Operations Manager

APOLLO FREIGHT INC • Los Angeles, CA

15d • $125,000 - $150,000 • Onsite

About The Position

HPL Apollo is seeking a driven, detail-oriented Operations Manager to lead day-to-day operations at our LAX branch. This is a high-impact, highly visible role within the organization — one that touches every aspect of our business, from freight forwarding coordination and carrier relationships to warehouse management and cold-chain compliance. You will be on the ground, solving problems in real time, leading a team across two distinct but interdependent functions: forwarding operations and warehouse/handling operations. If you thrive in fast-paced environments, have a strong logistics backbone, and are ready to grow with a company on a defined upward trajectory, this is the role for you.

Requirements

• 5+ years of experience in freight forwarding, logistics, or supply chain operations.
• Strong working knowledge of air freight operations (IATA regulations, AWB processing, airline relationships).
• Proven experience managing or overseeing warehouse operations, including cold-storage environments.
• Solid understanding of U.S. customs processes, import/export documentation, and regulatory compliance for perishable goods.
• Demonstrated leadership experience — you have managed teams and know how to get the best out of people in a high-pressure environment.
• Exceptional organizational skills with the ability to manage multiple shipments, priorities, and stakeholders simultaneously.
• Strong communication skills in English

Nice To Haves

• Spanish proficiency is a meaningful asset given our Latin American business.
• Prior experience at a freight forwarder specifically handling perishable commodities (produce, flowers, protein).
• Familiarity with LAX as operational hub and the carrier and regulatory landscape at the airport.
• Experience with CargoWise or similar freight management systems.
• IATA DG Awareness certification or equivalent perishables handling training (e.g., IATA Perishable Cargo Regulations).
• Bachelor's degree in Supply Chain, Logistics, Business, or a related field — though equivalent experience will always take precedence.

Responsibilities

• Drive operational efficiency through process improvements, system utilization (TMS/WMS), and team accountability.
• Oversee the full lifecycle of shipments — booking, documentation, customs coordination, carrier communication, and delivery.
• Monitor and resolve shipment exceptions, delays, and compliance issues in real time, prioritizing perishable cargo urgency at all times.
• Ensure accurate and timely preparation of all shipping documents, including AWBs, phytosanitary certificates, and customs entries.
• Coordinate closely with clients on shipment status, proactive communication, and issue resolution, maintaining HPL Apollo's high service standard.
• Oversee all warehouse activities at the LAX facility, including receiving, storage, overpacking, labeling, and outbound handling of perishable cargo.
• Ensure strict compliance with cold-chain protocols — temperature monitoring, segregation, and handling standards — across all product categories (produce, flowers, protein, dairy).
• Manage warehouse staffing, scheduling, and performance to meet the demands of a high-volume, time-sensitive operation.
• Maintain facility compliance with USDA, FDA, CBP, and IATA regulations applicable to perishable cargo handling.
• Coordinate closely with the forwarding team to align inbound and outbound cargo flows and minimize dwell time.
• Oversee equipment maintenance, inventory of packing supplies, and vendor relationships for warehouse needs.
• Lead, mentor, and develop a team of operations coordinators, warehouse supervisors, and handlers.
• Set clear performance expectations, conduct regular check-ins, and build a culture of accountability, urgency, and quality.
• Partner with HR on hiring, onboarding, and performance management as the team scales.
• Act as the operational escalation point for team members and clients alike during the business day.
• Own key operational KPIs: on-time performance, shipment accuracy, claims rate, warehouse throughput, and cost per unit.
• Provide regular reporting to branch leadership and flag operational risks proactively.
• Identify and implement process improvements that increase efficiency, reduce errors, and support the company's growth goals through 2030.

Benefits

• Competitive base salary commensurate with experience, plus performance-based bonus.
• Comprehensive health, dental, and vision benefits.
• A genuine growth path.
• The opportunity to be a key leader in one of the most specialized and dynamic niches in global logistics.
• A collaborative, high-performance culture where your work directly shapes the company's success.

What This Job Offers

• Job Type: Full-time
• Career Level: Manager
• Education Level: Associate degree