Job Purpose The Foreign Purchasing & Logistics Specialist is responsible for managing the end-to-end international procurement and import logistics process to ensure the timely, cost-effective, and compliant supply of imported materials, products, and equipment. The role serves as the primary liaison between foreign suppliers, freight forwarders, customs brokers, finance, warehouse, and internal stakeholders to optimize procurement costs, maintain supply continuity, and ensure efficient logistics operations.
Key Responsibilities A. Foreign Purchasing & Strategic Sourcing Supplier Management Identify, evaluate, and qualify international suppliers based on quality, cost, delivery performance, and reliability. Develop and maintain a supplier database for approved vendors. Conduct supplier benchmarking and market analysis to identify sourcing opportunities. Build and maintain long-term supplier relationships. Procurement Operations Request and evaluate quotations from international suppliers. Prepare commercial comparison sheets and supplier recommendations. Negotiate prices, payment terms, delivery schedules, and commercial agreements. Issue purchase orders and ensure supplier acknowledgment. Follow up on purchase orders to ensure timely fulfillment. Monitor supplier performance and implement corrective actions when necessary. Cost Optimization Analyze market trends, currency fluctuations, and freight costs. Identify opportunities for cost reduction and procurement efficiency. Evaluate Total Cost of Ownership (TCO) rather than purchase price only. Support annual procurement budgeting activities.
B. International Logistics & Import Operations Shipment Coordination Coordinate international shipments from supplier facilities to company warehouses. Select appropriate transportation methods (sea, air, or land freight). Coordinate with freight forwarders and shipping lines. Monitor shipment schedules and ensure timely delivery. Customs Clearance Coordinate with customs brokers and clearance agents. Ensure compliance with import regulations and governmental requirements. Resolve customs-related issues and shipment delays. Follow up on duty payments and customs documentation. Documentation Management Review and verify:Commercial Invoices Packing Lists Bills of Lading Airway Bills Certificates of Origin Insurance Certificates Inspection Certificates Import Permits Ensure document accuracy before shipment arrival. Maintain complete and auditable import records.
C. Financial Coordination Coordinate with Finance regarding:Letters of Credit (LC) Telegraphic Transfers (TT) Supplier payments Foreign currency requirements Verify supplier invoices and freight charges. Review landed cost calculations. Support budget control and cost analysis activities.
D. Inventory & Supply Continuity Monitor inventory levels and replenishment requirements. Coordinate procurement activities based on demand forecasts. Work closely with Planning, Production, and Warehouse teams. Ensure material availability to avoid stock shortages. Support inventory optimization initiatives.
E. Reporting & Performance Management Prepare weekly and monthly procurement reports. Track procurement and logistics KPIs. Monitor supplier delivery performance. Analyze logistics costs and transportation efficiency. Provide management with actionable recommendations.
Requirements Bachelor's degree in Supply Chain Management, Logistics, Business Administration, Commerce, Engineering, or a related field. Minimum 3–5 years of experience in foreign purchasing, international procurement, and import logistics operations. Proven experience in sourcing and negotiating with international suppliers and managing supplier relationships. Strong knowledge of import/export procedures, customs clearance processes, and international trade regulations. Good understanding of Incoterms, international shipping methods, freight forwarding, and landed cost calculations. Proficiency in ERP systems (SAP, Oracle, Odoo, Microsoft Dynamics, or equivalent) and advanced Microsoft Excel skills. Experience coordinating with freight forwarders, customs brokers, shipping lines, and internal stakeholders. Strong analytical, negotiation, communication, and problem-solving skills with the ability to manage multiple priorities. Fluent in Arabic and English, with the ability to communicate professionally with international suppliers and business partners.