Job Description

Project Logistics Specialist

Location: Aberdeen
Reporting to: Freight Forwarding Manager

Role Overview

The Project Logistics Specialist is responsible for managing and delivering end-to-end logistics solutions for complex and high-value customer projects, including over-dimensional, heavy-lift, and time-critical shipments.

This role combines hands-on freight forwarding expertise with structured project management, ensuring all transport solutions are safe, compliant, cost-effective, and delivered to agreed timelines. The successful candidate will thrive in a fast-paced environment, demonstrate strong coordination skills, and maintain a high level of customer focus throughout project execution.

Key Responsibilities

• Plan, coordinate, and deliver tailored logistics solutions from initial concept through to final delivery.

• Develop detailed transport plans for multimodal, over-dimensional, and project cargo movements.

• Prepare transport studies, cost estimates, risk assessments, method statements, and supporting documentation.

• Carry out freight forwarding activities including bookings, documentation, customs clearance, and liaison with carriers and subcontractors.

• Lead tendering processes for heavy-lift and specialist transport services, including rate negotiation and supplier evaluation.

• Conduct site and route surveys, ensuring compliance with all legal, safety, and environmental requirements.

• Act as the primary point of contact for customers during planning and execution phases, providing regular progress updates.

• Monitor project milestones, identify potential risks or delays, and implement corrective actions as required.

• Control logistics budgets, manage cost forecasts, and prepare financial and performance reports for management review.

• Coordinate internal stakeholders across operations, procurement, finance, and compliance to ensure aligned project delivery.

• Manage critical situations professionally, demonstrating strong decision-making under time pressure.

Decision-Making Authority

• Operates within approved budgets, contractual terms, and delegated authority levels.

• Authorized to make operational decisions relating to transport execution, carrier selection, and subcontractor coordination.

• Escalates significant financial, legal, or safety-related matters to the Freight Forwarding Manager.

Key Interfaces

• Freight Forwarding Manager

• Sales and Key Account Management

• Operations and Warehousing

• Procurement and Carrier Management

• Customs and Compliance

• Finance

• Customers and subcontractors

Qualifications & Experience

• Bachelor’s degree in Logistics, Supply Chain, Engineering, or equivalent relevant experience.

• Minimum of 5 years’ experience in project logistics, heavy-lift, or complex multimodal forwarding.

• Proven experience managing international transport operations and project execution.

• Strong working knowledge of Incoterms, customs regulations, and international trade compliance.

• Experience using ERP/TMS systems and Microsoft Office applications.

Core Competencies

• Strong customer and results orientation

• Excellent planning, analytical, and problem-solving skills

• High resilience and ability to perform under pressure

• Effective communication and stakeholder management

• Team-focused with a high level of accountability and adaptability

• Continuous improvement mindset with strong attention to detail

Key Performance Indicators (KPIs)

• Projects delivered on time and within budget (target ≥95%)

• Cost variance maintained within ±5% of forecast

• Claims and incident ratio below agreed threshold (≤0.5%)

• Customer satisfaction score of 4/5 or above

• Zero major non-conformities in audits or compliance checks

• Implementation of at least two process improvements per year

• Accurate and timely reporting of project milestones and financial status

Health, Safety, Security, Environment & Quality (HSSEQ)

• Promote continuous improvement in health, safety, environmental, and quality performance.

• Ensure compliance with all applicable laws, regulations, and industry standards.

• Report all incidents, near misses, or policy breaches to management promptly.

• Actively intervene where unsafe acts or conditions are observed.

• Adhere to the organisation’s integrated management systems and support ongoing process improvements.