About the Role

The Export Logistics Specialist oversees and manages end-to-end export operations to ensure that goods leave the organization’s facilities and reach international vendors on time, within budget and in full compliance of all agreed regulations; including safety standards. The role is focused on planning, coordination, documentation & stakeholder management for all exports handled by Soko.

Responsibilities

Export Operations & Coordination

• Plan, organize, and oversee the entire export process from order placement to delivery at the destination.
• Coordinate with production, warehousing, and procurement teams to ensure accurate and timely order fulfillment.
• Liaise with freight forwarders, carriers, and third-party logistics providers to schedule shipments.
• Track shipments, resolve delays, and ensure smooth cargo movement.

Documentation & Compliance

• Prepare and review all required export documentation (invoices, packing lists, bills of lading, certificates of origin, export licenses, etc.).
• Ensure compliance with international trade laws, customs regulations, and organizational policies.
• Maintain accurate records of shipments for audit and reporting purposes.
• Stay updated on changes in export/import regulations, customs procedures, and trade agreements.

Customer & Stakeholder Management

• Act as the primary point of contact for clients regarding export logistics inquiries.
• Provide timely updates to customers on order and shipment status.
• Resolve customer complaints, shipment issues, or documentation errors promptly.
• Build and maintain strong relationships with shipping agents, port authorities, and regulatory agencies.

Performance Management

• Negotiate shipping rates and terms with carriers and freight forwarders to optimize costs.
• Analyze export logistics performance and recommend process improvements for efficiency and cost savings.

Reconditioning

• Support and coordinate container reconditioning logistics when overseas regulators identify non-compliance issues.
• Ensure all reconditioning processes follow approved SOPs and documentation standards before goods are released to buyers.
• Maintain close communication with third-party service providers managing sterilization or product rework.

Supply Chain Traceability

• Ensure all exported goods have a clear, verifiable origin and traceable supply chain documentation.
• Work with sourcing and quality teams to build systems that enable end-to-end traceability of export products.
• Maintain audit-ready export documentation, certifications, and inspection records in compliance with global regulatory standards.

Cost efficiency

• Monitor freight costs, customs duties, and tariffs to control budgets.
• Identify opportunities for cost reduction across shipping, warehousing, and handling processes.
• Implement strategies that improve container utilization, reduce demurrage/detention, and optimize route planning.
• Regularly review freight spend and propose cost-saving initiatives without compromising quality or timelines.

Career Growth and Development

We have a strong culture of constant learning and we invest in developing our people. You’ll have weekly check-ins with your manager, access to mentorship and training programs, and regular feedback on your performance. We hold career reviews every six months, and set aside time to discuss your aspirations and career goals. You’ll have the opportunity to shape a growing organization and build a rewarding long-term career.

Qualifications

Across all roles, these are the general qualifications we look for. For this role specifically, you will have:

• 5+ years of experience in Supply chain, with at least 3 years focusing on Exports.
• Proficiency in export management systems and tracking tools.
• Proficiency in building complex formulas and functions in Google Sheets to support data analysis and reporting.
• Language requirement: English is required. Working knowledge of Swahili is also useful
• Strong planning and organizational skills.
• Excellent communication and coordination abilities.
• Proficient in export management systems and tracking tools.
• Analytical mindset for cost projections and performance tracking.
• Ability to manage multiple priorities and work under pressure.

• Plan, organize, and oversee the entire export process from order placement to delivery at the destination.
• Coordinate with production, warehousing, and procurement teams to ensure accurate and timely order fulfillment.
• Liaise with freight forwarders, carriers, and third-party logistics providers to schedule shipments.
• Track shipments, resolve delays, and ensure smooth cargo movement.
• Prepare and review all required export documentation (invoices, packing lists, bills of lading, certificates of origin, export licenses, etc.).
• Ensure compliance with international trade laws, customs regulations, and organizational policies.
• Maintain accurate records of shipments for audit and reporting purposes.
• Stay updated on changes in export/import regulations, customs procedures, and trade agreements.
• Act as the primary point of contact for clients regarding export logistics inquiries.
• Provide timely updates to customers on order and shipment status.
• Resolve customer complaints, shipment issues, or documentation errors promptly.
• Build and maintain strong relationships with shipping agents, port authorities, and regulatory agencies.
• Negotiate shipping rates and terms with carriers and freight forwarders to optimize costs.
• Analyze export logistics performance and recommend process improvements for efficiency and cost savings.
• Support and coordinate container reconditioning logistics when overseas regulators identify non-compliance issues.
• Ensure all reconditioning processes follow approved SOPs and documentation standards before goods are released to buyers.
• Maintain close communication with third-party service providers managing sterilization or product rework.
• Ensure all exported goods have a clear, verifiable origin and traceable supply chain documentation.
• Work with sourcing and quality teams to build systems that enable end-to-end traceability of export products.
• Maintain audit-ready export documentation, certifications, and inspection records in compliance with global regulatory standards.
• Monitor freight costs, customs duties, and tariffs to control budgets.
• Identify opportunities for cost reduction across shipping, warehousing, and handling processes.
• Implement strategies that improve container utilization, reduce demurrage/detention, and optimize route planning.
• Regularly review freight spend and propose cost-saving initiatives without compromising quality or timelines.

• Proficiency in export management systems and tracking tools.
• Proficiency in building complex formulas and functions in Google Sheets to support data analysis and reporting.
• Strong planning and organizational skills.
• Excellent communication and coordination abilities.
• Analytical mindset for cost projections and performance tracking.
• Ability to manage multiple priorities and work under pressure.

• 5+ years of experience in Supply chain, with at least 3 years focusing on Exports.
• Proficiency in export management systems and tracking tools.
• Proficiency in building complex formulas and functions in Google Sheets to support data analysis and reporting.
• English is required. Working knowledge of Swahili is also useful
• Strong planning and organizational skills.
• Excellent communication and coordination abilities.
• Proficient in export management systems and tracking tools.
• Analytical mindset for cost projections and performance tracking.
• Ability to manage multiple priorities and work under pressure.