OCEAN FREIGHT MANAGER

Job Responsibilities

• Manage and oversee all ocean import and export operations, ensuring timely and accurate execution of shipments from origin through final delivery.
• Lead, mentor, and develop the Ocean Freight team by providing training, guidance, performance feedback, and ongoing support.
• Serve as the primary escalation point for operational issues, customer concerns, and service-related challenges.
• Ensure compliance with all applicable international trade regulations, U.S. Customs requirements, FMC regulations, export controls, and company policies.
• Review and approve shipping documentation, including Bills of Lading, commercial invoices, certificates of origin, AES filings, and other import/export documents.
• Develop and maintain strong relationships with customers, ocean carriers, NVOCCs, customs brokers, trucking companies, warehouses, and overseas agents.
• Negotiate carrier rates, service agreements, and vendor contracts to optimize service levels and profitability.
• Monitor operational performance, shipment milestones, and key performance indicators (KPIs) to ensure service excellence.
• Collaborate with Sales and Business Development teams to support customer growth initiatives, prepare logistics solutions, and identify cross-selling opportunities.
• Manage workload distribution, staffing requirements, and operational priorities to maximize team productivity and efficiency.
• Analyze operational data, identify trends, and implement process improvements to enhance service quality and reduce costs.
• Ensure accurate and timely updates within transportation management systems and internal operational platforms.
• Cook up with internal departments, including customs brokerage, warehousing, transportation, and accounting, to support seamless operations.
• Maintain and enforce company Standard Operating Procedures (SOPs) and customer-specific requirements.
• Promote a culture of compliance, accountability, safety, and continuous improvement throughout the department.

Qualifications

• Minimum 5 years of experience in ocean freight forwarding, including both import and export operations.
• Minimum 2 years of supervisory or management experience within freight forwarding, logistics, or supply chain operations.
• Strong knowledge of ocean freight operations, international shipping practices, customs regulations, and trade compliance requirements.
• Experience working with ocean carriers, NVOCCs, customs brokers, trucking providers, and overseas agents.
• Proven leadership, team development, and people management skills.
• Excellent communication, customer service, negotiation, and relationship-building abilities.
• Strong analytical, organizational, and problem-solving skills.
• Proficiency in Microsoft Office Suite and freight forwarding/logistics management systems.
• Able to manage multiple priorities and perform effectively in a fast-paced environment.
• Bachelor's degree in Logistics, Supply Chain Management, Business Administration, or a related field preferred.

Physical Requirements

• Prolonged periods sitting at a desk and working on a computer.
• Must be able to lift 15 pounds at times.

Work Authorization/Security Clearance Requirements

• Must be eligible to work in the United States.
• Must pass TSA eligibility screening.