Manager - Ocean Freight

To lead and oversee company’s ocean freight operations, ensuring seamless, compliant, and cost-effective movement of sea freight shipments. This role is pivotal in defining and implementing operational strategies, optimizing workflows, and maintaining strong stakeholder relationships. The Ocean Freight Manager drives team performance, operational excellence, and aligns the function with company’s strategic goals to support overall business growth and customer satisfaction.

Key Responsibilities

1. Leadership and Team Management:

- Lead the ocean freight operations team, aligning performance with company's vision and goals.

- Coach, mentor, and develop team members to build a high-performing and motivated workforce.

- Conduct performance appraisals and establish clear, actionable objectives.

- Ensure appropriate staffing levels, employee engagement, and talent development.

- Communicate business updates, priorities, and targets regularly with the team.

2. Ocean Freight Operations:

- Manage end-to-end FCL, LCL, and special cargo operations, ensuring compliance with international and local regulations.

- Define and maintain Standard Operating Procedures (SOPs) to streamline processes and ensure service consistency.

- Supervise booking, documentation, customs clearance coordination, and shipment tracking.

- Monitor key operational KPIs such as transit times, container utilization, and cost per shipment.

- Implement process improvement initiatives to reduce delays, improve service quality, and control costs.

3. Customer Service and Relationship Management:

- Act as the escalation point for critical ocean freight customer issues.

- Build and maintain relationships with key clients and proactively address their logistics needs.

- Collaborate closely with Sales, Business Development, and Customer Service teams to ensure service delivery aligns with client expectations.

- Monitor customer satisfaction and take action to drive continuous improvement.

4. Strategic and Financial Management:

- Translate strategic business goals into actionable plans for the ocean freight team.

- Manage department budgets, ensuring optimal use of resources.

- Work with Finance on cost allocation, billing, credit control, and profitability tracking.

- Contribute to the annual operational plan and long-term development of ocean freight capabilities.

5. Procurement and Carrier Management:

- Ensure adherence to the global ocean freight strategy and carrier contracts.

- Establish and maintain relationships with shipping lines, NVOCCs, and consolidators.

- Negotiate and review carrier performance, service levels, and rate competitiveness.

- Support the Pricing Desk with market intelligence and procurement strategies.

6. Performance Management and Reporting:

- Define and monitor KPIs for the ocean freight team including cost control, transit times, and service levels.

- Provide regular performance reports and analysis to senior management.

- Track market trends and recommend changes to improve competitiveness and efficiency.

Key Performance Indicators (KPIs):

- Shipment Accuracy & Timeliness: On-time delivery and error‑free documentation.

- Customer Satisfaction: High service scores and repeat business.

- Operational Efficiency: Cost savings, optimized routing, and reduced transit delays.

- Compliance: Adherence to international maritime laws and company standards.

- Vendor Performance: Service quality and pricing from carriers and agents.

- Process Improvement: Documented improvements and SOP adherence.

Key Interactions

External:

Internal:

Sales, Pricing Desk, Finance, Customs Clearance, Country MD, Global Ocean Freight team.

Education Requirements

Bachelor’s Degree in Logistics, Supply Chain, or related discipline.

Professional certifications in ocean freight, logistics, or transport are a plus.

Language Requirements

Background and Experience

- Minimum 7 years of ocean freight operations experience, including 3+ years in a leadership role.

- Expertise in managing FCL, LCL, Breakbulk, and Special Equipment shipments.

Competencies and Skills

- Strong knowledge of shipping documentation, INCOTERMS, customs regulations, and port operations.

- Familiarity with global freight markets, carrier negotiations, and shipping line performance management.

Core Competencies

- Leadership: Ability to motivate, coach, and lead high‑performing teams.

- Customer Focus: Proactively manages expectations and enhances client relationships.

- Operational Excellence: Sharp focus on execution, quality, and process efficiency.

- Strategic Thinking: Converts business objectives into actionable operational plans.

- Problem Solving: Calm and analytical under pressure.

- Technical Skills: Proficient in CargoWise One, MS Office Suite, and digital freight platforms.

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