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 out-of-gauge 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:

• Planning, coordinating, and executing international sea and air freight shipments, including door-to-door services, with a specialization in out-of-gauge and heavy-lift cargo.
• Managing the entire shipment lifecycle, from origin to final destination, ensuring seamless delivery of standard, out-of-gauge, and heavy lift cargo.
• Overseeing all aspects of the supply chain, including pre-carriage, main carriage, and on-carriage, with a focus on specialized handling requirements.
• Monitoring shipments, providing proactive updates to customers, and resolving any issues that arise, including those specific to out-of-gauge and heavy lift.
• Managing and processing all necessary shipping documentation (bills of lading, air waybills, customs documents, etc.), including documentation specific to out-of-gauge and heavy lift.

Customer and Supplier Relationship Management:

• Serving as the primary point of contact for customers, understanding their specific requirements, and providing tailored solutions, including specialized solutions for out-of-gauge and heavy lift.
• Building and maintaining strong relationships with customers, carriers, freight forwarders, customs brokers, specialized heavy lift and out-of-gauge carriers, and other service providers.
• Negotiating rates and service agreements with suppliers, including specialized equipment and services for out-of-gauge and heavy lift, to optimize costs and efficiency.

Customs and Regulatory Compliance:

• Ensuring full compliance with all relevant customs regulations, import/export laws, and international trade agreements, including regulations specific to out-of-gauge and heavy lift cargo.
• Managing customs clearance processes, including the preparation and submission of required documentation, including documentation specific to out-of-gauge and heavy lift.
• Staying up-to-date with changes in regulations and implementing necessary adjustments to procedures, including those related to out-of-gauge and heavy lift.
• Expertise in Incoterms and their correct application in door-to-door shipments, including those involving out-of-gauge and heavy lift.

Operational and Administrative Tasks:

• Accurate and timely data entry and management within the company's Transportation Management System (TMS), including data specific to out-of-gauge and heavy lift shipments.
• Generating reports, analyzing data, and providing insights to improve operational efficiency, including the efficiency of out-of-gauge and heavy lift operations.
• Handling invoicing, billing, and other financial transactions related to shipments, including those involving out-of-gauge and heavy lift.
• Planning and coordinating specialized transport solutions for out-of-gauge and heavy lift cargo, including route surveys, permits, escorts, and specialized equipment.

Team Leadership and Management:

• Lead, supervise, mentor, and develop a team of dispatchers, logistics coordinators, or other logistics personnel.
• Set team goals and objectives, assign tasks, and monitor individual and team performance.
• Provide coaching, feedback, and performance evaluations to team members.
• 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:

• 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 and heavy lift cargo.
• Proven ability to manage complex, multi-modal shipments, including out-of-gauge and heavy lift, and coordinate various stakeholders.
• Deep understanding of the entire supply chain and the critical factors that impact door-to-door delivery, including the unique challenges of out-of-gauge and heavy lift.
• Strong problem-solving skills and the ability to handle unexpected challenges effectively, including those specific to out-of-gauge and heavy lift.
• Expertise in planning and executing out-of-gauge 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:

• Excellent communication skills, both written and verbal, with the ability to interact professionally with customers, suppliers, and colleagues.
• Strong negotiation and relationship-building skills.
• Ability to communicate complex information clearly and concisely, especially regarding the technical aspects of out-of-gauge and heavy lift.

Technical and Systems Proficiency:

• Proficiency in Transportation Management Systems (TMS), with strong preference for experience with CargoWise.
• Proficiency in Microsoft Office Suite (Word, Excel, Outlook).
• Ability to quickly learn and adapt to new software and technologies.

Language Skills:

• Fluent English, both spoken and written, is essential for international communication.
• Additional language skills are highly desirable.

Organizational and Analytical Skills:

• Exceptional organizational skills and attention to detail.
• Ability to prioritize tasks, manage time effectively, and meet deadlines.
• Strong analytical and problem-solving skills, including the ability to analyze technical drawings and specifications for out-of-gauge and heavy lift cargo.

Regulatory and Compliance Knowledge:

• Thorough understanding of international trade regulations, customs procedures, and Incoterms, including regulations specific to out-of-gauge and heavy lift.
• Knowledge of specific regulations related to different modes of transport (sea, air, road) and out-of-gauge/heavy lift (e.g., road transport permits, bridge weight restrictions).
• 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 out-of-gauge 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 out-of-gauge and heavy lift shipments.
• Opportunities for professional development and growth within the company, including specialized training in out-of-gauge and heavy lift operations.