Loay Banaja
جدة
Summary
Experienced and results-driven logistics and import/export professional with 10+ years of experience in leading end-to-end logistics, distribution, customs clearance, and supply chain operations. Proven expertise in managing 3PLs, optimizing warehouse and transportation processes, ensuring regulatory compliance, and driving cost-saving initiatives. Adept at leading cross-functional teams, driving service excellence, and implementing efficiency strategies.
Overview
14
14
years of professional experience
1
1
Certification
Work History
Head of Import and export
Binzagr Co.
Jeddah
04.2013 - Current
- Led logistics and import/export operations across multiple business units, ensuring alignment with Authority regulation such as SFDA,ZATCA,SASO
- Developed and implemented supply chain strategies that improved service levels and reduced lead times.
- Supervised operations for multiple companies under the Binzagr Group.
- Oversaw bonded zone operations optimized freight routing and negotiated 3PL contracts, achieving freight cost reductions of up to 15%.
- Oversee and manage all import and export operations, ensuring compliance with customs regulations and trade laws.
- Successfully led strategic projects including AEO accreditation, SABER registration, and GSO certification.
- Build relationships with key stakeholders, including government authorities, customers, and suppliers. Met monthly with departmental heads to find solutions for issues and problems encountered in logistics.
- Reduced freight costs by negotiating contracts with logistics partners and optimizing inbound flows.
- Oversaw compliance with warehouse and distribution SOPs, ensuring 100% regulatory adherence and operational sustainability.
- Worked cross-functionally with Sales, Finance, and regulatory teams to support customer service, documentation, and order-to-cash flow.
- Dealing with different international suppliers like Heinz, Unilever, IFFCO, Britannia, Bonny, and Powerhouse.
- Enhanced working relationships by participating in team-building activities.
- Maximised customer engagement and satisfaction by delivering excellent customer service.
- Supported organizational transformation by implementing bonded zone strategies and trade facilitation processes.
- Delivered monthly logistics KPIs and cost dashboards identified bottlenecks and implemented corrective actions.
- Engaged with customers to better understand needs and deliver excellent service.
- Trained and mentored employees to maximise team performance.
Sales representative
Saudi airline catering
KSA
01.2011 - 01.2013
- Achieved sales targets through strategic planning and customer-focused service.
- Contributed to logistics feedback loops and issue resolution with customers.
Education
Bachelor’s Degree - Human resource
King Abdulaziz University
Jeddah 01-2011
Skills
- Logistics Operations & Strategy
- 3PL Management & Performance
- Cost Optimization & KPI Tracking
- SHE, Quality, and Compliance
- Supply Chain Planning & Execution
- Trade Regulations & Customs Compliance
- Stakeholder Collaboration (Sales, CFSC, O2C)
- Warehouse & Distribution Management
- Process Standardization & Efficiency
- Project Leadership (AEO, Bonded Zone)
- Public speaking
- Analytical and critical thinking
- Team leadership
Certification
- Customs Clearance Rules - Riyadh
- GCC Standardization Training
- Bullet Proof Manager - Crestcom
- MAS Coaching - English
- Wall Street - English
- Clearance License
Accomplishments
- Implemented a bonded zone strategy, optimizing logistics flows and enhancing regulatory control.
- Achieved full AEO compliance, ensuring preferential customs treatment.
- Successfully reduced logistics costs through 3PL contract optimization and process reengineering.
- Streamlined SFDA and SABER registrations, enabling faster market access for key brands (Unilever, IFFCO, etc.).
Professional Development And Conferences
- AEO Compliance | ZATCA
- Supply Chain Conference | Riyadh
- SFDA Food Safety, Oxo Regulation, & Nutrition Labeling Workshops
- Gulf Conformity Training - GSO
- ZATCA Conference
- Food Expo
- PMP Workshop
- Saudi TransFreight and Logistics
- Ministry of Investment - SAGIA
- Oxo Regulation - SASO
- Food Safety - SFDA
- Nutrition Table - SFDA
- SFDA Conference
Languages
Arabic
First Language
English
Advanced (C1)
C1
Timeline
Head of Import and export
Binzagr Co.
04.2013 - Current
Sales representative
Saudi airline catering
01.2011 - 01.2013
Bachelor’s Degree - Human resource
King Abdulaziz University
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