Ocean Export Manager

Crane Worldwide Logistics; Madrid; On-site; EUR 90,000 - 120,000; Full time

Job summary

Crane Worldwide Logistics in Madrid (Coslada) seeks an experienced Ocean Manager to lead day-to-day Import and Export ocean operations, drive performance, and align with regional strategies.

The role requires a Bachelor's in a related field, 8–10 years in international freight, and fluency in Spanish and English. You will manage a skilled team, negotiate with carriers, and ensure compliance with ISO/AEO standards.

Qualifications

• Bachelor's Degree in Supply Chain, Logistics, Business Administration, International Trade or related discipline preferred.
• Minimum 8–10 years' experience in international freight forwarding with significant Ocean Freight experience.
• Minimum 5 years' experience managing Ocean Freight operations.
• Fluent Spanish and English (written and spoken).
• Experience using CargoWise One or equivalent freight forwarding systems is preferred.

Responsibilities

• Lead and manage all Ocean Freight Import and Export operations across Spain, ensuring activities are safe, efficient and aligned with company standards.
• Develop, implement and maintain operational procedures and best practices to deliver a consistent, high-quality service.
• Monitor shipment execution and operational performance to consistently meet customer SLAs.
• Resolve operational issues and customer escalations promptly, working closely with internal teams, carriers and partners.
• Identify opportunities for automation and digital solutions.
• Support implementation of regional and global initiatives.
• Lead hands-on negotiations with ocean carriers to secure competitive rates and terms.
• Lead and further strengthen an experienced, highly skilled team, organising the department to make the most of its expertise.
• Introduce initiatives that empower and support the team; set clear expectations and KPIs and hold weekly team meetings.
• Ensure compliance with policies, customs, carrier and local regulations, ISO and AEO.

Skills

Operations leadership

Negotiation

Customer relationship

Analytical thinking

Financial acumen

Spanish & English

Education

Bachelor's Degree in Supply Chain

Tools

CargoWise One

Job description

Crane Worldwide Logistics is a leader in supply chain solutions with 150+ locations across 36 countries, providing services that address our clients' logistics challenges. As a full-service global freight forwarder and contract logistics provider, we help our clients manage the warehouse and transportation needs of their supply chain so they can focus on their business.

The Ocean Manager leads and develops the Ocean Freight business at Crane Madrid (MAD), driving operational excellence, customer satisfaction, commercial growth and financial performance.

The role manages day-to-day import and export ocean operations in line with company policies, customer requirements and local regulations, working closely with Sales, Finance, Customs, Air Freight and regional Ocean Product Management to grow profitability and the ocean product.

Occassional travel within Spain and internationally as required for training and customer visits.

This is an onsite role based in Coslada.

Essential Job Functions:

Operational Leadership

• Lead and manage all Ocean Freight Import and Export operations across Spain, ensuring activities are safe, efficient and aligned with company standards.
• Develop, implement and maintain operational procedures and best practices to deliver a consistent, high-quality service.
• Monitor shipment execution and operational performance to consistently meet customer SLAs.
• Resolve operational issues and customer escalations promptly, working closely with internal teams, carriers and partners.
• Identify opportunities for automation and digital solutions.
• Support implementation of regional and global initiatives.
• Share best practices across the EMEIA region.
• Champion Lean and continuous improvement methodologies.

Customer & Commercial Management

• Own customer management, business reviews, new business and implementations.
• Maintain strong relationships with shipping lines, co-loaders, vendors and strategic partners; request client and vendor codes in Vision.
• Manage departmental budgets and operating expenses alongside the Managing Director.
• Monitor gross profit, revenue and productivity, improving margins through procurement and operational efficiencies.
• Lead hands-on negotiations with ocean carriers to secure competitive rates and terms.
• Lead and further strengthen an experienced, highly skilled team, organising the department to make the most of its expertise.
• Introduce initiatives that empower and support the team; set clear expectations and KPIs and hold weekly team meetings.

Compliance & Other Duties

• Ensure compliance with policies, customs, carrier and local regulations, ISO and AEO.
• Undertake additional responsibilities as assigned by the Managing Director.

The physical demands described here are representative of those that must be met by an employee to successfully perform the essential functions of this role. Reasonable accommodation may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform these essential functions.

Physical Requirements:

• Talking, hearing and using hands to operate computer equipment
• Vision abilities required by this job include close vision and the ability to adjust focus

Other skills/abilities:

• Excellent communication and interpersonal skills.
• Customer-focused mindset.
• Strong analytical and problem-solving ability.
• Strong commercial and financial acumen

Education and Experience:

• Bachelor's Degree in Supply Chain, Logistics, Business Administration, International Trade or a related discipline preferred.
• Minimum 8–10 years' experience within international freight forwarding, with significant Ocean Freight experience.
• Minimum 5 years' experience managing Ocean Freight operations.
• Experience using CargoWise One or equivalent freight forwarding systems is preferred.
• Fluent Spanish and English (written and spoken).
• Proven experience leading operational teams.
• Experience managing customer relationships and key accounts.
• Strong leadership and people management skills

Certications and Licenses:

• Dangerous Goods awareness (preferred).
• Customs and international trade qualifications (desirable).
• Valid driving licence.

Disclaimer:

The above statements are intended to describe the general nature and level of work being performed by people assigned to this position. They are not to be construed as an exhaustive list of all responsibilities, duties, and skills required of personnel so classified. All personnel may be required to perform duties outside of their normal responsibilities from time to time, as needed.

Recruitment Agency Policy

At Crane Worldwide Logistics we manage all hiring directly and do not accept unsolicited CVs or candidate profiles from recruitment agencies or search firms. Agencies must not contact our employees or managers directly with candidate details.

Where recruitment support is required, we will engage trusted partners through a formal written agreement. We will not be liable for be liable for any associated placement fees for any CVs received without such an agreement.

We appreciate your cooperation in respecting this policy.