Are you an experienced ocean freight professional with a passion for logistics, operational excellence, and customer service? Do you thrive in a fast-paced environment where every shipment matters and timing is critical?
We are partnered with a world class 3PL seeking an Ocean Freight Manager to lead their team!
This is an exciting opportunity to join a growing organization that values innovation, teamwork, and exceptional service while supporting some of the world's best international clients.
If you're a hands-on leader who enjoys solving complex logistics challenges and building strong industry relationships, we'd love to hear from you!
What You'll Do-
As the Ocean Freight Manager, you will oversee the planning, execution, and continuous improvement of all ocean freight operations, ensuring cargo moves safely, efficiently, and on schedule.
Key Responsibilities-
- Lead and manage all ocean freight operations, ensuring shipments are executed accurately, efficiently, and in alignment with critical cruise vessel schedules.
- Supervise, coach, and develop a high-performing team of operations coordinators, documentation specialists, and account managers.
- Oversee the planning and coordination of reefer containers, temperature-controlled shipments, and vessel provisioning logistics.
- Maintain strict cold chain integrity throughout the entire supply chain, from booking through final delivery at the port of call.
- Coordinate daily with ocean carriers, port terminals, customs brokers, maritime agents, and trucking partners to ensure seamless cargo movement.
- Monitor vessel schedules, shipment milestones, and transit performance to proactively prevent delays, missed sailings, and temperature deviations.
- Ensure compliance with international shipping regulations, customs requirements, and industry standards governing ocean freight and refrigerated cargo.
- Develop and implement standard operating procedures (SOPs) that improve operational efficiency, reduce risk, and support just-in-time (JIT) delivery requirements.
- Build and strengthen strategic relationships with shipping lines, port authorities, logistics partners, and key clients throughout the cruise and maritime industries.
- Partner with the commercial team to develop competitive pricing strategies, negotiate carrier agreements, and design customized logistics solutions.
- Identify and develop new business opportunities within industries including seafood, fresh produce, frozen foods, pharmaceuticals, and commercial cruise provisioning.
- Monitor key performance indicators (KPIs), including transit performance, service levels, claims, cargo integrity, and customer satisfaction.
- Prepare and present operational reports, performance metrics, cargo volume analysis, and departmental results to senior leadership.
What We're Looking For-
- Proven leadership experience in ocean freight forwarding, maritime logistics, or international supply chain management.
- Strong knowledge of ocean freight operations, as well as refrigerated (reefer) cargo
- Working knowledge of customs regulations, international trade compliance, and ocean carrier operations.
- Excellent leadership, communication, and relationship-building skills.
- Strong organizational abilities with exceptional attention to detail and the ability to manage multiple priorities.
- Commercial mindset with experience supporting business development, carrier negotiations, and customer growth.
- Results-driven with a passion for delivering exceptional customer service.
I look forward to hearing from you today!
Contact Senior Recruiting Director Sarah Hagenlock at: sarah.hagenlock@gogpac.com or 605-809-8548 for a confidential conversation.
All qualified applicants will receive consideration without regard to race, age, color, sex (including pregnancy), religion, national origin, disability, sexual orientation, gender identity, marital status, military status, genetic information, or any other status protected by applicable laws or regulations.
GPAC (Growing People and Companies) is an award-winning search firm specializing in placing quality professionals within multiple industries across the United States since 1990. We are extremely competitive, client-focused and realize that our value is in our ability to deliver the right solutions at the right time.
