What are the responsibilities and job description for the Global Logistics Manager position at The Gowan Co.?
Global Logistics Manager
Agrochemical Industry
Position Summary
The Global Logistics & Trade Compliance Manager oversees all global logistics operations and international trade compliance activities. Working within the highly regulated agrochemical sector — where product classifications, regulatory approvals, and country-specific phytosanitary and chemical controls are critical — this role ensures efficient product flows, compliance with international trade regulations, and alignment with stewardship and sustainability standards.
The position interacts closely with manufacturing, regulatory, stewardship, EHS, and commercial teams across all regions to ensure that products reach markets safely, on time, and in adherence to global and local requirements.
Job Status
- Full-Time
- Salaried
- Exempt
- Reports to: Global Supply Chain Director
Location
Yuma, AZ (with global/multi-regional scope)
Role Responsibilities
- Global Logistics Management:
- Define and implement global logistics strategies for crop protection products, seeds, and related intermediates.
- Ensure compliant storage and transportation of hazardous and temperature-regulated agrochemical products, respecting ADR, IMDG, IATA, and regional requirements.
- Oversee emergency logistics and incident management for spills, damages, or regulation-related delays.
- Logistics Performance:
- Manage global 3PLs, freight forwarders, customs brokers, and warehouse partners, ensuring service reliability and cost optimization.
- Benchmark logistics costs and performance globally and locally, seeking improvement opportunities.
- Oversee the aggregate logistics budget and provide performance feedback to local markets.
- Create and manage standardized performance metrics focused on the delivery of finished goods to customers.
- Logistics Capability:
- Stay updated on industry best practices and benchmarks, and act as an internal consultant on logistics processes.
- Manage logistics projects to drive continuous improvement in global operations.
- Mentor and support the development of local logistics teams, offering educational opportunities for career growth.
- Collaborate with IT to streamline logistics systems and provide leadership for changes.
- Oversee logistics-related master data, ensuring consistent application of operational data like lead times.
- Lead logistics digitalization initiatives to improve visibility and performance.
- Logistics Leadership:
- Lead a network of internal logistics professionals to manage daily operations and drive logistics improvements.
- Develop and manage a global logistics strategy for structural decisions, including assets, warehousing, and internal vs. outsourced logistics.
- Collaborate with Global Supply Chain to optimize inventory flows in support of seasonal demand peaks, planting schedules, and product launch timelines.
- Compliance Risk:
- Minimize business risks by ensuring global compliance with trade regulations.
- Support audits and reviews of local logistics and trade activities to manage risks effectively.
- Implement risk mitigation strategies for hazardous goods handling, geopolitical disruptions, export controls, and sanctions.
- Compliance Capability:
- Develop training documentation and implement compliance programs to enhance logistics and trade professionalism.
- Lead trade compliance audits, corrective actions, and global training for internal teams and external partners.
- Compliance External:
- Lead engagements with government bodies on international trade controls compliance.
- Serve as the primary interface with customs authorities, port agencies, and competent authorities in agriculture and chemical transport.
- Compliance Processes:
- Provide solutions to complex regulatory issues related to imports, exports, and economic sanctions.
- Manage classification and documentation for crop protection and chemical substances, including:
- HS codes and ECCN classifications
- Safety Data Sheets (SDS)
- Dangerous Goods documentation
- Certificates of Origin
- Phytosanitary certificates
- Oversee screening for trade sanctions, restricted parties, and embargoed countries.
- Maintain trade compliance policies in alignment with EU REACH, US FIFRA/EPA, Latin America MAPA/SAG, and APAC import standards.
- Partner with Regulatory and Stewardship teams to ensure transportation and customs documentation reflects the latest product approvals and restrictions.
- Performance, Risk & Sustainability:
- Track logistics KPIs including OTIF, cost-to-serve, transport quality, and warehouse efficiency.
- Ensure compliance with corporate sustainability commitments, including CO₂ reduction in transportation, optimized packaging, and safe handling protocols.
- Collaborate with Global Procurement on supplier performance evaluations and global tender processes for logistics partners.
- Cross-Functional Leadership:
- Lead a global team of logistics and trade compliance specialists across regions.
- Work closely with Manufacturing, Procurement, Regulatory Affairs, EHS, Quality, and Commercial organizations to enable supply reliability and market access.
- Support market expansion, new registrations, and product lifecycle management with trade and logistics expertise.
- Other Duties as Assigned.
Education
- Required: Bachelor's degree in Supply Chain, International Trade, Logistics, Engineering, Chemistry, Agronomy, or a related field; or equivalent work experience.
- Preferred: Master's degree; experience in the agrochemical, chemical, or life sciences industries.
Experience / Skills / Abilities
- 10 years of experience in global logistics or trade compliance, ideally within the agrochemical, chemical, or life sciences industries.
- Experience working with Brokers, Freight Forwarders, and Transportation providers.
- Strong knowledge of hazardous goods regulations (ADR, IMDG, IATA), customs processes, and international trade compliance frameworks.
- Knowledge of regulatory agencies and compliance areas including Customs, Environmental, and Export Controls.
- Strong trade compliance background with relevant training and experience.
- Excellent communication and stakeholder management skills within a matrixed global organization.
- People management experience with a proven track record leading global teams.
- Proficiency in Microsoft Office and ERP systems (SAP and/or JDE preferred) and advanced analytics tools.
Job Expectations / Working Conditions
- Ability to manage a global team and logistics operations in multiple locations across a highly seasonal, fast-moving, regulated supply chain.
- Ability to develop compliance programs and lead engagements with government agencies and international regulatory authorities.
Core Competencies
- Deep Regulatory & Compliance Expertise
- Strategic Supply Chain Planning
- Crisis & Risk Management
- Data-Driven Decision Making
- Stakeholder & Supplier Management
- Leadership, Collaboration & Influence
- Agility in Seasonal and Complex Markets