Logistics Manager H/F

ABOUT ALTA ARES Alta Ares is an air defense Neoprime. We build AI-guided interceptors to counter drones and cruise missiles, along with the software platform that powers them. Our customers are NATO-aligned militaries and defense institutions, and our systems are regularly deployed during live exercises and operational demonstrations across Europe, the Middle East, and Asia. Founded in 2024, we have grown to 90 people, raised over $60M, and increased revenue 40× this year. We are now entering a new phase of international expansion, industrial scaling, fundraising, and product development. ROLE & MISSION As Logistics Manager, you will own the full logistics function at Alta Ares from internal stock management and equipment procurement to the operational deployment of systems in the field. You will be the person who ensures that the right equipment is in the right place at the right time, in perfect condition, fully compliant with applicable regulations whether that's a drone airframe being prepared for a DGA demonstration or a C-UAS system being shipped to a NATO exercise in Poland. This is a hands-on, field-connected role with broad scope. Alta Ares deploys in demanding environments across France and internationally, and ships dual-use equipment across jurisdictions where export control compliance is not optional. 1. Internal Logistics & Stock Management - Own Alta Ares' equipment inventory end-to-end: airframes, embedded systems, sensors, payloads, ground equipment, and spare parts - Design and maintain a rigorous asset tracking system every item referenced, located, and accounted for at all times - Manage procurement of logistics-related supplies: packaging, shipping materials, tools, and field equipment - Coordinate equipment maintenance schedules with Engineering: inspection cycles, component replacement, and airworthiness checks - Manage the Paris logistics space: organisation, cleanliness, access control, and safety compliance - Track equipment lifecycle: procurement, deployment history, maintenance records, and end-of-life decisions 2. Shipping, Customs & Export Compliance - Plan and execute all equipment shipments across Alta Ares' operational geographies primarily France and Europe, with occasional international shipments to Ukraine, UAE, US, and beyond - Manage customs clearance for all outbound and inbound shipments including dual-use and defence equipment requiring specific authorisations - Own export control compliance from a logistics standpoint: AECA / CIEEMG licences, ITAR end-user certificate requirements, and destination-country import regulations - Liaise with freight forwarders, customs brokers, and carriers negotiating rates and ensuring SLA-aligned delivery - Anticipate and resolve customs issues, delays, and documentation gaps proactively - Maintain a complete and audit-ready record of all shipments, export licenses, and end-user documentation 3. Operational Field Logistics - France & Europe - Own end-to-end logistics for field deployments, live demonstrations, and operational exercises primarily across French test sites and NATO facilities on French and European soil - Plan and execute equipment deployment logistics: packing, transport, site access coordination, and on-site setup - Be present on-site during major demonstrations and field campaigns managing equipment handling, setup, and safe return - Coordinate with DGA range officers, base logistics teams, and event organizers on access, safety, and equipment clearance - Manage on-site logistics under pressure: real-time problem-solving when equipment, transport, or access doesn't go to plan - Support occasional international deployments when required: UAE, Ukraine, UK, and NATO exercise locations - Debrief after each deployment and produce structured logistics reports: lessons learned, damage assessment, and process improvements 4. Supplier & Partner Management - Build and manage relationships with Alta Ares' logistics partners: freight forwarders, customs brokers, French carriers, and specialist defense logistics providers - Negotiate contracts and framework agreements with key logistics suppliers - Source and qualify new logistics providers for emerging operational geographies - Manage logistics budgets: cost tracking, invoice validation, and spend optimisation 5. Safety, Compliance & Documentation - Ensure all logistics operations comply with applicable French and international transport regulations for defense and dual-use equipment: IATA dangerous goods rules, ADR (transport routier), and military equipment shipping standards - Maintain safety procedures for the handling, storage, and transport of batteries, RF equipment, and pyrotechnic components - Ensure all logistics documentation is complete, accurate, and audit-ready at all times - Contribute to the development of logistics policies, standard operating procedures, and emergency protocols in line with French defense regulations CANDIDATE PROFILE Experience - 3–6 years of experience in logistics, supply chain, or operations with at least partial exposure to defense, aerospace, dual-use, or technically complex equipment - Proven hands-on experience managing shipments, customs clearance, and freight coordination within France and international markets. - Prior exposure to French export control regulations (AECA / CIEEMG) and DGA processes is a strong plus - Experience supporting field operations, live demonstrations, or equipment deployments at French test ranges or military sites is highly valued - Background in a French defense prime, neoprime, DGA, or defense-adjacent logistics provider is a significant advantage Skills & Qualities - Hands-on and field-oriented you are as comfortable at managing a deployment as in a warehouse running an inventory - Rigorous and meticulous: equipment goes missing, gets damaged, or gets stuck in customs when logistics is sloppy: you don't let that happen - Calm under pressure: field deployments go wrong; you solve problems on the fly without losing composure. - Proactive and anticipatory: you identify logistics risks weeks before they become operational problems - Strong negotiator: you get the best rates, the most reliable service, and the fastest customs clearance from your provider network - French fluency is mandatory: primary working language and essential for coordination with French military, DGA, and domestic suppliers - English proficiency is mandatory: international shipments, export documentation, and occasional international field missions require professional-level English - Comfortable with the security culture of a defense company: discretion, access control, and sensitive equipment handling are second nature