Operations Manager - International Air & Ocean

Operations Manager - International Air & Ocean
Location - Houston
Salary - $120k-$140k plus bonus
Excellent benefits
Minimum of 5 years of experience in international sea and air freight operations, with a significant focus on door-to-door services and a proven track record in handling OOG and heavy-lift cargo
Must have 3+ years of experience in a supervisory or team leadership role within the transportation industry.

Our client has a Global footprint within the Freight Forwarding Industry and is seeking to hire a Customs Brokerage Manager to join the growing organization.

The role and primary responsibilities:

End-to-End Freight Operations Management:

o Planning, coordinating, and executing international sea and air freight shipments, including door-to-door services, with a specialization in out-of-gauge (OOG) and heavy lift cargo.

o Managing the entire shipment lifecycle, from origin to final destination, ensuring seamless delivery of standard, OOG, and heavy lift cargo.

o Overseeing all aspects of the supply chain, including pre-carriage, main carriage, and on-carriage, with a focus on specialized handling requirements.

o Monitoring shipments, providing proactive updates to customers, and resolving any issues that arise, including those specific to OOG and heavy lift.

o Managing and processing all necessary shipping documentation (bills of lading, air waybills, customs documents, etc.), including documentation specific to OOG and heavy lift.

Customer and Supplier Relationship Management:

o Serving as the primary point of contact for customers, understanding their specific requirements, and providing tailored solutions, including specialized solutions for OOG and heavy lift.

o Building and maintaining strong relationships with customers, carriers, freight forwarders, customs brokers, specialized heavy lift and OOG carriers, and other service providers.

o Negotiating rates and service agreements with suppliers, including specialized equipment and services for OOG and heavy lift, to optimize costs and efficiency.

Customs and Regulatory Compliance:

o Ensuring full compliance with all relevant customs regulations, import/export laws, and international trade agreements, including regulations specific to OOG and heavy lift cargo.

o Managing customs clearance processes, including the preparation and submission of required documentation, including documentation specific to OOG and heavy lift.

o Staying up-to-date with changes in regulations and implementing necessary adjustments to procedures, including those related to OOG and heavy lift.

o Expertise in Incoterms and their correct application in door-to-door shipments, including those involving OOG and heavy lift.

Operational and Administrative Tasks:

o Accurate and timely data entry and management within the company's Transportation Management System (TMS), including data specific to OOG and heavy lift shipments.

o Generating reports, analyzing data, and providing insights to improve operational efficiency, including the efficiency of OOG and heavy lift operations.

o Handling invoicing, billing, and other financial transactions related to shipments, including those involving OOG and heavy lift.

o Planning and coordinating specialized transport solutions for OOG and heavy lift cargo, including route surveys, permits, escorts, and specialized equipment.

Team Leadership and Management:

o Lead, supervise, mentor, and develop a team of dispatchers, logistics coordinators, or other logistics personnel.

o Set team goals and objectives, assign tasks, and monitor individual and team performance.

o Provide coaching, feedback, and performance evaluations to team members.

o Foster a positive, collaborative, and high-performing team environment.

Manage team schedules, ensure adequate staffing levels, and address any personnel issues.

Key Skills:

Comprehensive Freight Operations Expertise:

o Extensive knowledge of international sea and air freight operations, with a strong emphasis on door-to-door services and a specialization in out-of-gauge (OOG) and heavy lift cargo.

o Proven ability to manage complex, multi-modal shipments, including OOG and heavy lift, and coordinate various stakeholders.

o Deep understanding of the entire supply chain and the critical factors that impact door-to-door delivery, including the unique challenges of OOG and heavy lift.

o Strong problem-solving skills and the ability to handle unexpected challenges effectively, including those specific to OOG and heavy lift.

o Expertise in planning and executing OOG and heavy lift shipments, including knowledge of specialized equipment (e.g., flat racks, open tops, cranes, SPMTs), lashing and securing techniques, and route planning.

Communication and Interpersonal Skills:

o Excellent communication skills, both written and verbal, with the ability to interact professionally with customers, suppliers, and colleagues.

o Strong negotiation and relationship-building skills.

o Ability to communicate complex information clearly and concisely, especially regarding the technical aspects of OOG and heavy lift.

Technical and Systems Proficiency:

o Proficiency in Transportation Management Systems (TMS), with strong preference for experience with CargoWise.

o Proficiency in Microsoft Office Suite (Word, Excel, Outlook).

o Ability to quickly learn and adapt to new software and technologies.

Language Skills:

o Fluent English, both spoken and written, is essential for international communication.

o Additional language skills are highly desirable.

• Organizational and Analytical Skills:

o Exceptional organizational skills and attention to detail.

o Ability to prioritize tasks, manage time effectively, and meet deadlines.

o Strong analytical and problem-solving skills, including the ability to analyze technical drawings and specifications for OOG and heavy lift cargo.

Regulatory and Compliance Knowledge:

o Thorough understanding of international trade regulations, customs procedures, and Incoterms, including regulations specific to OOG and heavy lift.

o Knowledge of specific regulations related to different modes of transport (sea, air, road) and OOG/heavy lift (e.g., road transport permits, bridge weight restrictions).

o Commitment to ensuring compliance and minimizing risks.

Experience and Education:

• Bachelor's degree or equivalent in logistics, supply chain management, international business, or a related field.

Additional Information:

• This role requires a proactive and customer-centric approach, with a focus on delivering exceptional service, especially for complex OOG and heavy lift projects.

• The successful candidate will be able to work independently and as part of a team in a fast-paced environment, often under pressure to meet tight deadlines for OOG and heavy lift shipments.

• Opportunities for professional development and growth within the company, including specialized training in OOG and heavy lift operations.