Middle Mile & Vendor Operations Manager – West Africa

We are seeking a strategic and results-driven professional to lead middle mile and vendor operations across West Africa. This role will oversee transport coordination, vendor performance (transport and warehouse), and operational standardization to drive cost efficiency, service excellence, and regulatory compliance across multiple countries. The ideal candidate will combine strong operational leadership with deep vendor management expertise to strengthen our regional logistics network and support business growth

1. Area Team Leadership

• Lead and support Transport Coordinators across West African countries, ensuring effective execution of logistics plans and adherence to SLAs.
• Drive alignment and standardization of logistics processes across countries, fostering a culture of accountability and performance.
• Provide coaching, guidance, and professional development to build strong regional logistics capabilities.

2. Vendor Management (Transport & Warehouse)

• Lead vendor onboarding and performance management for both transport and warehouse service providers.
• Develop and implement vendor scorecards, regular performance reviews, and continuous improvement plans.
• Conduct periodic vendor assessments and audits to ensure compliance, reliability, and service quality.
• Manage vendor relationships, issue resolution, and account activities, including timely payment processing in collaboration with Procurement and Finance teams.

3. Middle Mile & Operational Excellence

• Optimize middle mile transport planning, routing, and fleet utilization to ensure efficient movement of goods between hubs and warehouses.
• Monitor and analyze operational performance data to identify trends, risks, and opportunities for cost and service improvements.
• Define and track KPIs for transport and warehouse vendors, ensuring accountability and operational visibility.
• Lead initiatives to improve cost efficiency, delivery timelines, and service quality across the region.

4. Compliance & Risk Management

• Ensure strict adherence to local regulations, safety standards, and internal policies across all logistics operations.
• Identify and mitigate operational risks related to vendor performance, safety, security, and service reliability.
• Promote a strong culture of safety and regulatory compliance across all vendor-managed activities.

5. Stakeholder Engagement

• Act as the primary point of contact for logistics-related escalations and areas operational matters.
• Collaborate closely with internal teams including Implementation, Country Operations, Procurement, and Finance to drive alignment and execution.
• Represent the logistics function in key cross-functional discussions and area strategic initiatives.

Qualifications & Experience

• Bachelor’s degree in Logistics, Supply Chain Management, Business Administration, or a related field.
• Minimum 5 years of progressive experience in logistics operations, including transport and warehouse management, preferably in a regional or multi-country role.
• Proven experience in vendor management and cross-country team leadership.
• Strong analytical, negotiation, and communication skills.
• Demonstrated ability to drive operational improvements and manage performance at scale.
• Familiarity with logistics regulations and operational practices across West Africa.
• Experience in FMCG, retail, or 3PL environments is an advantage.

Maersk is committed to a diverse and inclusive workplace, and we embrace different styles of thinking. Maersk is an equal opportunities employer and welcomes applicants without regard to race, colour, gender, sex, age, religion, creed, national origin, ancestry, citizenship, marital status, sexual orientation, physical or mental disability, medical condition, pregnancy or parental leave, veteran status, gender identity, genetic information, or any other characteristic protected by applicable law. We will consider qualified applicants with criminal histories in a manner consistent with all legal requirements.

 

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