Country Manager
Confidential Jobs · São Paulo, Brazil
**Country Manager – Brazil (Logistics \& Supply Chain)** **Location:** São Paulo, Brazil (with frequent travel as needed) **About the Role:** We are building our logistics presence in Brazil from the ground up and are looking for a hands\-on Country Manager to lead this new chapter. This is not a routine operational role — it is a **startup\-like, builder role** for an experienced logistics professional who knows how to set up local entities, secure key partnerships, and deliver end\-to\-end freight and supply chain solutions to enterprise customers. You will be responsible for the full P\&L, business development, and operational setup in Brazil, with a clear focus on **cross\-border freight forwarding, warehousing, and customs clearance** , rather than last\-mile delivery operations. **Key Responsibilities:** * **Strategy \& Business Planning** Develop and execute the Brazil market entry and growth strategy, aligned with global objectives. Own the local P\&L, including revenue, profit, cost, and cash flow targets. * **Market Entry \& Local Entity Setup** Lead the end\-to\-end establishment of our legal entity, including company registration, tax registration, and banking setup. Build the local team from scratch. * **Business Development \& Client Acquisition** Identify and acquire key clients, particularly Chinese manufacturing, EV, and cross\-border e\-commerce companies expanding into Brazil. Lead commercial negotiations and tailor supply chain solutions for high\-value B2B clients. * **Customs \& Regulatory Compliance** Navigate Brazil’s complex customs and tax environment. Leverage or build strong relationships with licensed customs brokers, regulatory bodies, and government agencies to ensure compliant and efficient import operations. * **Operational Setup \& Resource Integration** Set up warehousing and distribution hubs. Identify, vet, and manage local partners including freight forwarders, trucking companies, and customs clearance agents. Build a vendor performance management system. * **Risk Management** Monitor geopolitical, regulatory, and operational risks. Develop contingency plans for strikes, port congestion, and border disruptions. * **Team Leadership** Recruit, train, and lead a multicultural local team. Foster a performance\-driven culture while ensuring compliance with local labor and employment laws. **Qualifications:** * Bachelor’s degree or above in Logistics, Supply Chain, International Trade, Business Administration, or a related field. * Minimum **8–10 years** of work experience, with at least **5 years** in a senior logistics, freight forwarding, or supply chain management role. * Proven experience in setting up operations in **emerging or complex markets** – experience in Brazil or Latin America is highly preferred. * Deep understanding of **international freight forwarding, warehousing, and customs brokerage** . * Strong commercial acumen with demonstrated ability to manage P\&L and deliver business results. * Fluent in **English** (working language). Proficiency in **Portuguese** is a strong plus. * Excellent cross\-cultural communication and negotiation skills. * Willingness to travel internationally and work in a fast\-paced, ambiguous environment. **What We Are NOT Looking For:** This role is **not** focused on last\-mile parcel delivery or consumer courier services. Candidates whose primary expertise is in domestic express delivery / final\-mile operations are not a good fit for this position.