International Logistics and Foreign Trade Director

About the role

Kastamonu Entegre Ağaç Sanayi, a global player in the wooden panel industry and part of Hayat Holding, is looking for an International Logistics and Foreign Trade Director. The position is based in Altunizade, Istanbul.

Key responsibilities

• Define and oversee global foreign trade, logistics and logistics procurement strategies, ensuring compliance with international trade regulations and customs legislation.
• Evaluate investment and international trade agreements from a strategic and commercial perspective, identify risks and recommend financial and commercial risk mitigation.
• Set up governance and approval mechanisms for import payments, ensuring financial control and alignment with company policy.
• Oversee customs compliance and Authorized Economic Operator (AEO/YYS) practices, keeping the company audit-ready and internally controlled.
• Identify and manage strategic risks in international trade, logistics and procurement, including customs, taxation, geopolitics, suppliers and trade policy changes.
• Develop strategies to optimise logistics and procurement costs, improve supplier performance and delivery lead times, and strengthen payment and collection processes.
• Lead strategic logistics procurement, including supplier selection, contract negotiations, procurement policies and long-term partnerships with logistics service providers.

Required profile

• Bachelor's degree in a relevant field.
• At least 20 years of professional experience, including 7-8 years managing international trade and foreign trade teams.
• Fluency in English, written and spoken.
• Proven leadership, stakeholder management and decision-making skills.

Required skills

• Extensive knowledge of international trade regulations, customs legislation and global logistics practices.
• Strong strategic thinking, financial acumen and risk management capabilities.
• Analytical and problem-solving skills focused on operational excellence and continuous improvement.