Head of Ocean Freight

NNR Global Logistics USA•Itasca, IL

About The Position

The Head of Ocean Freight implements and coordinates an effective ocean freight sales strategy for NNR USA offices to increase tonnage, revenue, and profitability for import and export business between NNR USA and the NNR Worldwide Organization of offices and partners. The role drives ocean operations optimization, improves service quality and operational efficiency across the USA network, and promotes global procurement initiatives through strategic carrier management, capacity planning, and supplier partnerships. Responsibilities are performed with a strong commitment to compliance, corporate governance, and NNR's business standards. The position develops and manages ocean freight products and services, including LCL, FCL, and consolidations; negotiates contract rates with key steamship lines; and supports accurate rate filing under FMC regulation and in the Cargosphere system. It also develops sales and operational capabilities across branches, supports global account development, and strengthens communication between NNR USA and the worldwide organization.

Requirements

Bachelor’s degree in Business, Logistics, Supply Chain, or a related field.
10 or more years of leadership experience in ocean freight forwarding, including NVOCC, carrier management, procurement, pricing, trade-lane and tender management, and substantial exposure to FCL and LCL pricing.
Proven success managing large, complex global accounts and driving revenue growth, product development, and operational improvements.
Senior management-level expertise in training, managing others, and developing teams.
Excellent communication, negotiation, project management, and interpersonal skills.
Advanced proficiency with Microsoft applications, CRM platforms, and data analytics tools.
Ability to develop pricing strategies, assess profitability, negotiate with drayage providers and overseas partners, and support large customer bids.
Valid driver’s license.

Responsibilities

Generate new sales and expand business with existing customers between NNR USA offices and the NNR Worldwide Organization of offices, partners, and agents.
Analyze potential NNR USA accounts and, in cooperation with the NNR/USA Global Accounts Development department, personally sell to targeted major and global accounts in the USA.
Work with NNR/USA Branch Managers and individual account executives and sales managers on in-person sales to train staff and obtain new business.
Mentor and coach account executives to improve productivity and understanding of the ocean freight sales process.
Work with Branch Managers to develop ocean operations staff and managers' skills and knowledge.
Develop, manage, and maintain an effective ocean strategy to sell LCL, FCL, consolidations, and other ocean freight products and services in the USA.
Develop and negotiate FCL and LCL contract rates with key steamship lines for NNR USA.
Ensure rate filing accuracy under FMC regulation and in the Cargosphere system to comply with NNR group ocean service.
Improve communication between the USA and the NNR Worldwide Organization, focusing on corporate-identified key lane segments including China, Germany, the UK, and Japan.
Drive corporate-level operational efficiency for NNR USA and improve ocean service levels.
Support branch-level recruitment, development, and retention of ocean freight personnel.
Perform other duties as assigned by management.