Operations Manager

About the role

deugro, founded in Frankfurt am Main, is the first company of the deugro group and focuses on global project freight forwarding. The company seeks an Operations Manager for its location in The Woodlands (Houston), USA, to lead daily operations, develop carrier relationships, and drive continuous improvement across general cargo freight and project logistics.

Location

The Woodlands (Houston), Texas, USA

Responsibilities

• Ensure compliance with all FMC, DOT, TSA, and Customs regulations (US and foreign).
• Develop and maintain ocean and air carrier relationships.
• Maximize profits through negotiation and operational excellence across various freight modes.
• Develop and maintain strong long‑term customer and vendor relationships.
• Serve as AES administrator.
• Manage and execute all daily operations of general cargo freight/projects.
• Manage, train, mentor, and motivate assigned team members (new and existing); identify and groom staff for succession planning and coordinate with HR and management.
• Oversee team member performance management, training and development, performance appraisal, and disciplinary actions up to termination as applicable.
• Lead, direct, and support daily operations while spearheading continuous‑improvement initiatives.
• Guide staff to deliver industry best practices.
• Facilitate operational support including import and export documentation, synchronization of origin/destination zone transport, customs formalities, and overall door‑to‑door trade scope.
• Ensure effective and timely delivery of customer commitments.
• Create a challenging, rewarding, and open work environment that encourages constructive communication and motivates performance.
• Monitor cost‑control efforts to achieve maximum profitability and timely invoicing.
• Provide drive and motivation to the department by leading from the front.
• Maintain timely, attentive, and appropriate communication with internal and external stakeholders and resolve service and operational issues.
• Handle monthly financial close of operational files, including cost and revenue accruals and month‑end close processes.
• Uphold consistent excellence in reliability, professionalism, and teamwork.
• Work constructively in a team‑oriented environment to meet customer and overseas office requirements.
• Ensure timely and accurate invoicing of operational files.
• Follow the code of conduct and ensure the ocean freight team does the same.
• Assist with business plans, budgeting, and company reporting as directed.
• Liaise with and advise management, branches, and overseas network regarding general cargo and project business.
• Implement and validate company KPIs, SOPs, and directives.

Qualifications

• Minimum 10–15 years of freight forwarding experience.
• Minimum 5–10 years of supervisory experience.
• Bachelor’s degree preferred or equivalent education.
• Excellent verbal and written communication skills.
• Proficiency with MS Windows 7 and MS Office.
• Positive attitude and strong interpersonal relationships.
• Detail‑oriented with a focus on exceeding customer needs.
• Strong problem‑solving ability.
• Ability to analyze and interpret data.
• Ability to learn, adjust, and work under pressure while resolving conflict.
• Ability to influence and build relationships at all organizational levels.
• Experience with budgeting and business planning.
• Knowledge of major freight forwarding disciplines (air, sea, surface transport, industrial projects).
• Understanding of company strategy, products, rules, and guidelines.
• Strong business administration competency.

Desired Attributes

• Analytical and conceptual thinker; self‑starter; team player.
• Professional image with polished presentation.
• Strong relationship‑building and negotiating skills.
• High energy and results‑oriented.
• Excellent commercial acumen.
• Driven and hungry to develop opportunities.
• Seen as an influencer; customer‑focused.
• Detail‑oriented with strong planning, organizational, project management, and analytical skills.
• Excellent client/management presentation skills.
• Ability to form, lead, and motivate a team.

What you can contribute

• Extensive freight forwarding expertise (10–15 years).
• Proven supervisory experience (5–10 years).
• Relevant academic background or equivalent experience.
• Strong verbal and written communication abilities.
• Proficiency with Microsoft Windows and Office suite.
• Positive attitude and strong interpersonal skills.
• Detail‑oriented focus on customer needs.
• Effective problem‑solving capabilities.
• Data analysis and interpretation skills.
• Adaptability and ability to work under pressure.
• Conflict resolution and influence across all levels.
• Budgeting and business planning competence.

Why deugro

A family‑owned company established in 1924, deugro has evolved into a leading global specialist in project freight forwarding. The firm handles diverse cargo types, including break‑bulk, out‑of‑gauge, dangerous goods, and oversized shipments, and works with affiliated entities that provide transport engineering solutions, global ocean transportation, and specialized transportation assets. deugro is committed to employee growth, offering long‑term career development and flexible scheduling options. The company values enthusiasm, passion, and innovative thinking, seeking candidates who can translate ideas into action through dedication.