Senior Manager Logistics at Zeno

The Role

• Zeno is seeking an experienced, analytical, and operationally strong Senior Manager for Logistics, East Africa to build and lead all logistics and import operations across the region. Based in Nairobi, this role will own the full logistics lifecycle — from global inbound flows of components and vehicles, to domestic movement of bikes, batteries, and infrastructure, to cost optimisation, vendor management, and process digitalisation. 
• You will ensure timely imports, compliant customs clearance, reliable dispatch operations, and world-class logistics standards that support Zeno’s rapid scale-up across East Africa. This role requires a leader who is hands-on, systems-driven, and capable of designing logistics processes that scale to thousands of vehicles and high-volume charging and swapping operations.

What You’ll Do:

Import Logistics Management

• Shipment Planning & Coordination - Coordinate with suppliers, freight forwarders, and CHA agents to plan and execute import shipments. Select shipment mode (air/sea) based on lead time, cost, and operational needs.
• Documentation & Compliance - Review and verify all import documents (Invoice, Packing List, BL/AWB, COO, COC, Insurance). Ensure full compliance with Kenyan customs and regulatory bodies. Manage documentation for duty exemptions or special schemes.
• Customs Clearance - Work closely with CHA partners for timely customs clearance. Monitor duty payments, Bill of Entry filings, and clearance SLAs.
• Freight & Cost Optimization - Negotiate air/ocean freight rates; identify cost-saving opportunities across logistics and customs processes.
• Tracking & Reporting - Maintain live shipment tracking dashboards (ETD, ETA, clearance status, delivery). Provide weekly/monthly MIS on import timelines and costs.

Domestic Logistics Operations

• Dispatch & Transportation Management - Plan and manage daily dispatches to customers, distributors, infrastructure sites, and warehouse hubs. Coordinate routing and timely deliveries.
• Vendor & Fleet Management- Build and manage a reliable transporter network. Evaluate performance on quality, cost, and delivery metrics (QCDMS).
• Warehousing Coordination - Support inbound/outbound flows, stock handling, accurate documentation, and loading/unloading operations.
• Cost Control & Optimization - Track and reduce freight costs; optimise load utilisation; reduce empty runs.
• Safety & Compliance - Ensure transporter compliance with statutory norms (insurance, permits, certifications). Enforce safety during loading, transit, and unloading.

Cross-Functional Coordination

• Align with Sales, Assembly, Operations, Planning, and Finance teams for shipment scheduling, delivery planning, and urgent requirements.
• Coordinate with Customer Service for delivery commitments and exceptions.
• Work with Finance teams for vendor billing, freight payments, and monthly cost reporting. 

Systems, Tools & Reporting

• Maintain all logistics records in ERP systems or Zeno’s internal platforms.
• Build and automate dashboards on freight spend, logistics KPIs, lead times, and transporter performance.
• Develop SOPs and standards to drive consistency and operational excellence.

Continuous Improvement

• Analyse logistics KPIs (on-time delivery %, cost per ton/km, lead times).
• Identify bottlenecks and implement process improvements.
• Track new logistics technologies, automation tools, and regulatory changes to keep Zeno ahead of industry standards.

What You Bring.

• 6+ years of experience in logistics, supply chain, import management, or transportation operations, with at least 2 years in a supervisory or leadership role.
• Strong understanding of import processes, customs regulations, freight operations, and end-to-end logistics management.
• Demonstrated ability to build and scale logistics processes in a high-growth environment across multiple sites.
• Experience negotiating with freight forwarders, CHAs, and transport vendors.
• Strong analytical and data-driven approach, with experience using ERP, dashboards, and logistics planning tools.
• Hands-on leadership style with the ability to operate in high-ambiguity and high-speed environments.
• Excellent communication and stakeholder management skills across internal and external teams.
• Passion for operational excellence, cost optimisation, and building a reliable logistics backbone for Zeno’s growth.

Benefits

• Competitive salary based on experience
• Company sponsored healthcare plan
• Join a world class team of engineers, operators, and entrepreneurs from across the globe who are part of the inevitable trillion-dollar transition of two-wheelers to electric!