Head of Logistics, Africa

About the role

Zipline is seeking a senior leader to own the inbound supply chain for all its African operations. The Head of Logistics, Africa will ensure parts, batteries, hardware and materials arrive on time, in full and at agreed prices, while making customs clearance routine.

Key responsibilities

• Own the inbound supply chain into operating and build sites, covering freight, ports, customs, spares warehouses, batteries, prefabricated hardware and construction materials.
• Build corridor discipline with standing customs dossiers, HS classification catalogues and exemption processes embedded in contracts.
• Set two‑way service‑level agreements with site operations and the Deployments team, publishing transfer prices and tracking any misses.
• Drive emergency air‑freight spend toward zero by maintaining buffer stock as risk cover.
• Serve as the single point of contact for Zipline’s global supply chain and production team in South San Francisco.
• Lead and develop in‑country logistics analysts in Rwanda, Ghana, Nigeria and Côte d’Ivoire.
• Maintain integrity and controls through accurate customs valuation, clean import documentation and rigorous vendor billing reconciliation.

Required profile

• 10–15 years managing cross‑border supply chains in Africa within freight forwarding, FMCG, pharmaceutical, telecom or humanitarian logistics.
• Deep, hands‑on customs and corridor experience in West and East Africa, including declared‑value discipline.
• Proven ability to price and publish internal SLAs and to eliminate emergency freight from a network.
• Strong controls mindset with firm discipline over vendors and freight forwarders.
• Excellent programme and project management instincts, capable of driving end‑to‑end workstreams across teams.

Required skills

• Customs clearance and valuation
• Freight forwarding and air‑freight management
• Supply chain and logistics planning
• Project and programme management