OCEAN FREIGHT MANAGER

SGL is seeking an experienced and results-driven Ocean Freight Manager to oversee all aspects of our Aid, Relief & Government (ARG) international ocean import and export operations. This role is responsible for managing daily ocean freight activities, leading operational teams, ensuring regulatory compliance, maintaining strong customer and carrier relationships, and driving operational efficiency. The ideal candidate will possess extensive freight forwarding experience, strong leadership skills, and the ability to manage complex logistics operations in a fast-paced environment.

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.
Manage and supervise shipment visibility through Transportation Management Systems (TMS), ERP systems, and freight tracking platforms.
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.
Coordinate 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.
Support customer retention efforts by providing exceptional service and proactive communication.
Promote a culture of compliance, accountability, safety, and continuous improvement throughout the department.
Ensure compliance with applicable International Traffic in Arms Regulations (ITAR), export control requirements, and company policies when handling controlled shipments, as applicable to the role.
Oversee the coordination and execution of complex project cargo shipments, including specialized transportation planning, carrier coordination, shipment documentation, and delivery requirements.

Qualifications:

Minimum 5 years of experience in ocean freight forwarding preferably within Aid, Relief, Government (ARG), NGO, or humanitarian logistics environments, including both import and export operations.
Minimum 2 years of supervisory or management experience within freight forwarding, logistics, or supply chain operations.
Working knowledge of ITAR compliance and U.S. export control requirements relevant to international freight forwarding operations.
Experience managing project cargo shipments, including complex, oversized, heavy-lift, or specialized cargo movements, is preferred.
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.
Ability 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.

Technical Proficiency

Experience using Transportation Management Systems (TMS), freight forwarding platforms, and Microsoft Office applications, particularly Excel.

Physical Requirement:

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