Sea Freight Manager

APOLLO FREIGHT INC • Los Angeles, CA

34d • $90,000 - $100,000

About The Position

The Sea Freight Manager will oversee and manage all sea freight operations with a strong focus on perishable and temperature controlled cargo. This role is responsible for leading the ocean freight team, ensuring the efficient planning, booking, monitoring, and delivery of refrigerated and sensitive cargo shipments. The manager will ensure strict compliance with cold chain requirements, carrier regulations, and international logistics standards while maintaining high service levels for customers. The role also includes business development responsibilities, with an emphasis on expanding the company’s presence in the perishable logistics sector. The Sea Freight Manager will work closely with customers, shipping lines, port operators, and internal operations teams to guarantee proper cargo handling, temperature integrity, and on time performance.

Requirements

• Bachelor’s degree in Business, Logistics, Supply Chain Management, or a related field.
• 5-7 years of experience in freight forwarding or international logistics, preferably with strong exposure to ocean freight.
• Demonstrated experience managing perishable or temperature controlled cargo logistics.
• Experience working with reefer containers, cold chain management, and carrier coordination.
• Proven leadership experience managing logistics or operations teams.
• Strong understanding of international shipping procedures, documentation, and customs processes.
• Proficiency in English (written and spoken).
• Excellent organizational, problem solving, and decision-making skills.
• Strong communication and negotiation skills with both clients and carriers.
• Proficiency in logistics management systems and Microsoft Office applications.

Nice To Haves

• Spanish is considered a strong advantage.

Responsibilities

• Manage and oversee all sea freight operations, ensuring shipments are executed accurately, efficiently, and on schedule.
• Supervise, train, and support the ocean freight team including operations staff, documentation specialists, and account managers.
• Ensure proper planning and coordination of reefer containers and temperature controlled shipments.
• Maintain strict cold chain compliance throughout the entire logistics process, including booking, transit, and final delivery.
• Coordinate closely with carriers, terminals, and trucking providers to ensure correct handling of perishable cargo.
• Monitor vessel schedules, transit times, and shipment milestones to prevent delays and temperature deviations.
• Ensure compliance with international shipping regulations, customs requirements, and industry standards related to ocean freight and refrigerated cargo.
• Develop and implement operational procedures to improve efficiency, reduce errors, and protect cargo integrity.
• Build and maintain strong relationships with shipping lines, partners, and key clients.
• Identify and pursue new business opportunities in industries such as seafood, fresh produce, frozen foods, and pharmaceuticals.
• Support the commercial team with pricing strategies, carrier negotiations, and service solutions for temperature controlled cargo.
• Monitor key performance indicators including transit times, claims, service levels, and customer satisfaction.
• Prepare regular reports on operational performance, cargo volumes, and department results.

Benefits

• Competitive salary and benefits package.
• Opportunities for professional growth within a dynamic and expanding logistics company.
• Work with a specialized team focused on perishable and temperature controlled supply chains.

What This Job Offers

• Job Type: Full-time
• Career Level: Manager