Role Overview
Ground Up Coffee & Tea has an exciting opportunity for an experienced, detail-oriented Senior Logistics Coordinator to join a fast-growing, entrepreneurial company in the specialty beverage industry. As a New York-based importer, developer, and distributor of coffee and tea solutions, GUCT operates at the intersection of manufacturing, logistics, and consumer demand — where timing is everything and no two days are the same.
The Senior Logistics Coordinator will own complex logistics activities across international shipments, production, inventory, and customer order fulfillment. This role will work closely with vendors, 3PLs, customers, and internal teams to resolve issues independently, identify opportunities for improvement, and ensure day-to-day operations run smoothly. The ideal candidate is an experienced logistics professional who understands supply chain details, takes initiative, and can confidently navigate complex or time-sensitive situations.
Key Responsibilities
Shipment Coordination & Vendor Management
- Own end-to-end logistics coordination for complex, high-priority, or time-sensitive international shipments, independently managing issues across manufacturers, freight forwarders, ocean carriers, customs brokers, drayage providers, and destination facilities
- Serve as the primary point of contact for escalated shipment issues, including delays, damages, documentation discrepancies, customs hold, FDA holds, inventory shortages, and accessorial charges; determine and implement appropriate corrective actions and escalation matters requiring management approval
- Manage day-to-day relationships with assigned vendors, 3PLs, freight providers, and manufacturing partners to ensure shipments remain on schedule and commitments are met.
- Monitor vendor, carrier, and 3PL performance, identify recurring issues and opportunities for improvement, and recommend process enhancements or corrective actions to improve service and operational performance.
- Review and approve shipment-related charges and documentation within established guidelines, identifying discrepancies before they impact customers or financial reporting.
Production, Inventory & Supply Planning
- Partner with manufacturing partners on production scheduling, using judgment to prioritize orders based on demand, lead times, and customer commitments.
- Maintain visibility across on-hand inventory, incoming production, in-transit inventory, committed inventory, and projected future requirements.
- Analyze inventory trends and proactively identify potential stockouts, excess inventory, and supply constraints.
- Make replenishment and production recommendations based on demand forecasts, lead times, historical usage, and customer requirements.
Process Improvement & Team Support
- Monitor logistics, inventory, and order fulfillment performance against department KPIs and proactively identify trends or issues that may impact performance.
- Develop and implement process improvements that increase efficiency, improve data accuracy, reduce costs, and strengthen operational controls.
- Identify root causes of recurring operational issues and partner with the Logistics Manager and Assistant Logistics Manager to implement sustainable solutions.
- Serve as a resource and escalation point for Logistics Coordinators, providing guidance on complex shipments, ERP processes, documentation, and problem resolution.
- Support the development and documentation of standard operating procedures and best practices across the logistics function.
Qualifications
Required
- Bachelor's degree in business, logistics, supply chain, or a related field.
- 3-5 years of professional experience in logistics, supply chain, international trade, or related operational function.
- Demonstrated hands-on experience coordinating international imports/exports and managing the end-to-end shipment lifecycle.
- Experience working directly with manufacturers, freight forwarders, customs brokers, carriers, warehouses, and/or 3PL providers.
- Experience with production scheduling, inventory planning, order fulfillment, and/or supply planning.
- Strong understanding of warehouse operations, transportation, customs, imports/exports, and 3PL management.
- Strong analytical and numerical skills, with the ability to interpret operational data and make informed decisions.
- Demonstrated ability to independently troubleshoot complex operational issues and determine appropriate solutions.
- Demonstrated ability to identify and implement process improvements rather than simply execute established processes.
- Exceptional attention to detail and organizational skills, with the ability to manage multiple priorities in a fast-paced environment.
- Strong written and verbal communication skills and the ability to communicate effectively with internal stakeholders, customers, and external partners.
Preferred
- Proficiency with an ERP system (particularly NetSuite or Oracle) and WMS.
- Background in wholesale or manufacturing, with food/beverage experience preferred.
- Experience supporting major retail, foodservice, or wholesale customers, with exposure to national retailers such as Walmart, Target, Costco, or Amazon preferred.
- Must have familiarity with EDI and/or customer order management systems.
- Spanish or Portuguese language skills a plus.
Great Place to Work
Enjoy…
- A fast-paced, entrepreneurial environment focused on innovation and quality.
- A culture of respect, learning, and accountability.
- The opportunity to work alongside experienced, highly skilled professionals.
- A collaborative environment where ideas are valued, and initiative is encouraged.
- Opportunities to grow, expand responsibility, and make a measurable impact.
- Competitive benefits and a balanced, flexible work environment.
Company:
Ground Up Coffee & Tea, LLC (GUCT)
Location:
New York, NY (Hybrid — 3 days/week in-office)
Reports to:
Logistics Manager