Ocean Freight Operations Assistant Manager

At Toll, we do more than just logistics—we move the businesses that move the world. Our 16,000 team members help solve any logistics, transport, or supply chain challenge, big or small. With over 130 years of experience, we support more than 20,000 customers worldwide across 500 sites in 27 markets and a forwarding network spanning 150 countries. We are proudly part of Japan Post.

About the role

This position leads and manages end-to-end ocean freight operations for import/export, including high-value or complex shipments. You will act as the primary point of escalation for operational issues, ensuring timely resolution and customer satisfaction while coordinating specialized transportation solutions.

Responsibilities

• Lead and manage end-to-end ocean freight operations for import/export, including booking, documentation, and dispatch for high-value or complex shipments.
• Act as the primary point of escalation for operational issues, ensuring timely resolution and customer satisfaction.
• Liaise with shipping lines, customs brokers, transport providers, flexitank suppliers, depots, warehouses, and other service providers to ensure efficient cargo movement and regulatory compliance across containerized freight and specialized transportation solutions.
• Review and approve critical documentation such as bills of lading, customs declarations, and regulatory paperwork.
• Monitor shipment milestones, proactively identify risks, and communicate delays or disruptions to customers and stakeholders with solutions.
• Coordinate and optimize end-to-end transportation solutions, including containerized freight, flexitank shipments, tank container movements, warehousing, transloading, and domestic transportation.
• Oversee job management including WIPS, accruals, cost control, and timely closures; ensure financial accuracy and compliance.
• Validate and approve customer invoices, reports, and creditor payments; identify opportunities for cost optimization and margin improvement.
• Maintain accurate shipment records and ensure timely updates in internal systems (e.g., CargoWise One).
• Ensure adherence to customs, quarantine, and maritime regulations; provide guidance on compliance matters.
• Build and maintain strong client relationships through proactive communication and service excellence.
• Contribute to process improvement initiatives, system enhancements, and operational best practices.
• Mentor and support junior coordinators, fostering a collaborative and high-performance team environment.
• Demonstrate commercial awareness by analyzing job profitability and supporting strategic decisions to enhance financial performance.
• Provide operational oversight and risk management for specialized transportation solutions, including flexitank and tank container shipments.

Requirements

• 5-7 years' experience in ocean freight operations, including import, export, and domestic transportation activities.
• Experience managing complex supply chain solutions, including containerized freight, transloading, warehousing, and specialized cargo movements.
• Experience managing flexitank shipments, tank containers, beverage logistics, wine logistics, or other specialized ocean freight solutions is strongly preferred.
• Strong understanding of ocean transportation, customs regulations, carrier requirements, documentation, and operational risk management.
• Familiarity with freight management systems and Microsoft Office.
• Strong organizational and communication skills.
• Ability to work in a fast-paced, deadline-driven environment.
• Detail-oriented with a focus on accuracy and compliance.
• Team player with a proactive and customer-focused approach.
• Willingness to learn and take on varied operational tasks.

Physical Demands

• Generally sedentary in nature; involves sitting most of the time but may involve walking or standing for brief periods.
• Must be able to travel.
• Ability to occasionally lift up to 10 lbs.
• Ability to talk and hear required.
• Ability to perform repetitive motions required.
• Ability to occasionally move inside the office.
• Must be able to remain in a stationary position for up to 8 hours per day.
• Ability to move or position self in order to reach, lift, climb, balance, stoop, and crouch.
• Ability to read PC screens; detect color coding, read fine print, and/or normal type size print.

Pay

In compliance with applicable state and local laws, the salary range for this position varies based on work location. Expected base pay range (NY, CA, IL): $70,000 - $100,000 annually, plus bonus. Actual compensation will be determined based on geographic location, experience, qualifications, internal equity, and other job-related factors.

Benefits

• Paid vacation, sick time, and floating holiday time.
• Health benefits.
• Life insurance & personal accident insurance.
• 401k with company match.