Eleni Gkogka

Operational & Logistics Manager with 6+ years in international trading logistics, leading teams of up to 30 people for UK & Ireland markets (imports and exports). Proven in margin optimization, freight negotiation, ERP improvement projects, and managing operations through high-risk disruptions (Brexit, COVID, Suez Canal blockage & many global supply chain crises).

Operational & Logistics Manager at VIPA GROUP – International Trading Company (Recycling & Waste Materials) (2025-02 – 2026-02)

Led ERP and system improvement projects, managed logistics organization of 30 people, supported trading decisions through freight and cost analysis

• Led ERP and system improvement projects with IT to enhance workflows, data accuracy and compliance with evolving logistics and export regulations.
• Managed a logistics organization of 30 people, including 6 Team Leaders, overseeing daily operations across UK & Ireland markets.
• Supported trading decisions by analyzing freight, costs, margins and supplier performance for 150.000MT per month.
• Oversaw SOPs, KPIs and regulatory documentation, ensuring validity across multiple countries.

Purchasing & Logistics Coordinator at VIPA GROUP – International Trading Company (Recycling & Waste Materials) (2024-02 – 2025-01)

Led team organization of 20 people, coordinated cross-department collaboration, monitored sales contracts and optimized shipping terms

• Led team organization of 20 people and development by managing onboarding, training, task allocation, performance evaluations and weekly reporting.
• Coordinated cross-department collaboration, resolved internal issues, and acted as decision-maker for the logistics team's daily operational approach.
• Monitored sales contracts, allocated purchase orders to contracts based on margin, quality and destination, and liaised with shipping lines to optimize terms and ensure compliance with customer requirements.

Purchasing & Logistics Team Leader at VIPA GROUP – International Trading Company (Recycling & Waste Materials) (2022-12 – 2024-01)

Coordinated daily tasks among 12 people, oversaw active orders and reporting, acted as escalation point for complex cases

• Coordinated and delegated daily tasks among 12 people, monitored performance, organized schedules and leaves, and provided training to ensure smooth team operations.
• Oversaw active orders and reporting, ensured data accuracy, and communicated purchasing and selling needs to commercial management.
• Acted as escalation point for complex cases, supported invoice and rate discrepancies with shipping lines, and participated in interviews.

Senior Purchasing & Logistics Associate at VIPA GROUP – International Trading Company (Recycling & Waste Materials) (2021-03 – 2022-11)

Coordinated monthly purchase orders, maintained inventory visibility, supported colleague training, completed international logistics training in Switzerland

• Coordinated monthly purchase orders of 21.000MT per month with traders and suppliers, handling booking, invoicing and claim issues.
• Maintained accurate inventory visibility by tracking remaining material quantities and allocations across contracts.
• Supported associate colleagues through task prioritization, training and daily operational guidance.
• Six-month training assignment in Lausanne, Switzerland, focusing on international logistics processes, supplier coordination and direct communication with shipping lines.

Purchasing & Logistics Associate at VIPA GROUP – International Trading Company (Recycling & Waste Materials) (2019-12 – 2021-03)

Updated shipment and purchase data in ERP system, coordinated bookings and shipment documentation, checked loading details

• Updated shipment and purchase data in the company ERP system for 300 containers per day, supporting order creation and day-to-day logistics operations.
• Coordinated bookings and shipment documentation with suppliers and shipping lines, ensuring accuracy and timely execution.
• Checked loading details and shipment information, reporting issues to support smooth operations.

Various Roles (Part & Full-time) at Hospitality / Service Industry (2010 – 2021)

Parallel employment in hospitality and service industry

BSc in Economics, Department of Economic Science – University of Macedonia (PAMAK), School of Economic and Regional Studies