Logistics Cost Control Manager

The South America Logistics Cost Control Manager will be responsible for overseeing the entire South America logistics budget planning and execution, ensuring financial alignment across operations in collaboration with the Finance Business Partner at Headquarters and the Cost Control team for Fulfillment in South America. This role requires continuous coordination with managers from Cross-Border, First Mile, Last Mile, Reverse Logistics, Customs Operations, and Logistics Planning teams to ensure operations are executed within budget constraints. The manager will also oversee the P&L of all logistics operations, including the Customs Clearance Center.

This position will lead cost control projects, driving billing, payment, and reconciliation improvements, ensuring proper alignment with 3PLs, procurement, accounting, and tax departments. Additionally, the manager will enforce contractual terms, including penalties and claims management, to recover values and ensure compliance with payment deadlines and invoice quality, directing continuous improvement actions as needed.

As the primary financial support for the Regional Logistics Director, this role will provide key insights on costs, budgeting, and financial controls to guide decision-making and strategy. Furthermore, the Logistics Cost Control Manager will lead the Cost Control Specialists team, requiring strong leadership and people management experience. This role is accountable for delivering Logistics Operation Cost-related KPI targets and must continuously generate cost-saving ideas while identifying cost inefficiencies on a weekly and monthly basis. The manager will also lead cross-functional teams to develop and implement strategies that ensure cost targets are met.

Key Responsibilities

• Budget Planning & Cost Control : Oversee the logistics budget for all operational areas, ensuring execution remains within approved limits.
• P&L Management : Monitor and manage the profit and loss (P&L) statement for logistics operations, identifying trends, risks, and opportunities.
• Financial Alignment : Act as a key liaison between the local logistics team and HQ finance, accounting and tax teams, ensuring transparency and alignment on cost structures and forecasts.
• Operational Cost Monitoring : Work closely with logistics managers to track operational expenses and develop initiatives to prevent cost overruns.
• Billing & Payment Flow Optimization : Lead projects to improve billing accuracy, payment reconciliation, and cash flow management in coordination with 3PL partners, accounting, and tax teams.
• Contract Compliance & Claims Management : Ensure 3PL contracts are strictly followed, applying penalties when necessary and leading claims recovery processes.
• Data-Driven Cost Analysis : Utilize SQL and Python to extract, analyze, and visualize cost data, identifying inefficiencies and improvement opportunities.
• Continuous Improvement Initiatives : Develop and implement strategic initiatives to enhance cost efficiency, mitigate risks, and improve financial processes.
• Cost Target Delivery : Continuously identify cost inefficiencies and develop cost-saving initiatives on a weekly and monthly basis, leading cross-functional teams to achieve cost targets.
• Team Leadership : Lead and develop the Cost Control Specialists team, fostering a strong culture of performance, efficiency, and financial discipline.

Requirements

• Bachelor’s degree in Business Administration, Finance, Logistics, Supply Chain Management, or related fields.
• Minimum of 7 years of experience in cost control, financial planning, or operations finance within logistics or supply chain.
• Fluency in Portuguese and English is mandatory. Spanish and Mandarin are a plus.
• Strong database management skills, including SQL and Python for cost analysis and reporting.
• Experience managing logistics budgets and financial performance metrics (P&L, OPEX, and cost forecasting).
• Strong understanding of logistics operations, including transportation, fulfillment, and customs clearance processes.
• Excellent ability to align operational and financial teams, ensuring cost discipline and process improvements.
• Experience with contract management, including enforcement of penalties and financial recovery strategies.
• People management experience, with a proven ability to lead, develop, and motivate a team.
• Highly analytical, problem-solving mindset, and ability to lead cross-functional projects focused on cost efficiency.