Logistics Manager

About Vale At Vale, our goal is to make magic and bring the real benefits of matcha to a billion people. We are a group of fun-loving, matcha enthusiasts who believe that a good idea can come from anywhere. Vale is a Seattle startup making magic through cutting-edge technology, automation, and world class hospitality experiences. We are a dynamic and highly cross functional team with a wealth of experience in food service, food automation, software engineering, aerospace, and consumer electronics. We have come together to develop the Matcha experience of the future — whether that’s in a cafe, your neighborhood park, or at home. About you You are someone who is enthusiastic about matcha, obsessed with innovation, and loves being a part of a dynamic team. Enthusiastic about matcha. The world of matcha is huge, so you should be curious about its benefits, flavor profiles, and methods of preparation. Detail Oriented. Take pride in your craft and ensure Vale’s products are consistent, repeatable, and of the highest quality. Versatile. Bringing matcha to a billion people is dynamic work! You should be comfortable sharing your expertise in one area, but capable of owning something new in another. Excited to be a part of a growing team. Vale is a growing company and we want you to grow with us. The role The Logistics Manager is responsible for leading end-to-end supply chain and logistics operations across a rapidly growing matcha beverage business. This role oversees ERP implementation, international sourcing, inventory management, daily deployment of mobile beverage carts, wholesale distribution, and e-commerce fulfillment. The ideal candidate is a hands-on operations leader who thrives in a fast-paced startup environment and enjoys building scalable systems while ensuring flawless day-to-day execution. Key responsibilities Supply Chain & Procurement Manage inbound procurement and logistics for premium matcha and tencha sourced directly from Japan. Coordinate international freight, customs clearance, import documentation, and domestic transportation in cooperation with Vale’s 3PL. Develop inventory forecasting / demand planning models to maintain optimal stock levels while minimizing waste. Build and maintain strong relationships with suppliers, freight forwarders, customs brokers, and logistics partners. ERP Implementation & Process Improvement Lead the implementation and optimization of the company’s ERP platform - Katana. Design and document standard operating procedures across purchasing, inventory, fulfillment, and logistics. Ensure accurate inventory tracking, lot traceability, purchasing workflows, and financial integration. Develop dashboards and KPIs to improve operational visibility and decision-making. Beverage Cart Operations Oversee the daily deployment and retrieval of mobile matcha beverage carts throughout the Seattle metropolitan area. Coordinate staffing, equipment readiness, inventory loading, and route planning. Ensure carts are fully stocked, maintained, compliant with health regulations, and operating efficiently. Continuously optimize delivery schedules, labor utilization, and fleet productivity. Wholesale Distribution Manage outbound replenishment and deliveries to wholesale customers. Provide demand forecasts to the Vale Production Manager Maintain high order accuracy and on-time delivery performance. Develop scalable distribution processes to support business growth. E-Commerce Fulfillment Oversee fulfillment operations for direct-to-consumer online orders. Ensure same-day or next-day shipping performance where applicable. Manage warehouse inventory accuracy, picking, packing, shipping, and returns. Collaborate with customer service to resolve shipping issues and improve the customer experience. Inventory & Warehouse Management Maintain accurate inventory across multiple storage locations. Conduct cycle counts and inventory audits. Monitor inventory turnover, shrinkage, and product freshness. Improve warehouse organization and operational efficiency. Leadership & Team Development Lead a team of managers who will supervise a team of logistics coordinators, warehouse personnel, drivers, and fulfillment staff. Hire, train, and coach team members while fostering a culture of accountability and continuous improvement. Establish performance metrics and conduct regular team reviews. Qualifications Bachelor’s degree in Supply Chain Management, Business, Operations, or related field (or equivalent experience). 5+ years of logistics, supply chain, or operations management experience. Experience implementing or managing ERP systems (Katana perferred, or similar). Experience managing international imports, preferably from Asia. Knowledge of inventory control, warehouse operations, and fulfillment best practices. Strong analytical skills with advanced proficiency in Excel and ERP reporting. Excellent organizational, communication, and project management skills. Ability to balance strategic initiatives with hands-on operational execution. Experience managing an organization of 10 or more employees during two-shift, 7-day continuous operations Preferred Qualifications Experience in specialty food, beverage, coffee, tea, or consumer packaged goods. Familiarity with FDA food import regulations and customs procedures. Experience supporting wholesale distribution and direct-to-consumer e-commerce operations. Knowledge of route optimization and last-mile logistics. Lean, Six Sigma, or continuous improvement experience. Familiarity with Katana ERP What success looks like Within the first year, the Logistics Manager will have successfully deployed a scalable ERP system, established reliable international tencha/matcha sourcing from Japan without gaps in availability, optimized daily beverage cart operations throughout Seattle, improved wholesale replenishment processes, and built a highly efficient fulfillment operation capable of supporting continued business growth. This individual will play a critical role in creating an operational foundation that enables exceptional customer experiences across retail, wholesale, and e-commerce channels. Key Performance Indicators (KPIs) ERP implementation milestones achieved on schedule Inventory accuracy above 98% On-time deployment of beverage carts On-time wholesale delivery performance E-commerce order fulfillment on-time, in-full, with quality Inventory turnover and carrying cost improvements Reduced logistics and freight costs Warehouse productivity and labor efficiency Customer satisfaction and order accuracy Benefits Medical, dental, and vision benefits for full time employees Company funded ORCA card Annual bonuses and company equity Joining a fun startup in Seattle