Come and join the leading #avoexperts 🥑
Westfalia Fruit is a leading multinational supplier of fresh fruit and related value-added products to global markets. Through our vertically-integrated supply chain we grow, source, ripen, pack, process and market quality avocadoes & fresh produce – 365 days a year & across the globe.
With the largest avocado-growing footprint in the world, we are recognised as the leading #avoexperts and considered as the supplier of choice to both retail & wholesale customers whom we serve from sales offices in the UK, Europe, North America, Latin America & Southern Africa.
We’re looking for a Logistics Manager to join our team in Kings Hill, Kent.
As a Logistics Manager you will be responsible for the strategic direction, execution, and continuous improvement of regional logistics activities across the supply chain, with a remit to cover all aspects of logistics from source to customer. This role ensures best in class service levels and quality, while delivering efficient, cost-effective, and sustainable movement of product.
Working in close partnership with Supply Chain, Quality, Sourcing & Operations, and Commercial teams, the Logistics Manager plays a pivotal role in putting our customer first and safeguarding the freshness and performance of our fresh produce offerings from grower to end customer, including retail and wholesale markets. The successful candidate will bring deep logistics expertise and a strong leadership capability to drive excellence across inbound, internal and outbound logistics operations.
Responsibilities include:
- Logistics Strategy & Network Design
- Develop and implement a logistics strategy to support the business’s growth, service level expectations, quality requirements and sustainability goals.
- End-To-End Transport and Distribution Management.
- Oversee all transport operations, including ocean freight, port operations, warehousing, road distribution, and final-mile delivery to retail and wholesale customers.
- Cross-Functional Collaboration
- Partner with the Sourcing & Operations and Customer teams to align shipping schedules with harvests, packing and customer required availability.
- Supplier and 3PL Management
- Select, contract, and support regional logistics partners (3PLs, shipping lines, carriers, warehouse operators).
- Compliance and Sustainability
- Ensure full compliance with international and regional transport regulations, customs requirements, and documentation processes.
- Team Leadership and Development
- Create a culture of performance, accountability, and continuous learning.
Requirements
Essential
- Logistics or supply chain roles, preferably in the fresh produce, food, or FMCG sectors.
- Proven track record managing regional logistics, multimodal freight (sea, air, road), and temperature-controlled environments.
- Experience in developing 3PL and carrier partnerships and managing distribution networks.
- Experience in creating and co-ordinating an integrated logistics operation from locally managed operations.
- Demonstrated ability to effectively run logistics operations which are not yet utilising advanced systems, combined with experience in logistics systems implementation and needs definition.
- Deep knowledge of logistics operations, route optimisation, and cold chain logistics.
- Experience with ERP systems (SAP, D365), and supply chain analytics tools.
- Strong financial acumen with experience in budget ownership, cost modelling, and freight contract negotiation.
- Understanding of customs, import/export regulations, and Incoterms across international markets.
Benefits
What can Westfalia Fruit offer you?
- 23 days holiday, plus bank holidays.
- State-of-the-art office with fresh fruit, bean-to-cup coffee, freshly squeezed orange juice, and avocado ice cream.
- Free on-site parking.
- Company pension scheme with life insurance cover.
- Employee Assistance Plan with Medicash.
- Christmas hampers and a Christmas party.
- Sausage Roll Thursday and pizza lunch days.
Please note that this position does not have a specific closing date. We encourage you to apply as soon as possible as we will be reviewing applications on a rolling basis and the advert may be removed at any time.
We’re an equal opportunity employer. All applicants will be considered for employment without attention to age, ethnicity, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, family or parental status, national origin, or veteran, neurodiversity or disability status.
