Ocean Freight Manager

About the Role

As the Ocean Freight Manager, you will have full responsibility for all aspects of our logistics operation. You will oversee a team of Department managers, Supervisors, and Ocean Freight Specialists to efficiently execute operational activities while ensuring adherence to service promises and regulatory standards. Focus on maximizing gross profit and productivity, fostering a customer-centric culture, and taking ownership of Profit and Loss (PnL) responsibilities to drive financial performance. Act as a primary escalation point for any exceptions.

Responsibilities

• Own the P&L within the specific area of control.
• Drive growth in local markets in collaboration with field sales while ensuring customer satisfaction and retention through regular customer visits, excellent service, and swift complaint/escalation management.
• Serve as the 3rd or 2nd escalation point (depending on local structure) for customer complaints and special requests/inquiries, working with internal teams toward resolution.
• Ensure service quality and operational excellence by proactively monitoring customer feedback and improving operational performance. Oversee process improvement opportunities to enhance efficiency using DGF’s standardized performance tools.
• Ensure teams adhere to Global standard processes when executing shipments.
• Build and manage supplier relationships to optimize service delivery and profitability.
• Oversee and develop a high-performing team, enabling and equipping them to resolve issues effectively while fostering a culture of collaboration and continuous improvement.
• Lead supervisors and specialists in alignment with Ocean Freight Strategic objectives.
• Ensure teams adhere to necessary regulatory compliance procedures relating to commodity and locations for shipments.
• Achieve productivity targets and measures to provide ocean freight services for internal and external customers.
• Drive gross profit maximization through tight financial control.
• Develop and maintain business relationships with existing clients, seek potential upsell opportunities, conduct regular customer visits, and achieve desired customer retention.
• Support and develop a strong team of freight forwarding professionals, creating an environment that promotes employee engagement and growth.
• Drive the transformation of the team from a data entry focus to a proactive and solution-oriented approach.
• Foster a finance-first mindset, connecting the dots between P&L and file-level performance.
• Align team goals to P&L excellence, including clear P&L ownership.
• Initiate and drive initiatives to enhance customer experience and satisfaction.

Requirements

• Proven track record of developing, coaching, and mentoring staff to achieve exceptional results.
• Success in leading teams through a transition to prioritize customer-centricity and adopt a finance-first mindset.
• Demonstrated strategic, transformational, and visionary mindset.
• Proactive drive to challenge existing practices and consistently identify opportunities for continuous improvement to optimize customer satisfaction and enhance profitability.
• Strong leadership abilities, including driving KPIs, fostering employee engagement, team building, and inspiring a visionary culture.
• Business acumen and commercial drive, with a keen eye for strategic opportunities and growth.
• Exceptional communication skills, both verbal and written, with the ability to deliver impactful presentations and effectively convey strategic vision.
• Proficiency in Microsoft Office applications, including Outlook, Teams, Excel, Word, and PowerPoint.
• Preferred bachelor’s degree (BA/BS) demonstrating a strong educational foundation.
• Minimum of 6 years of experience in the freight forwarding industry, including at least 4 years of leadership experience in Ocean Freight operations.
• Knowledge of the CargoWise system is advantageous.

Pay

Pay Range: $93,142.50 - $124,190.00+ (Based on Experience)

Benefits

• Compensation: Competitive base salary plus role-dependent performance-based incentives.
• 401(k) Match: $1-for-$1 match up to 4% quarterly + 2% annual base contribution.
• Stock Purchase Plan: Ability to purchase Deutsche Post AG shares at a discounted rate.
• Medical: Comprehensive plans covering preventive care, inpatient/outpatient services, and prescriptions.
• Vision: Optional coverage for exams, frames, and contacts.
• Dental: Optional coverage for preventive, basic, and major services.
• Paid Time Off: 7 major holidays, 8 floating holidays, and accrued vacation/sick days.

Why Join Us

At DHL Global Forwarding, we invest in our employees’ growth, providing training, guidance, and career advancement opportunities. We believe in building careers, not just jobs, and empowering our team to develop skills and achieve long-term success. Be part of DHL Group, the world’s leading logistics provider, operating in 220+ countries. DHL Global Forwarding (DGF) is a global leader in air and ocean freight, with 30,000+ employees ensuring seamless transport and supply chain solutions.