Ocean Export Trade Manager

JAS•Atlanta, GA

1d•Onsite

About The Position

JAS is an international, non-asset-based supply chain services and solutions company. Our services include air and ocean freight forwarding, contract logistics, customs brokerage, distribution, inbound logistics, truckload brokerage and other supply chain management services, including consulting, the coordination of purchase orders and customized management services. The Ocean Trade Manager is responsible for strategically developing and managing carrier relations for ocean services in conjunction with global, USA, and local guidelines and needs. This role supports growth by strengthening carrier partnerships, optimizing procurement outcomes, improving trade competitiveness, and delivering strategic pricing and market guidance to internal stakeholders across commercial, operations, customer service, and branch teams. This position plays a vital role in ocean procurement, trade development, contract and rate management, market intelligence, and branch support, with a strong focus on driving profitable growth, service reliability, and alignment across the JAS network.

Requirements

High School Diploma or GED required
Ten plus (10+) years of experience in the freight forwarding or shipping industry required within ocean operations and/or procurement experience
Strong working knowledge of ocean freight products, services, and trade‑lane dynamics
Strong proficiency in ocean pricing, carrier procurement, and rate negotiation
Proficient knowledge of Microsoft Office (Outlook, Word, Excel, PowerPoint)
Excellent organizational skills with strong attention to detail
Ability to multitask effectively and meet deadlines in a fast‑paced environment
Self‑motivated with the ability to work both independently and as part of a team
Excellent written and verbal communication skills
Highly energetic, assertive self‑starter with a positive, confident personality and strong interpersonal skills

Nice To Haves

BA or BS Degree preferred
Additional languages are a plus

Responsibilities

Negotiate and manage the US Export trade, providing market information and rate negotiations, as well as coaching sales and operations regarding the ocean product’s particularity in each trade
Lead rate negotiations and commercial discussions with carriers to secure competitive pricing, service commitments, and favorable contract terms
Support branch offices, commercial teams, customer service teams, and key stakeholders with trade specific strategy, market guidance, and pricing solutions.
Driving procurement strategy for U.S. Ocean business, including contract opportunities, carrier selection, trade priorities, and capacity planning.
Manage and support customer tenders, RFQs, and strategic bids by coordinating carrier pricing, analyzing market conditions, and aligning responses with business objectives.
Analyze, performance, procurement results, and trade KPIs to identify opportunities for improvement, cost control, and stronger carrier alignment.
Support budgeting and forecasting processes by contributing relevant market data, procurement insights, and trade lane trends.
Manage contract implementation, rate filings, and procurement tools to provide accurate, timely access to market offerings and internal pricing resources.
Continuously review and improve procurement workflows, communication methods, and trade support processes as business needs evolve.
Work closely with other JAS offices globally to align trade strategy, support network opportunities, and to strengthen end-to-end solutions.
Manage special projects and ensure continuous guidance to commercial channels and customer service teams as well as Global Account Manager (GAM).
Ensure compliance with all applicable regulatory (FMC), contractual, and JAS internal policy requirements related to ocean freight procurement and trade.
Participate in carrier meetings, quarterly business reviews, and strategic discussions representing JAS Ocean Services and its trade objectives.
Function as Corporate Sponsor for Key Client Relationships, where requested.
Work closely with the World Ocean Team (WOT) on all aspects of our global business needs.
Perform other position related duties as specified by management.