Principal Logistics Officer, International Operations

Principal Logistics Officer, International Operations

The Canadian Red Cross, one of the world's most reputable and inspiring non-profit organizations, assists individuals and communities in need in Canada and globally, empowering them to build resilience. Recognized as a Best Employer in Canada for 2026, the organization is committed to providing an accessible, diverse, inclusive, and barrier-free workplace.

The Principal Logistics Officer will be responsible for planning, coordinating, and implementing logistics and supply chain operations to ensure the efficient and timely delivery of goods and services, both nationally and internationally. This individual will coordinate or execute numerous aspects of the supply chain, including procurement needs, supplier relations, transportation, warehousing, or distribution, while ensuring compliance with organizational policies and regulatory standards. Working closely with internal teams, suppliers, and partners, they will participate in preparedness, response, and recovery efforts by optimizing logistical processes, strengthening systems, providing technical expertise, or offering logistics services to internal clients. They will also enhance emergency reinforcement capacities, thereby contributing to operational excellence and the efficient delivery of humanitarian aid.

Tasks and Responsibilities

• Support the cost-effective development and implementation of inventory management strategies and supply chain management systems to ensure the timely delivery of essential resources in support of Canadian Red Cross humanitarian services.
• Coordinate the movement of materials for national and international activities, including logistics services such as goods transportation, customs clearance, inter-agency coordination, inventory management, warehousing, distribution, or fleet supervision as needed.
• In collaboration with internal supply chain management specialists, perform or coordinate procurement activities, including sourcing, tendering, contracting, supplier negotiations, performance monitoring, and ensuring quality, regulatory compliance, and value for money.
• Contribute to the planning, development, and implementation of logistical strategies, procedures, and systems that enhance efficiency and optimize supply chain costs and ensure compliance across all national and international operations.
• Establish and maintain relationships with goods suppliers, service providers, partners, and internal stakeholders to ensure the efficient and timely delivery of logistics and supply chain related services.
• Monitor and update logistics, procurement, and inventory records to ensure compliance with audit standards, safety standards, and reporting requirements.
• Provide technical advice, training, and mentorship to volunteer and paid staff and partners to strengthen reinforcement capacities and ensure operational excellence during emergency preparedness, response, and recovery phases.
• Identify and implement process improvement opportunities, innovative tools, and solutions to enhance logistical operations, remove barriers, and foster continuous improvement.
• Ensure compliance with organizational policies, procurement standards, safety regulations, and quality assurance frameworks, including those related to health products and regulated goods.
• Participate in cross-functional collaboration, reporting, and knowledge sharing to strengthen organizational capacity and ensure effective humanitarian assistance.

Required Profile

• Possess at least four to five years of experience and hold a post-secondary certificate or one- or two-year diploma in logistics, supply chain management, business administration, international development, or a relevant field, or an equivalent combination of education and experience.
• Proficiency in Microsoft Office Suite (Word, Outlook, Excel, PowerPoint), SharePoint, and databases.
• Experience in procurement, contract negotiation, and vendor relationship management.
• Prior experience with inventory management systems, transportation services, and warehouse operations.
• Solid knowledge of supply chain principles, logistics planning, inventory management, and transportation coordination.
• Familiarity with safety standards and regulations in logistics and procurement.
• Project management skills, including planning, organizing, coordinating project activities, goal setting, schedule management, and efficient resource allocation.
• Experience in customer relationship management, understanding client needs, addressing concerns, and ensuring overall satisfaction.
• Ability to identify opportunities for creating or improving processes to enhance service delivery efficiency.
• Ability to identify, analyze, and investigate problems, determine root causes and risks, and develop solutions using technical, functional, and organizational knowledge.
• Ability to communicate effectively, demonstrate diplomacy and empathy to interpret information and offer advice, clearly define stakeholder needs, propose solutions, and resolve complex issues in new or sensitive situations.

Key Skills/Competency

• Logistics Management
• Supply Chain Optimization
• Procurement & Sourcing
• Inventory Control
• Vendor Relationship Management
• International Transportation
• Warehousing Operations
• Regulatory Compliance
• Humanitarian Aid
• Project Coordination