Logistics Specialist

Founded and based in Richmond, BC, Ideon Technologies is a tech scale up that uses the energy from supernova explosions in space to image deep beneath the Earth’s surface. The world pioneer in cosmic-ray muon tomography, Ideon has developed the REVEAL Subsurface Intelligence Platform, comprising an advanced suite of proprietary data-generation hardware, software, AI-powered services, and multi-physics fusion that provide x-ray-like visibility deep underground and unlock the exponential power of integrated spatial data. By transforming muon data into reliable 3D density maps, Ideon helps geologists identify, map, characterize, and monitor mineral deposits with confidence.

We are a team that is entrepreneurial by nature and focused on doing things right to deliver great customer outcomes. We are committed to finding the best brains and the most exceptional humans, wherever they come from and however they happen to be packaged. Learn more at ideon.ai.

The Role

We are seeking a Logistics Specialist to join our Operations team and own the end-to-end process for shipping and logistics of sensors, equipment, parts, and people globally.

Reporting to the VP, Operations and collaborating with various teams across the business, you will work in a fast-paced environment where requirements can be ambiguous and needs may change quickly. You are driven to deliver seamless operations on time and with clear and inclusive communications. In the world of logistics, you know surprises can be the norm and are energized by tackling unexpected issues with grit.

You are highly organized and always thinking and planning one step ahead. You prioritize finding the simplest, most reliable path to positive outcomes when the job needs to get done while also conducting proactive analysis in anticipation of upcoming needs. You also regularly monitor timelines to inform project planning (e.g., limited flights to remote destinations, lengthy import processes, or special visa requirements).

You will impact and drive Ideon’s objectives forward by focusing on the following activities:

• Shipping Coordination: Organize and coordinate shipments (to and from Ideon), including selecting appropriate carriers, negotiating rates, and scheduling deliveries. Ensure accuracy in shipping documentation and compliance with international regulations.
• Internal and External Partner Logistics: Collaborate with operation team members to coordinate equipment deliveries and pick-ups at customer and partner sites, ensuring all necessary resources are available for them to deliver or decommission our solutions.
• Transportation Logistics: Arrange travel and accommodation for employees, optimizing schedules for efficiency and cost-saving. Troubleshoot any issues that may arise, some on an urgent basis and outside of standard North American office hours. Manage any travel vendors the company may engage.
• Vendor Relations: Build and maintain strong relationships with shipping vendors, suppliers, and freight forwarders to optimize logistics operations.
• Forward Planning and Execution: Help with planning and identifying potential roadblocks and "gotchyas" as Ideon enters new geographical regions. Execute against the plans once developed.
• Problem Solving: Address and resolve any logistics-related issues, such as shipment delays, customs clearance challenges, or transportation conflicts.
• Documentation: Ensure all logistics documentation is complete and compliant with company policies and international shipping regulations. Prepare and control standard operating procedures (SOPs) for key functions in the role, capturing learnings as the company grows into new markets.
• Reporting: Generate reports on logistics performance metrics, providing insights to improve efficiency and reduce costs.
• Administration: Support, as needed, the maintenance of accurate inventory records and stock levels to ensure timely fulfillment of projects. Complete administrative reporting on time and accurately.

Success in the role looks like:

• Smooth execution of global logistics, with materials and people reaching their intended destinations without undue delay or expense.
• Reliably meeting defined milestones, success criteria, and reporting obligations for Operations projects.
• Clear communications across company stakeholders, Operations team members, and external parties.

Priorities in the first few months will include:

• Understanding and assuming full orchestration of logistics operations at Ideon, including the parameters of each active project, the players involved, and the role you will play in each case [Month 1].
• Establishing trust and credibility with your teammates and project partners [Month 1].
• Understanding the work of the Operations team and upcoming projects requiring logistical support [Month 2].
• Documenting any key logistics processes that have not yet been documented [Month 2].
• Developing a tracking system for watching inbound and outbound shipments [Month 3].
• Advancing logistics activities with confidence and commitment to detail [Month 3].
• Establishing a companywide travel request system to streamline travel management and enhance transparency [Month 3].

Qualifications

Must-haves – You’ll need the following to move forward in the hiring process (and be successful in the role).

• 5+ years of hands-on experience in logistics, shipping, or supply chain management in an international context.
• Education in logistics, supply chain management, business administration, or an equivalent combo of training and experience.
• Strong understanding of shipping regulations, customs procedures, and international trade (i.e. harmonized codes), including entering new-to-you and new-to-the-company geographical regions.
• Proven experience with transportation logistics for people to points worldwide, including remote locations.
• Excellent organizational and multitasking skills, with a keen attention to detail.
• Proficiency in logistics software and tools, as well as Microsoft Office Suite.
• Flexibility in time management, given that equipment and people are moving across global time zones.
• Well-developed communication skills in English at a fluent or professional level.
• Legally able and currently documented to work full time hours in Canada.

We also look for the following from all new Ideon team members:

• Experience in or excitement for working in a tech scale-up; happy to wear a few hats and adjust on the fly.
• An ambitious, can-do attitude; you get that we’re doing challenging work and are excited to dive in.
• Enthusiastic and confident to take initiative and be adaptable in an agile, fast-paced environment.
• Solid teamwork skills; you’re accountable to yourself and your team and will jump in to help where you can.
• Creative solutioning mindset with great problem-solving skills.
• Insatiable curiosity paired with a drive to deliver.
• Able to work well under pressure and to meet committed deadlines.
• Great interpersonal skills; able to build relationships with colleagues, customers, and external stakeholders.
•  Able to contribute something “extra” to our culture beyond the work that you do, like wowing people with your home-baked goods, sharing improv comedy skills, or organizing sports games.

Nice-to-haves

• Professional certification related to logistics and/or shipping.

More Role Details

Location: Ideon’s office is located at #150 - 4611 Viking Way in Richmond, British Columbia, Canada.

This is a hybrid role. We love seeing folks in the office 2+ times a week; you’re welcome to work from home the remainder of the week or come into the office all 5 days if you prefer. Our “be an adult” approach means you have the flexibility to determine your in-office schedule while factoring in the positive impact of face-to-face connection and communication with your leader and teammates.

During your first few months, it’s anticipated you’ll spend more time in the office to support role-specific onboarding and relationship building.

Hours of work: 8 hrs/day, M-F. While typical working hours are 9AM – 5PM-ish pacific time – with an option to shift earlier or later based on personal and business needs – this role requires the ability to occasionally work flexible hours including evenings and/or weekends to respond to time-sensitive logistics matters in other time zones. 

What We Offer

Salary: The annual salary range for this role, in Canadian dollars, is $70,000 - $95,000. Early equity option allocations upon hire plus the opportunity to earn performance-based option allocations annually are also highlights of our total rewards package.

• An opportunity to work with a dynamic tech scale-up, gaining new skills and experience rapidly.
• Accreditation and tuition support.
• Extended health and dental benefits, an employee assistance program, and a health/personal spending account to cover things that may not fall into other categories (i.e. exercise classes, transit, daycare, pet insurance).
• An annual paid closure between the Christmas and New Year’s stat holidays, in addition to vacation time.
• 5 paid sick days annually, in addition to other leaves per employment standards legislation.
• Parental leave top-up.
• Employee referral bonus.
• Casual dress – we like our jeans and hoodies.
• Free parking and tasty snacks at the office!
• While we work hard we also sprinkle social events and learning opportunities into our days.

Ideon’s salary ranges are determined by role and level and are benchmarked against companies of similar size and stage in the Vancouver, BC, Canada market. The range reflects the minimum and maximum new employee salary. It is not typical for a new employee to be hired at the top of the range; as experienced as someone may be they likely won’t have the directly related experience unique to working at Ideon. In exceptional circumstances, though, where a person has the knowledge, skills, and experience to exceed those needed for the position, we may consider compensating at the top of the range. In the application process you will be asked to provide your salary expectations.