Senior Ocean Freight Forwarding Manager

Overview

Salary Range: $105,628-$185,582

 

The Sr. Ocean Freight Forwarding Manager is a key leader within the Freight Forwarding branch, responsible for the strategic direction, operational execution, and regulatory compliance of all ocean freight services (FCL, LCL, import/export). This role oversees the full life cycle of ocean shipments and leads cross-functional teams to deliver efficient, cost-effective, and customer-focused logistics solutions. The position serves as the subject matter expert in ocean freight operations, with accountability for driving performance, improving processes, and maintaining strong carrier and customer relationships.

Responsibilities

• Provide strategic direction and oversight for all ocean freight operations, ensuring alignment with corporate goals, compliance regulations, and customer expectations.
• Design, implement, and continuously enhance operational process flows, SOPs, and KPIs across branches to drive efficiency, quality, and customer satisfaction.
• Partner with executive and sales leadership to develop and refine customer-specific ocean logistics solutions, especially during customer onboarding or major transitions.
• Lead the development of scalable consolidation strategies across branches to achieve operational efficiency and cost savings.
• Negotiate high-level carrier and agent agreements to maximize service levels and profitability; proactively analyze market trends and make data-driven decisions to optimize routing and vendor utilization.
• Partner with finance and branch leadership, review account-level profitability, recommending adjustments to improve margin and operational performance.
• Oversee shipment accounting functions, ensuring accurate revenue recognition, cost allocation, and timely financial reporting.
• Monitor industry trends, regulatory changes, and emerging risks to guide operational adjustments and ensure regulatory compliance across teams.
• Ensure compliance with international and domestic shipping regulations, including training and certifying team members on updates and best practices.
• Lead claim resolution processes, while maintaining positive customer relationships
• Lead and mentor a team of Ocean NVOCC Managers, Ocean Export Supervisors, and cross-functional staff.
• Ensure alignment of departmental goals with company strategy, promoting accountability, collaboration, and professional growth.
• Conduct talent assessments, and address performance issues in accordance with company policies.

Qualifications

• Bachelor’s degree in Supply Chain, International Business, Logistics, or related field
• Minimum 8–10 years of experience in ocean freight forwarding (import/export), including at least 5 years in a supervisory or management role
• Deep knowledge of U.S. and international import/export regulations, including FMC, AES, ISF, and customs compliance.
• Proven experience managing high-volume ocean operations with a focus on efficiency, profitability, and customer success.
• Strong leadership, communication, and decision-making skills with a track record of cross-functional collaboration and change management.
• Proficiency in TMS, ERP, and shipping software systems (e.g., CargoWise, SAP, Descartes) and data-driven decision-making tools.

 

Essential Job Functions

• Skilled in data management, KPI analysis, and reporting.
• Effective communication and presentation skills for engaging internal and external stakeholders.
• Experience with logistics systems and software
• Strong organizational, planning, and problem-solving abilities
• Ability to lift up to 50lbs
• Ability to travel overnight up to 10%
• Ability to travel to the office and meet in-office requirements
• Ability to identify operational risks and improvement opportunities.
• Capable of working in a high-pressure, dynamic logistics environment.
• Ability to work flexible hours to accommodate international time zones.
• Ability to work in an office environment majority of the time.
• Complete and assist with the completion of assigned tasks/projects in a timely manner.
• Comply with all Company policies and procedures

The above statements are intended to descrybe the general nature of work being performed. They are not to be construed as an exhaustive list of all responsibilities, duties and skills required.

 

Benefits

Yusen offers a generous Employee Benefits Package including:

• Medical, Dental, and Vision beginning the 1st of the month following start date
• 401k with a company match
• Flexible Spending Accounts, L