordinate and monitor day-to-day sea export operations, maintaining high service quality for all clients.
• Identify, assess, and manage operational risks, ensuring a robust risk control framework is maintained at all times.
• Implement measures to minimise additional charge exposure and manage disbursements in line with compliance classification procedures and proper billing practices.
• Oversee the customer disputes resolution process in coordination with Front Office and Back Office teams including Legal and Insurance departments.
• Ensure appropriate insurance coverage is in place for all services, including contracted means, with Back Office support.
• Identify critical customers based on cargo nature, volumes, financial position, and key account status, and establish specific monitoring conditions as appropriate.
• Collect and report on operational risks (including customs issues) monthly to the Manager.
• Prepare and submit monthly performance reports to the Manager, incorporating market analysis, outlook, and departmental KPIs.
• Ensure all agreed contractual and internal KPIs are consistently met or exceeded.

• Ability to lead, motivate, and performance-manage a multi-functional logistics team in a high-pressure environment.
• Demonstrated capacity to design and implement operational SOPs and Middle Office structures from the ground up or refine existing ones.
• Proficiency in managing sea export documentation, Incoterms, customs compliance, and freight forwarding regulations specific to the Kenyan market.
• Strong risk identification and mitigation skills, including financial exposure management and billing accuracy oversight.
• Experience coordinating with front-end sales teams, back-office legal and insurance units, and external shipping lines or port authorities.
• Ability to track, report, and improve KPIs across service quality, operational efficiency, and financial performance.
• Excellent communication skills for cross-functional alignment, client engagement, and management reporting.
• Minimum 5 years' experience in a busy Clearing & Forwarding company in a managerial role specifically handling Sea Exports.
• Holds a Business Degree and a Diploma in Clearing & Freight Forwarding or a related logistics field.

AGL offers a competitive remuneration package commensurate with experience and the seniority of this role. Based on current Kenyan market benchmarks for senior logistics management professionals, the estimated monthly salary range is KES 180,000 – KES 300,000. Specific package details, including allowances and bonuses, will be discussed during the interview process.

Ideal Candidate: You are a seasoned logistics professional with at least five years in sea exports management, a deep understanding of Kenyan port and customs processes, and the leadership maturity to manage a middle-office team while engaging senior stakeholders. You are data-driven, process-oriented, and commercially aware.

Do NOT apply if: You have no direct sea exports experience, have never managed a team, or are looking for an entry or mid-level operational role. This position requires genuine managerial responsibility and demonstrable expertise in sea freight forwarding.

• Prepare an up-to-date CV highlighting your sea exports management experience, team leadership history, and key achievements.
• Write a concise cover letter addressed to the AGL HR team, outlining why you are the right fit for this role.
• Submit your application through the AGL careers portal or the job platform where this posting was listed.
• Shortlisted candidates will be contacted for an initial screening interview followed by a panel interview with the Operations leadership team.