Global Logistics Operations Lead

This is not a process-administration role. We are looking for an exceptionally hands-on operator who takes personal ownership of outcomes, follows problems through to resolution, challenges suppliers and logistics partners, and escalates early rather than reporting problems after the fact.

About the role

Pleneo is looking for a highly hands-on Global Logistics & Procurement Lead to own the day-to-day execution of our global supply chain.

This is not a traditional process-heavy supply chain role. We are looking for someone who takes personal ownership of outcomes, follows problems through until they are resolved, challenges suppliers and logistics partners when needed, and escalates issues early.

You will be responsible for keeping inventory, procurement, logistics, 3PL operations and supplier project timelines running smoothly across our international business.

The right person will be highly organised, commercially sensible, direct, persistent and comfortable working independently.

What you’ll own

Inventory & Procurement

• Maintain inventory forecasts and stock planning across our product range.
• Monitor stock levels, expected demand, incoming inventory and reorder requirements.
• Identify potential shortages or excess inventory early.
• Prepare purchase orders for management approval.
• Send approved POs to suppliers and confirm acknowledgement, quantities, pricing and delivery dates.
• Track outstanding POs through production and delivery.
• Maintain an accurate view of committed inventory and inbound stock.

Logistics & 3PL Operations

• Own shipments from booking through final delivery.
• Coordinate with warehouses, freight forwarders, couriers, customs brokers and suppliers.
• Ensure shipments are collected and dispatched when promised.
• Track shipments proactively and resolve delays or exceptions quickly.
• Manage and monitor our third-party logistics providers.
• Check that agreed warehouse and logistics SOPs are being followed.
• Escalate service failures and drive corrective action.
• Review freight quotations and challenge unreasonable costs.
• Ensure shipment documentation, dimensions, weights and delivery information are correct.
• Maintain clear visibility of open shipments and logistics issues.

Supplier Operations

• Maintain regular communication with manufacturing partners and suppliers.
• Track production schedules and committed delivery dates.
• Follow up aggressively on overdue actions and delayed production.
• Identify risks before they become critical.
• Ensure suppliers provide clear recovery plans when commitments slip.

New Product Program Coordination

• Maintain project plans and milestone trackers for new product introductions.
• Coordinate with suppliers and internal product/engineering teams to ensure projects stay on schedule.
• Track key milestones such as tooling, samples, testing, pilot production and mass-production readiness.
• Follow up on outstanding actions and commitments.
• Highlight schedule risks and delays early.
• This role does not require engineering expertise — your responsibility is ensuring that projects are organised, visible and moving according to plan.

What we’re looking for

• Approximately 5–8 years of experience in supply chain, logistics, procurement, manufacturing operations or a similar role.
• Strong experience coordinating international shipments and suppliers.
• Experience working with suppliers in Asia, particularly China, is highly desirable.
• Comfortable managing freight forwarders, warehouses and 3PL providers.
• Experience preparing and tracking purchase orders and inventory forecasts.
• Strong Excel or Google Sheets skills.
• Excellent written and spoken English.
• Highly organised, accurate and responsive.
• Comfortable challenging suppliers and service providers.
• Able to distinguish between an issue that can wait and one that needs immediate escalation.

Most importantly, we are looking for someone who is an independent thinker with strong ownership mentality.

The type of person who will succeed here

You will probably enjoy this role if you:

• Like solving operational problems.
• Are naturally persistent and follow things through.
• Get frustrated when people say “I sent an email” instead of solving the problem.
• Are comfortable working in a fast-moving international business.
• Can manage many small operational details without losing sight of what matters.
• Communicate clearly when something is going wrong.
• Prefer responsibility and autonomy over bureaucracy.
• Are comfortable picking up the phone and escalating rather than waiting days for an email response.

What this role is not

This is not primarily a people-management position.

It is not a strategic sourcing role.

It is not a technical engineering role.

It is not a role for someone who wants to spend most of their time creating procedures, reports or presentations.

We want someone who enjoys getting things done.

About Pleneo

Pleneo develops technology designed to make meeting spaces simpler to purchase, deploy and operate. We work internationally with manufacturing partners, distributors, logistics providers and technology companies across multiple regions. As we continue to grow, we are building a stronger operational backbone around inventory, procurement, logistics and supplier execution.

This role will have significant responsibility and visibility within the company and will work closely with senior management, product, engineering, sales operations and our external partners, and for the right person - offer exceptional scope to grow.

Application Question(s):

• Do you have existing UAE or EU/US/AU experience?
• If a shipment was supposed to leave our warehouse yesterday but has not moved, what do you do?
• Describe an experience where you have had to resolve an issue with a supplier. What interpersonal qualities were required to get the issue resolved?

Experience:

• Logistics: 5 years (Required)

Language:

• English (Required)

Work Location: In person