Ocean Export Manager

Scan Global Logistics•Franklin Park, IL

2d•$90,000 - $120,000•Onsite

About The Position

Scan Global Logistics is seeking an experienced, results-driven Ocean Export Manager to oversee international ocean export operations. The manager leads the Ocean Export team, ensures efficient and compliant shipment execution, maintains customer and carrier relationships, and drives operational performance and profitability. The role provides strategic and operational direction, oversees daily departmental activities, resolves escalated issues, and implements process improvements to support high-quality service delivery. The position is a direct-hire, full-time, on-site role based in Franklin Park, Illinois.

Requirements

At least 5 years of experience in ocean export freight forwarding operations.
At least 2–3 years of supervisory or management experience in freight forwarding, logistics, or supply chain operations.
Strong knowledge of end-to-end ocean export processes, international shipping practices, carrier booking procedures, documentation, and export compliance requirements.
Comprehensive understanding of U.S. export regulations, including AES/EEI filing requirements, FMC regulations, U.S. Customs requirements, and other applicable government agency regulations.
Experience working with ocean carriers, NVOCCs, overseas agents, customs brokers, trucking providers, and other logistics service providers.
Knowledge of bonded freight, cargo handling, and regulatory requirements for specialized shipments.
Proven leadership, team management, and employee development capabilities.
Strong customer service, communication, negotiation, and relationship management skills.
Excellent organizational, analytical, and problem-solving abilities, with strong attention to detail.
Ability to manage competing priorities, resolve escalated issues, and make effective operational decisions in a fast-paced environment.
Proficiency in Microsoft Office Suite, particularly Excel, and freight forwarding or logistics management systems.
Must be eligible to work in the United States.
Must pass TSA eligibility screening.
Able to sit for prolonged periods and work at a computer; must be able to lift 15 pounds at times.

Nice To Haves

Bachelor's degree in Logistics, Supply Chain Management, Business Administration, or a related field preferred.

Responsibilities

Manage ocean export operations and ensure timely, accurate, and cost-effective movement of shipments from origin through final destination.
Lead, mentor, train, and develop the Ocean Export team, providing guidance, performance feedback, and ongoing support.
Oversee daily operations, workload distribution, staffing needs, and departmental priorities.
Act as the primary escalation point for operational challenges, shipment delays, documentation discrepancies, and customer service concerns.
Ensure compliance with U.S. Customs requirements, FMC regulations, export controls, EAR, and other applicable international trade requirements.
Oversee preparation, review, and timely submission of export documentation, including Bills of Lading, shipping instructions, commercial invoices, certificates of origin, EEI, and AES filings as applicable.
Coordinate the ocean export process, including bookings, cargo pickup, inland transportation, container management, vessel departures, pre-alerts, and shipment tracking.
Maintain relationships with ocean carriers, NVOCCs, overseas agents, customs brokers, trucking companies, warehouses, customers, and other service providers.
Negotiate and evaluate ocean freight rates, carrier agreements, and vendor services to secure competitive pricing, improve service levels, and maximize profitability.
Monitor shipment performance, workflows, and KPIs to identify service gaps and ensure compliance with customer requirements and service standards.
Collaborate with Sales and Business Development on new business opportunities, competitive solutions, pricing support, and customer relationships.
Oversee customer-specific requirements, service agreements, and SOPs to ensure consistent and accurate shipment execution.
Analyze departmental performance, identify inefficiencies, and implement improvements to reduce costs, increase productivity, and enhance service quality.
Ensure accurate, timely shipment updates, documentation, and operational records in transportation management systems and other internal platforms.
Coordinate with customs brokerage, transportation, warehousing, accounting, and other internal departments to facilitate shipment execution and resolve operational matters.
Oversee handling of specialized cargo, including bonded freight and hazardous materials, and ensure applicable documentation and handling requirements are met.
Ensure timely, accurate invoicing; review operational costs; and identify opportunities to improve revenue, control expenses, and minimize financial discrepancies.
Promote accountability, compliance, customer satisfaction, teamwork, and continuous improvement across the department.
Perform other duties and responsibilities as assigned by management.