MANUEL GONZALEZ
Logistic Manager, Liner Shipping Manager, Transportation and Operations Manager, Port Operations Lead, Business Intelligence, Ecommerce Logistics and Sales
Panama City
Summary
Economist and Logistics Professional with over 25 years of hands-on experience in international trade, logistics, and maritime transportation. Proven expertise in shipping industry management and multimodal operations. Strong background in sales and warehousing, combined with a strategic, entrepreneurial mindset that drives results and builds lasting partnerships.
Core Competencies
*Strategic Problem Solving & Planning
*Operational Efficiency & Cost Optimization
*Team Leadership & Development
*Budgeting & Financial Management
*Supply Chain & Logistics Optimization
*Project Management & Execution
*Regulatory Compliance & Risk Management
Overview
2
2
Languages
28
28
years of professional experience
Work History
Line Manager (Country Manager)
Hanjin Shipping - Line Manager / AGUNSA
12.2007 - 11.2009
- Head of Local Business Unit – Hanjin Shipping, Panama
Launched operations for Hanjin Shipping in Panama, leading the local business unit across operations, sales, customer service, documentation, and administrative areas. Built and executed a commercial platform to strengthen Far East–Panama trade, maintaining direct relationships with providers and customers. Left the role to pursue a better professional opportunity.
Line Manager (Country Manager)
Hamburg Sud Panama
12.2007 - 11.2009
- Commercial & Organizational Leader – HSUD / Costa Container Lines Merger
Actively participated in the merger process between CCL and HSUD local offices, directing sales, customer service, and documentation teams within the new organizational structure to strengthen HSUD’s brand presence in the local market. Responsible for all commercial matters, with a strong focus on developing reefer export trade — achieving growth from 0% to over 22% of reefer shipments to Northern Europe in less than a year. Contributed significantly to organizational change, resource optimization, and process reengineering in compliance with HSUD guidelines, while maintaining the same responsibilities previously held at CCL.
Chief Officer of Almacen Regional at PNP
Policia Nacional
11.2019 - Current
- Head of Almacen Regional de la Policia Nacional. Oversee reception and dispatch operations for general dry goods, foodstuffs, and perishable products. Ensure compliance with contracts by controlling the entry of perishables. Coordinate with institutional departments to maintain a seamless supply chain workflow. Manage and administer stock of more than 500 SKUs in strict adherence to public administration regulations.
Held positions in the budgeting department and in the Security Forces’ supermarket, developing new opportunities to expand and strengthen retail operations. Focused on driving growth, improving efficiency, and ensuring compliance with institutional requirements.
Project Manager
CC Boutik/M3 Xpress
03.2016 - 10.2019
- Project & Operations Leader
Manage and lead project teams, hiring staff, consultants, and suppliers. Develop and implement project plans, ensuring deliverables are achieved on time and within budget. Solve cross-functional challenges, track progress, and evaluate performance. Oversee project evaluation and dissemination activities, with final approval of design specifications. Collaborate closely with users to align outcomes with business needs.
Key achievements include the launch of CC Boutik Marketplace, an e-commerce platform showcasing handicrafts, arts, fashion design, and Panamanian products. Directly contributed to the development of the shipping gateway for local and international deliveries. Prepared, presented, and implemented financial and commercial budgets. Additional leadership roles include Head of Airfreight Operations and POS/Fulfillment Center Management.
Country General Manager
Laparkan Panama
02.2014 - 03.2016
- Business Development & Operations Leader – LPK
Created and executed a comprehensive business plan to expand the LPK brand in import and export trades, leveraging the company’s infrastructure across the Caribbean. Prepared, presented, and implemented financial budgets while ensuring robust accounting and control systems. Directed operations for LCL/FCL shipments, hiring and supervising staff with persuasive leadership.sion
General Manager / Founder
WE Transport S.A.
11.2009 - 03.2014
- Entrepreneur – Trucking Business Initiative
Founded and developed a trucking business focused on distribution and LCL (reefer and dry). Oversaw all commercial and administrative operations, ensuring efficiency and profitability. Successfully managed the company until its sale in 2014.
Line Manager (Country Manager)
Yang Ming Marine / Boyd Steamship
04.2013 - 09.2013
- Head of Local Business Unit – Yang Ming Marine, Panama
Launched operations for Yang Ming Marine in Panama, creating and executing the company’s commercial and operational strategy. Directed the local business unit across operations, sales, customer service, documentation, and administrative areas, maintaining direct relationships with providers and customers. Documented and instructed due processing in AFSYS, YMM’s proprietary system. Oversaw the unit until September 2013, when Yang Ming Marine ceased operations and ended its commercial relationship with the local agent.
Line Manager (Country Manager)
Costamare Panama S.A.
05.2002 - 12.2007
- Country Manager – Costa Container Lines, Panama
Managed and implemented the new office setup, ensuring service quality, compliance with guarantees, and the development of a commercial and regional demand network.
Key Achievements:
*Introduced the CCL brand into the Panamanian market, achieving over 60% return from Dominican Republic and Venezuela and securing 23% market share in the first year.
*Directly contributed to the commercial growth and exposure of the CCL brand in Panama, driving overall economic expansion.
*Led the development and management of commercial, customer service, and operational departments.
*Spearheaded continuous improvement initiatives, optimizing processes to meet evolving customer expectations and organizational goals.
*Reported directly to CCL Headquarters on commercial, planning, and development matters.
*Provided permanent supervision and leadership to all personnel activities.
*Initiated new business opportunities, conducted market analysis, and improved procedures to achieve defined objectives.
*Gained extensive experience in the Caribbean, ECSA, and MED markets.
Sales Executive
Pancanal Shipping Agency S.A.
09.1998 - 05.2002
- Sales & Business Development Executive – Pancanal Shipping
Represented Pancanal Shipping, former agent of Compañía Chilena de Navegación Interoceánica. Led negotiations and closed sales with local and international clients, securing favorable terms and strengthening long-term partnerships. Communicated effectively across cultures, adapting to regional differences and building rapport. Collaborated with marketing, logistics, and finance teams to ensure smooth operations aligned with sales objectives. Monitored sales progress, provided regular reports, and adjusted strategies based on key performance metrics. Represented the company at international events, meeting clients and partners to enhance global presence. Pancanal Shipping is the former agent for Compañia Chilena de Navegacion Interoceanica. Lead negotiations and close sales with local and international clients, ensuring favorable terms for both parties. Effectively communicate with clients and teams across cultures, adapting to regional differences and building rapport. Work with marketing, logistics, and finance teams to ensure smooth operations and alignment with sales objectives. Monitor sales progress and provide regular reports, adjusting strategies as needed based on key performance metrics. Represent the company at international events, meeting clients and partners to enhance the company's global presence.
Education
Postgraduate in Management, Business Administration -
Universidad del Istmo
Panama City12-2003
Degree in Economics - undefined
Universidad de Panama
Panama City11-1996
Skills
Problem Solving
Strategic Planning
Operational Efficiency
Cost Optimization
Team Leadership
Budgeting and Financial Management
Supply Chain Optimization
Team Development
Project Management
Regulatory Compliance
Accomplishments
- Ecommerce pioneer in Panama. Developed an e-commerce platform to offer panamenian artcrafts, arts and fashion design
- Managing project deliverables in line with the project plan
- Managing project training within the defined budget
- Start operations for several Multinational companies in Panama.
Timeline
Chief Officer of Almacen Regional at PNP
Policia Nacional
11.2019 - Current
Project Manager
CC Boutik/M3 Xpress
03.2016 - 10.2019
Country General Manager
Laparkan Panama
02.2014 - 03.2016
Line Manager (Country Manager)
Yang Ming Marine / Boyd Steamship
04.2013 - 09.2013
General Manager / Founder
WE Transport S.A.
11.2009 - 03.2014
Line Manager (Country Manager)
Hanjin Shipping - Line Manager / AGUNSA
12.2007 - 11.2009
Line Manager (Country Manager)
Hamburg Sud Panama
12.2007 - 11.2009
Line Manager (Country Manager)
Costamare Panama S.A.
05.2002 - 12.2007
Sales Executive
Pancanal Shipping Agency S.A.
09.1998 - 05.2002
Degree in Economics - undefined
Universidad de Panama
Postgraduate in Management, Business Administration -
Universidad del Istmo