Job Details

PARKER CLAY

Operations & Logistics Manager

Reports To

CEO

Classification

Full-Time

Location

Santa Barbara, CA

Travel

Up to 2x/year internationally

Why This Role Matters

Parker Clay exists to create dignified employment for vulnerable women in Ethiopia through the craft of premium leather goods. Our factory in Addis Ababa employs over 200 people whose livelihoods depend on the strength and reliability of our supply chain. This role is the operational backbone that makes that mission possible — and the person who fills it will feel that weight and honor it every single day.

We are not just moving boxes. We are moving a mission forward.

Position Summary

The Operations & Logistics Manager is a strategic and hands-on role responsible for overseeing Parker Clay's day-to-day US operations, domestic and international logistics, and long-range efficiency initiatives. This individual will serve as the operational backbone of the organization — and critically, as the primary communication and coordination bridge between our US team and our manufacturing facility in Addis Ababa, Ethiopia.

The role requires both precise tactical execution and forward-thinking planning. You will manage complex international freight and customs processes, maintain deep working relationships with our Ethiopia-based leadership team, and build scalable systems that support our growth. This is a rare opportunity to do operationally meaningful work in direct service of an extraordinary mission.

Ethiopia Bridge Function

This is the most critical and differentiated dimension of the role. Parker Clay operates a 200-person leather goods manufacturing facility in Addis Ababa, Ethiopia. The Operations & Logistics Manager serves as the real-time operational link between our US team and our Ethiopia factory — ensuring that production timelines, raw material supply, shipping documentation, and quality communication flow accurately and on time across a 10-11 hour time zone difference.

Specific responsibilities include:

• Maintain a consistent daily and weekly communication rhythm with the Ethiopia leadership team including the General Manager, Production Manager, Stock Manager, and QC Manager

• Coordinate all inbound shipments from Ethiopia to the US — managing bookings, documentation, customs compliance, and freight forwarder relationships

• Oversee all outbound raw material shipments from US vendors to Ethiopia — reviewing commercial documents, managing customs requirements, and tracking delivery through clearance

• Serve as the first point of escalation for any cross-timezone operational issue — customs holds, production delays, documentation errors, or shipping disruptions

• Travel to the Addis Ababa facility up to twice per year to support production alignment, quality review, and relationship building with the Ethiopia team

• Build and maintain trusted working relationships with Ethiopia-based team members across cultural and timezone distance

Key Responsibilities

Daily Operations Management

• Oversee and maintain operational systems including shipment tracking, order management workflows, and inventory coordination

• Monitor and optimize shipping rates across carriers; negotiate contracts and identify best-value options for each shipment type

• Manage domestic fulfillment processes, ensuring accuracy, timeliness, and cost-efficiency

• Coordinate with internal teams to resolve operational bottlenecks and ensure cross-functional alignment

• Maintain and continuously improve Standard Operating Procedures for all operational functions

• Serve as the primary point of contact for US-based vendor and carrier relationships

Logistics & Supply Chain

• Manage end-to-end US logistics including inbound freight from Ethiopia, warehousing coordination, and last-mile delivery

• Oversee import/export compliance and customs documentation for all international shipments — including AGOA and GSP Certificate of Origin requirements

• Manage the full import process for Ethiopia-to-US shipments including all five required customs documents: Packing List, Commercial Invoice, Air Waybill, Certificate of Origin, and Bank Permit for Export

• Coordinate Assists Declarations for AGOA-qualifying shipments and manage HTS code classification with US customs broker

• Manage outbound raw material orders from US vendors — each with distinct lead times, documentation requirements, and shipping processes

• Track shipments proactively across carriers including Ethiopian Airlines, DHL, FedEx, and Emirates Cargo; resolve delays, holds, or discrepancies quickly

• Manage the relationship with US customs broker and freight forwarder including invoice review, duty payment coordination, and performance accountability

• Monitor inventory levels and coordinate replenishment in alignment with production schedules

Manufacturing & Production Coordination

• Serve as the US-side liaison between operations and the PCE manufacturing facility in Ethiopia

• Coordinate production timelines and communicate capacity requirements and delivery expectations to the Ethiopia team

• Track production milestones and flag delivery risks early — before they become client-facing problems

• Collaborate with the Ethiopia QC Manager to ensure shipment quality standards are met before release

• Coordinate new product SKU setup across Shopify and Inventory Planner when new items are added to shipments

Strategic Planning & Cost Optimization

• Develop and execute a 1-2 year operational roadmap aligned with business growth goals

• Identify and implement cost-saving initiatives across shipping, fulfillment, and production processes

• Analyze operational data and KPIs to surface inefficiencies and propose solutions

• Evaluate and implement technology tools and automation to streamline workflows

• Build scalable processes that grow with the business without proportional cost increases

• Develop contingency and risk-management plans for supply chain disruptions

Vendor & Partner Management

• Manage relationships with shipping carriers, freight forwarders, fulfillment partners, and raw material suppliers

• Negotiate rates and contracts to secure favorable terms and service levels

• Conduct regular vendor performance reviews and hold partners accountable to service level agreements

• Source and evaluate alternative vendors to ensure competitive pricing and supply chain redundancy

Reporting & Communication

• Provide regular operational updates and performance reports to the CEO

• Maintain clear documentation of all operational processes, vendor agreements, and logistics workflows

• Build dashboards or reporting tools to give real-time visibility into operational health

• Communicate proactively with internal stakeholders on timelines, inventory status, and logistics updates

Qualifications

Required

• 3+ years of experience in operations management, logistics, or supply chain roles

• Hands-on experience managing international shipping logistics, carrier relationships, and freight documentation

• Proficiency in Google Sheets and/or Excel for operational tracking and reporting

• Demonstrated ability to manage multiple priorities independently in a fast-paced, lean environment

• Strong analytical skills with experience using data to drive operational decisions

• Excellent written and verbal communication skills — particularly across remote and cross-cultural teams

• Comfortable working early morning Pacific hours regularly to maintain overlap with Ethiopia (UTC+3)

• Willingness and ability to travel internationally up to twice per year

• Valid US work authorization; passport required or obtainable

Strongly Preferred

• Lived and/or work experience cross culture — this role requires building trusted working relationships with our Ethiopia-based team across significant time zone and cultural distance, and this fluency is a meaningful advantage

• Experience with AGOA trade provisions, GSP Certificate of Origin requirements, and US customs compliance for goods imported from Sub-Saharan Africa

• Background working directly with overseas manufacturing facilities — managing production communication, quality coordination, and timeline accountability remotely

• Experience with international freight forwarding, import/export documentation, and customs clearance processes

• Familiarity with Inventory Planner, Shopify, or similar e-commerce and inventory management platforms

• Experience in a startup or small business environment where roles are broad and evolving

• Knowledge of ERP, BOM management, or logistics software platforms

• Experience sourcing and negotiating with carriers and freight forwarders