Company Overview
Paka was founded in 2016 in Cusco, Peru when its founder, Kris Cody, came across an alpaca sweater in an artisan market. He had never touched anything as soft and lightweight. Kris began living alongside a family of Quechua weavers with a dream to bring alpaca fiber to the outdoors industry; at the time, alpaca fiber was mainly used in high fashion apparel, and he saw the opportunity to harness its incredible function (having evolved in one of the most rugged climates on Earth). Fast forward 7 years, and Paka has connected hundreds of thousands of customers back to where their clothing comes from, who made it, and what it’s made of.
A Certified B Corp, Paka’s mission is to create versatile, sustainable alpaca apparel for the outdoors, fostering a deeper connection to nature and uplifting Peruvian communities. Paka donates 1% of its revenues directly back to the communities where its clothing is sourced, from financing university tuition for young Peruvian women to building greenhouses in the rural Andes for the alpaquero communities. All of its products are made with Traceable Alpaca fiber. Paka is now at a pivot point in its global journey.
Role Overview
As a Logistics Manager, you'll be key in making sure our products move smoothly and sustainably across global markets. This role combines big-picture planning with day-to-day action, overseeing third-party logistics (3PL) partners, optimizing international and domestic shipping, and driving continuous improvement. You'll manage everything from negotiating contracts with carriers to ensuring we meet international regulations, all while focusing on efficiency and reducing our environmental impact. Your work will be essential in supporting our goal of seamless, sustainable operations.
Your Impact
Transportation
- Oversee and manage the full spectrum of transportation modes (ocean, air, parcel, LTL, TL) to ensure timely and cost-effective delivery of goods domestically and internationally.
- Serve as the main point of contact for all Freight Forwarder communication. Proactively engage with freight forwarders on shipment schedules, consolidation opportunities at origin and destination ports, receiving appointments, and importation document requirements.
- Ensure all import/export activities comply with international regulations and U.S. customs laws. Oversee preparation and accuracy of shipping documentation, including bills of lading, HTS classifications, and certificates of origin.
- Monitor and improve shipment tracking systems and visibility. Ensure shipment information is up to date in all systems for inbound reporting accuracy.
- Maintain a historical record of shipping costs and analyze regularly for cost trends and proposed reduction opportunities.
- Balance fast delivery with carbon footprint reduction through shipment consolidation, use of alternative fuel trucks, and strategic shipping method selection (e.g., sea over air).
- Develop and monitor KPIs, Service Level Agreements (SLAs), and vendor scorecards to measure performance and inform decision-making. Research industry performance, standards, and benchmarks to analyze freight forwarder performance on a regular basis.
Fulfillment
- Oversee and manage daily operations of 3PL fulfillment providers, ensuring high service levels and contract compliance. Serve as a point of escalation for operational issues.
- Regularly meet with 3PL fulfillment providers to discuss incoming shipments, upcoming product launches, monthly forecasts, and capacity information to improve planning.
- Manage special projects such as kitting, cycle counts/inventory audits, and product launches. Ensure 3PL execution.
- Create and enforce standards for outbound packaging. Ensure adequate supply of all packaging materials.
- Identify and mitigate risks related to capacity constraints, system updates, or other. Develop contingency plans to ensure operational continuity.
- Develop and monitor KPIs, Service Level Agreements (SLAs), and vendor scorecards to measure performance and inform decision-making. Research industry performance, standards, and benchmarks to analyze 3PL provider performance on a regular basis.
Operations
- Ensure availability and proper flow of inventory through systems management. Troubleshoot receiving variances, inventory discrepancies and fulfillment issues as needed.
- Maintain shipping compliance guidelines. Work closely with overseas vendor partners to ensure compliance.
- Audit and submit product and shipping documentation for payment.
- Create and manage product UPCs. Ensure accurate data and alignment across systems.
- Partner with internal teams (Operations, Product, Sales, Finance) and external vendors to align logistics strategies with broader business goals.
Who You Are
Professional Experience:
- Bachelor’s Degree in Business, Supply Chain Management, Logistics, or a related field.
- 5-7 years of experience in logistics, transportation, or operations management, including working with 3PL providers and freight forwarders.
- In-depth knowledge of international shipping regulations, customs processes, and HTS classifications.
- Proficiency in inventory management systems (e.g ShipHero, Shopify, GS1) and advanced Microsoft Excel skills (pivot tables, vlookup, etc.).
- Experience in sustainability-driven logistics strategies is a plus.
- Experience working with South America is a plus.
- Fluency in Spanish is a plus.
Personal Characteristics:
- A strategic thinker with the ability to balance cost, service, and sustainability priorities.
- A skilled negotiator with experience managing vendor and 3PL relationships.
- Strong organizational and problem-solving abilities.
- Highly organized and detail-oriented, capable of managing complex logistics operations across multiple geographies.
- Adaptable and solution-focused, excelling in fast-paced and evolving environments.
- An excellent communicator, able to effectively collaborate with cross-functional teams and external stakeholders.
Salary Range: $70,000 - $120,000