ALI IHSAN BIRGUL
Supply Chain Director
Sancaktepe Istanbul Türkiye
Summary
Dynamic executive with over two decades of expertise in global logistics, supply chain management, international trade finance, and compliance. Offers a comprehensive perspective gained from managing high-stakes operations across diverse sectors, including high-technology defense manufacturing, global construction, and commercial banking. Proven leadership in senior management roles includes directing logistics, warehousing, and operational teams while strategically controlling and optimizing annual budgets of up to $20 million for global procurement and logistics services. Operational achievements include a documented $300,000 reduction in expenditures and over 5% savings in customs costs through proactive regulatory compliance initiatives. Expertise in trade finance encompasses risk mitigation for international transactions and critical compliance support for high-profile exports, ensuring adherence to UCP 600 rules and effectively managing complex letters of credit within a vast network of international markets.
Overview
20
20
years of professional experience
2
2
Languages
Work History
LOGISTICS & PLANNING MANAGER
REPKON MAKINE KALIP VE SAN TIC AS
06.2023 - 06.2024
- Directed end-to-end international logistics and export operations for high-technology products, including strategic oversight of inbound and outgoing deliveries.
- Successfully managed critical projects for high-profile defense clients, notably General Dynamics (USA) and Saudi Arabian Government Projects.
- Led and managed a large team of logistics, warehouse, planning, and customer service specialists, fostering cross-functional collaboration.
- Managed an annual operational budget exceeding $10 Million USD, ensuring optimal resource allocation and cost efficiency.
- Coordinated the shipment of over 500 containers of specialized materials and high-tech goods to various countries between June 2023 and June 2024.
- Ensured all supply chain operations maintained strict adherence to national/international laws, guidelines, and ISO requirements.
- Developed and implemented strategic planning initiatives that enhanced overall operational efficiency and workflow.
- Streamlined planning processes, resulting in demonstrable improvements in project execution and a reduction in project timelines.
- Conducted market trend and forecast analysis to inform long-term strategic goals and resource planning.
LOGISTICS & OPERATIONS COORDINATOR
KINZA YAPI AS
10.2014 - 05.2023
- Oversaw and unified the logistics, warehousing, and operations management for both KINZA YAPI A.S. and its affiliate company, AHSAP URUN SAN A.S., ensuring optimized resource sharing and efficiency across the group.
- Headed and provided expert guidance to the group's entire export, import, warehouse, logistics, and operations teams, serving as the most senior operational resource within the department.
- Masterfully managed a high-value annual budget exceeding $5 Million USD allocated for procurement, operating customs, and logistic services, consistently delivering complex projects on budget.
- Spearheaded the supply chain finalization for over 40 high-stakes international construction projects, demonstrating unparalleled expertise in multi-country material flow and timely delivery.
- Provided critical logistical and supply chain expertise for high-profile hospitality and diplomatic projects across challenging regions, including: Radisson Blu (Abidjan, Ivory Coast; Lomé, Togo) ,Sheraton (Conakry, Guinea; Bamako, Mali) ,Netherlands Consulate (South Sudan)
- Established and enforced best practices in global shipping compliance, customs clearance, and warehouse management to mitigate risk and accelerate project timelines.
- Acted as the primary decision-maker for all operational and logistics challenges, ensuring the uninterrupted supply of materials for all turnkey and fit-out contracts.
SUPPLY CHAIN MANAGER
LESAFFRE TURQUIE MAYACILIK ÜRETİM VE TİCARET A.Ş
09.2010 - 08.2014
- Spearheaded end-to-end import and procurement cycles, encompassing raw materials, semi-finished products, machinery, and equipment necessary for production.
- Oversaw and supervised all comprehensive Import/Export and Domestic freight operations, effectively managing external service providers including customs brokers, carriers, and freight forwarders.
- Strategically managed a substantial annual budget of $20 Million USD allocated for raw material purchasing, customs operations, and logistics services.
- Expertly managed and ensured full compliance with complex government regulations and international trade regimes, specifically optimizing the Inward Processing Permit regime (DIIB).
- Achieved significant operational cost savings by registering the company for the Approved Status Certificate, which successfully reduced custom charges and related costs by over 5%.
- Proactively identified and capitalized on cost-savings opportunities through detailed reviews of open orders, resulting in a documented $300,000 reduction in overall expenditure in 2013.
- Possessed extensive experience in managing customs clearance, complex export-import documentation and logistics for shipments to a vast number of international markets, ensuring full legal compliance at every stage of the international supply chain.
FOREIGN TRADE FINANCE MANAGER
ASSAN ALUMINIUM SAN. VE TIC. A.S
08.2008 - 08.2010
- Directed the assessment and oversight of foreign customer receivables and credit risk, ensuring alignment with company liquidity and risk tolerance expectations
- Acquired and applied comprehensive knowledge in advanced Commercial Letters of Credit (L/C) processing, financing, and trade finance documentation, critically mitigating payment risks in international sales.
- Possessed and utilized detailed expertise in critical global trade frameworks, including current UCP , Incoterms rules, and ICC interpretations.
- Leveraged a variety of sophisticated financial instruments—including credit insurance, factoring, forfeiting, and Eximbank credits—to optimize cash flow and strategically reduce financial exposure.
- Maintained a thorough working knowledge of banking operations, policies, credit, and compliance risks to effectively manage trade finance functions.
SENIOR FOREIGN TRADE SPECIALIST
YAPI VE KREDI BANKASI A.S
06.2004 - 08.2008
- Managed and executed a high volume of Foreign Exchange transactions for corporate clients, ensuring strict adherence to Central Bank regulations, governmental decrees, and international banking policies.
- Gained hands-on expertise and applied in-depth knowledge of the practical execution and scrutiny of Commercial Letters of Credit (L/C), ensuring all documentation and processes were in strict compliance with UCP 600 rules.
- Served as a subject matter expert on domestic and international foreign exchange regulations, actively identifying and mitigating operational and compliance risks associated with cross-border payments and capital movements.
- Provided consultative support to corporate clients, optimizing their import/export payment structures, Eximbank credit utilization, and foreign currency hedging strategies.
Education
Bachelor's Degree - Economics (English)
Marmara University
Istanbul07.2003
Interests
Composing Songs, Playing Instruments, Go-cart driving, Swimming, Biking
Software
IFS (Integrated Business Applications)
Microsoft Dynamics AX (Axapta)
Timeline
LOGISTICS & PLANNING MANAGER
REPKON MAKINE KALIP VE SAN TIC AS
06.2023 - 06.2024
LOGISTICS & OPERATIONS COORDINATOR
KINZA YAPI AS
10.2014 - 05.2023
SUPPLY CHAIN MANAGER
LESAFFRE TURQUIE MAYACILIK ÜRETİM VE TİCARET A.Ş
09.2010 - 08.2014
FOREIGN TRADE FINANCE MANAGER
ASSAN ALUMINIUM SAN. VE TIC. A.S
08.2008 - 08.2010
SENIOR FOREIGN TRADE SPECIALIST
YAPI VE KREDI BANKASI A.S
06.2004 - 08.2008
Bachelor's Degree - Economics (English)
Marmara University