Director of Exports

We are partnering with an established and growing organization in the agricultural industry seeking an experienced International Logistics & Operations Manager to lead international export operations and support continued business growth.

This is a senior-level leadership opportunity for an individual with extensive experience in international logistics, global distribution, and export operations. The ideal candidate will bring a strong understanding of ocean freight, international shipping regulations, carrier relationships, and supply chain management, along with demonstrated success leading teams and improving operational efficiencies.

This individual will play a critical role in overseeing international shipments, optimizing logistics processes, managing key relationships, and ensuring efficient product movement across global markets.

Key Responsibilities

• Oversee international logistics and export operations, ensuring efficient and timely movement of products to global markets.
• Lead, mentor, and develop the logistics and export operations team, establishing clear performance expectations and accountability.
• Manage relationships with ocean carriers, freight forwarders, customs brokers, transportation providers, and other logistics partners.
• Oversee ocean freight bookings, container availability, shipping schedules, port operations, and international transportation coordination.
• Develop and implement strategies to improve shipping efficiencies, reduce transportation costs, and strengthen overall operational performance.
• Ensure compliance with international trade regulations, export documentation requirements, and customs procedures.
• Collaborate with internal departments, including sales, operations, production, and customer service, to align logistics activities with business objectives.
• Negotiate freight rates, service agreements, and transportation contracts with logistics providers.
• Monitor key performance indicators related to freight costs, on-time shipments, operational efficiency, and customer service.
• Identify opportunities for process improvement, cost savings, and operational scalability.
• Proactively address shipment delays, port congestion, carrier issues, and other international logistics challenges.
• Provide leadership with operational updates, performance reporting, and recommendations to support strategic decision-making.

Required Qualifications

• 7+ years of progressive experience in international logistics, export operations, supply chain management, or a related field.
• Demonstrated experience managing international exports and ocean freight operations.
• Proven leadership experience managing and developing teams.
• Strong knowledge of international shipping processes, freight forwarding, customs requirements, and export documentation.
• Experience negotiating with ocean carriers, freight forwarders, and transportation providers.
• Ability to manage complex logistics operations while maintaining service levels and controlling costs.
• Strong analytical, organizational, communication, and problem-solving skills.
• Experience implementing process improvements and developing operational procedures.
• Proficiency with logistics management systems, ERP platforms, and Microsoft Office.

Preferred Qualifications

• Experience within agriculture, fresh produce, food distribution, or other perishable commodity industries.
• Familiarity with refrigerated containers, cold-chain logistics, and temperature-sensitive shipments.
• Experience coordinating shipments through major West Coast ports, including Los Angeles, Long Beach, Oakland, and Tacoma.
• Knowledge of international export markets, including Asia, Latin America, and other global destinations.
• Experience supporting organizational growth, operational expansion, or process transformation.
• Bachelor's degree in Supply Chain Management, Logistics, Business Administration, International Business, or a related discipline.

What We're Looking For

We are seeking a strategic, results-driven leader who combines extensive international logistics expertise with a hands-on approach to operations. The successful candidate will be comfortable managing a team, navigating complex international shipping challenges, and identifying opportunities to strengthen processes and support continued growth.

This opportunity is ideal for an experienced international logistics professional seeking a long-term leadership role with the ability to make a meaningful impact on a growing organization.