Freight Forwarding Manager

Peergrowth Consultancy Co.; Dubai; On-site; AED 120,000 - 200,000; Full time

Job summary

An established industry player is seeking a Freight Forwarding Manager to lead their logistics operations in the GCC region. This pivotal role involves overseeing the end-to-end freight forwarding process, coordinating shipments, and ensuring compliance with local customs regulations. The ideal candidate will bring over 5 years of experience in logistics, a deep understanding of customs laws, and exceptional leadership skills. Join a dynamic team dedicated to optimizing transportation routes and enhancing service efficiency while building strong relationships with clients and vendors. This is an exciting opportunity to make a significant impact in a fast-paced environment.

Qualifications

• 5+ years of experience in freight forwarding and logistics operations in the GCC region.
• Deep knowledge of customs regulations, shipping documentation, and freight management.

Responsibilities

• Oversee daily operations of the freight forwarding team, ensuring smooth shipment handling.
• Coordinate air, sea, and land freight, optimizing routes and ensuring timely delivery.

Skills

Freight Forwarding

Logistics Operations

Customs Regulations

Team Leadership

Negotiation Skills

Problem Solving

Communication Skills

Education

Bachelor's degree in Logistics

Bachelor's degree in Supply Chain Management

Bachelor's degree in Business Administration

Tools

Logistics Software

MS Office

ERP Systems

Job description

The Freight Forwarding Manager will be responsible for managing the end-to-end freight forwarding operations, including coordinating shipments, optimizing routes, managing customs processes, and ensuring compliance with regulations. The ideal candidate will have at least 5 years of experience in freight forwarding and logistics operations in the GCC region, with a deep understanding of local customs regulations, transportation, and supply chain management.

Key Responsibilities:

• Oversee the daily operations of the freight forwarding team, ensuring smooth handling of shipments from origin to destination.
• Coordinate the movement of air, sea, and land freight, ensuring timely delivery and adherence to customer expectations.
• Optimize transportation routes, freight consolidation, and scheduling to reduce costs and improve service efficiency.
• Ensure proper documentation for each shipment, including customs paperwork, bills of lading, and import/export licenses.
• Act as the primary contact for clients and vendors regarding shipment inquiries, delivery schedules, and operational issues.
• Ensure full compliance with GCC import/export regulations and customs laws for all shipments.
• Coordinate with customs authorities to ensure the timely clearance of goods, minimizing delays.
• Stay updated on customs regulations, tariffs, and trade laws specific to the GCC region to ensure smooth operations.
• Manage and supervise a team of freight forwarding staff, ensuring proper training and performance management.
• Work closely with other departments (sales, procurement, warehouse, and customer service) to ensure seamless coordination of freight activities.
• Set KPIs for the team and ensure performance targets are met.
• Foster a culture of teamwork, accountability, and continuous improvement within the freight forwarding department.
• Build and maintain strong relationships with clients, suppliers, and service providers.
• Provide high-level support to clients, addressing any operational issues, claims, or service concerns promptly.
• Monitor customer satisfaction and make recommendations for improvements in service delivery.
• Monitor and control the freight forwarding budget, ensuring cost-effectiveness while maintaining high service levels.
• Negotiate competitive rates with shipping lines, airlines, and transport companies to optimize operational costs.
• Review freight invoicing, payments, and cost management processes to ensure accuracy and profitability.
• Identify potential risks and disruptions in the supply chain and develop contingency plans.
• Resolve operational challenges such as delays, damages, and lost shipments, ensuring a minimal impact on customers.
• Ensure all safety and security standards are adhered to during the transportation of goods.

Qualifications & Skills:

• Bachelor's degree in Logistics, Supply Chain Management, Business Administration, or a related field.
• 5+ years of experience in freight forwarding and logistics operations within the GCC region.
• Deep knowledge of customs regulations, shipping documentation, and freight management within the GCC and internationally.
• Strong understanding of air, sea, and land freight forwarding processes and best practices.
• Proven experience in team leadership, client management, and budget control.
• Excellent negotiation, communication, and interpersonal skills.
• Strong problem-solving skills and the ability to think on your feet in a fast-paced environment.
• Proficiency in logistics software, MS Office, and ERP systems.