Overview
Director of Logistics & Distribution Jobs in Kingston, Jamaica at Grupo Unicomer / Unicomer Group
Title: Director of Logistics & Distribution
Company: Grupo Unicomer / Unicomer Group
Location: Kingston, Jamaica
For more than 20 years we have consolidated ourselves as a leading multi latina in retail and financial services with presence in Latin America and the Caribbean, bringing well-being to millions of customers through our more than 25 commercial brands, with operations in 20 countries and more than 13,000 employees. (get to know more about us by visiting our website https://grupounicomer.com/en/home/
POSITION OVERVIEW
To direct the operations of all warehouses, distribution and logistics functions of the company to achieve and maintain operational efficiency, optimize costs and high service levels
PRINCIPAL ACCOUNTABILITES:
STRATEGIC PLANNING
•Develop and implement logistics strategies to enhance productivity, quality, and efficiency across the supply chain.
OPERATION MANAGEMENT
•Oversee logistics operations, including warehousing, inventory management, transportation, and distribution processes.
BUDGET MANAGEMENT
•Develop and manage budgets in alignment with the organization’s financial goals, ensuring cost-effective logistics solutions.
PROJECT MANAGEMENT
•Provide oversight or lead major projects that inform the operational strategies essential to the Company’s Logistics initiatives (WMS, Last Mile Solution, Expansion, etc).
SUPPLIER RELATIONSHIP MANAGEMENT
•Maintain professional relationships with key suppliers and vendors, negotiating contracts to secure favourable terms and pricing.
COMPLIANCE
•Ensure compliance with local, state, and federal regulations governing transportation and distribution operations.
GENERAL
INVENTORY MANAGEMENT
• Establish internal controls for the movement of stock in and out of the Distribution Centre and consistently monitor for effectiveness and compliance, while seeking to continuously improve.
• Update and implement policies and procedures to safeguard against stock losses.
• Partner with IT and the Buying function to improve on the accuracy of stock information that is made available to Branches and the Warehouse team.
• Investigate and determine causes of exceptional shortages/losses or out of stock issues and take corrective measures.
• Organize perpetual and quarterly stock counts in collaboration with Finance/Asset Control.
• Ensure compliance with proper stacking, storing and manual handling procedures in an effort to minimize damages to stock and injury to staff.
IMPORT LOGISTICS & CUSTOMS MANAGEMENT
• Oversee customs brokerage activities to ensure timely clearance of imported goods in compliance with regulations of the Jamaica Customs Agency.
• Monitor and manage demurrage, detention and port storage charges to minimize avoidable costs.
• Liaise with shipping lines, freight forwarders and port operators to ensure efficient container movement and turnaround.
• Ensure accurate preparation and submission of import documentation and compliance with all applicable trade regulations.
• Monitor landed cost components and identify opportunities to improve cost efficiencies within the supply chain.
• Ensure timely release and movement of cargo from ports, bonded warehouses and other regulated facilities.
• Lead and maintain the organization’s participation in Authorized Economic Operator (AEO) or similar trusted trader programmes, ensuring sustained operational compliance with certification standards
JOB SPECIFICATION:
QUALIFICATION/EDUCATION AND EXPERIENCE:
•Degree in Business Administration, Management or related discipline
•Minimum 7 years’ experience in warehousing distribution or similar with experience in a senior management position in a medium to large retail/commercial operation.
•Demonstrated experience managing import logistics, customs clearance processes and demurrage control.
•Experience supporting or leading compliance with Authorized Economic Operator (AEO) or similar trusted trader programmes would be an asset
•Experience operating within a unionized warehouse or distribution environment would be an asset.
KNOWLEDGE, SKILLS AND ABILITIES
•Solid understanding of warehouse and logistics management practices.
•Experience in medium-to-large retail or commercial operations, with proficiency in WMS, fleet management, or other supply chain systems.
•Knowledge of customs regulations, port operations, international shipping documentation, and trade compliance, including AEO frameworks.
•Strong analytical, organizational, and reporting skills.
•Proficient in Microsoft Suite, inventory systems, and other relevant software applications.
