Logistics Manager Seattle, WA View

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.

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 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.

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.
• Hir…