OCEAN FREIGHT MANAGER

84540148-8cdf-452b-9449-7e59f2d98d47•Elizabeth, NJ

10h•Onsite

About The Position

Scan Global Logistics is hiring an experienced, results-driven Ocean Freight Manager to oversee Aid, Relief & Government (ARG) international ocean import and export operations. The role manages daily freight activities, leads the Ocean Freight team, ensures regulatory compliance, maintains customer and carrier relationships, and drives operational efficiency. The position is a direct-hire, full-time, on-site role based in Elizabeth, New Jersey, with 40 expected hours per week. The manager oversees shipments from origin through final delivery, serves as an escalation point, reviews shipping documentation, negotiates rates and vendor agreements, monitors operational performance and shipment visibility, and coordinates with internal departments and external logistics partners. The role also supports customer growth and retention, manages staffing and workload priorities, enforces SOPs and customer requirements, and leads process improvements. It includes oversight of complex project cargo, including specialized transportation planning, carrier coordination, documentation, and delivery requirements.

Requirements

At least 5 years of ocean freight forwarding experience, preferably in ARG, NGO, or humanitarian logistics, covering import and export operations.
At least 2 years of supervisory or management experience in freight forwarding, logistics, or supply chain operations.
Working knowledge of ITAR compliance and U.S. export control requirements relevant to international freight forwarding.
Strong knowledge of ocean freight operations, international shipping practices, customs regulations, and trade compliance requirements.
Experience working with ocean carriers, NVOCCs, customs brokers, trucking providers, and overseas agents.
Proven leadership, team development, and people management skills.
Excellent communication, customer service, negotiation, and relationship-building abilities.
Strong analytical, organizational, and problem-solving skills.
Proficiency in Microsoft Office Suite, particularly Excel, and freight forwarding or logistics management systems.
Ability to manage multiple priorities and perform effectively in a fast-paced environment.
Must be eligible to work in the United States.
Must pass TSA eligibility screening.
Must be able to sit for prolonged periods and work on a computer.
Must be able to lift 15 pounds at times.

Nice To Haves

Experience managing project cargo shipments, including complex, oversized, heavy-lift, or specialized cargo movements.
Bachelor’s degree in Logistics, Supply Chain Management, Business Administration, or a related field preferred.
Experience using Transportation Management Systems (TMS) and freight forwarding platforms.

Responsibilities

Manage and oversee ocean import and export operations, ensuring timely and accurate shipment execution from origin through final delivery.
Lead, mentor, and develop the Ocean Freight team through training, guidance, performance feedback, and ongoing support.
Serve as the primary escalation point for operational issues, customer concerns, and service challenges.
Ensure compliance with international trade regulations, U.S. Customs requirements, FMC regulations, export controls, ITAR requirements as applicable, and company policies.
Review and approve Bills of Lading, commercial invoices, certificates of origin, AES filings, and other import/export documents.
Build and maintain relationships with customers, ocean carriers, NVOCCs, customs brokers, trucking companies, warehouses, and overseas agents.
Negotiate carrier rates, service agreements, and vendor contracts to optimize service levels and profitability.
Monitor operational performance, shipment milestones, and KPIs.
Manage shipment visibility using TMS, ERP systems, and freight tracking platforms.
Collaborate with Sales and Business Development to support customer growth, prepare logistics solutions, and identify cross-selling opportunities.
Manage workload distribution, staffing requirements, and operational priorities to maximize productivity and efficiency.
Analyze operational data, identify trends, and implement process improvements to improve service quality and reduce costs.
Ensure accurate and timely updates in transportation management systems and internal operational platforms.
Coordinate with customs brokerage, warehousing, transportation, accounting, and other internal departments.
Maintain and enforce company SOPs and customer-specific requirements.
Support customer retention through exceptional service and proactive communication.
Promote compliance, accountability, safety, and continuous improvement throughout the department.
Oversee complex project cargo shipments, including specialized transportation planning, carrier coordination, shipment documentation, and delivery requirements.