Planning, Purchasing and Shipping Manager

Planning, Purchasing and Shipping Manager

To lead and manage the Planning, Purchasing, and Shipping (Logistics) functions end-to-end, ensuring operational continuity, on‑time customer deliveries, cost efficiency, and full compliance with Colombian regulations, Free Trade Zone requirements, and customs regulations.

To ensure that customer requirements are properly identified, recorded, and met by working closely with Sales, Logistics, and Production. To manage the team, distribute workload effectively, and ensure sales orders are processed and fulfilled efficiently.

Tasks & Responsibilities

• Manage team development and performance in post-sales order processing, import/export logistics, planning, and raw material supply.
• Manage supplier relationships to ensure reliability, competitive costs, agreed lead times, and service levels.
• Oversee inbound and outbound logistics operations, including imports, exports, domestic shipments, and Free Trade Zone legal requirements.
• Monitor supplier performance and support annual supplier assessments (quality, service, planning, delivery).
• Collaborate with Sales and Factory teams for timely order production and updated status communication.
• Act as back‑up for planner, buyers, or shipping assistant when required.
• Support GM and Operations Manager with reports and business analysis.
• Lead monthly KPI and business review meetings within Operations.
• Ensure follow‑up on actions derived from meetings.
• Attend and respond to ISO audits and requirements.
• Identify material or capacity risks and elevate proactively.
• Allocate workload and set priorities to ensure timely execution.
• Ensure compliance with Colombian regulations, DIAN, Free Trade Zone (Zona Franca), and trade regulations.
• Coordinate freight forwarders, customs brokers, and transport providers to optimize cost and service level.
• Monitor slow‑moving, obsolete, or excess inventory and define action plans.
• Support cost‑reduction initiatives in purchasing, freight, and logistics.
• Support monthly cost review with Finance to ensure proper cost allocation.
• Lead monthly S&OP meeting between Sales and Operations.
• Perform other tasks assigned by the Operations Manager.

Occupational Health, Safety and Management System Responsibilities

• Comply with SGCPL policies.
• Provide accurate health information when required.
• Comply with Occupational Health and Safety, Environmental, and Quality Management Systems.
• Inform supervisors of workplace hazards or risks.
• Apply operational controls for risk management.
• Participate in training activities.
• Contribute to achieving management system objectives.
• Ensure effectiveness of the SGCPL.

Skills & Attributes Required

• Professional degree in Business Administration, Engineering, Supply Chain, Logistics, Foreign Trade, or related fields.
• Minimum 6 years of experience in Planning, Supply Chain, Customer Service, Logistics, and Administration.
• Minimum 3 years in leadership roles with proven people management.
• English: Intermediate (professional communication with international suppliers/stakeholders).
• Strong Microsoft Office skills (especially Excel).
• Experience with Microsoft Dynamics D365/CRM & PV and Power BI reporting.
• Strong data accuracy and process discipline.
• Self‑motivated, positive attitude, team player.
• Strong attention to detail and quality orientation.
• Ability to prioritize and manage multiple demands.
• Strong leadership and coordination skills across multidisciplinary teams.