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