Executive Head of Freight Forwarding & Operations

Private Advertiser; Port Klang; On-site; MYR 180,000 - 270,000; Full time

Job summary

Private Advertiser is seeking a Forwarding Manager in Port Klang to lead our Forwarding Department and drive excellence across import/export operations. The role oversees around 40 staff and a high-volume operation, including 3,000 shipments per month, with end-to-end freight forwarding and customs compliance as core responsibilities.

You will mentor a team, optimize processes, and collaborate with sales on service offerings and regulatory requirements.

Qualifications

• Bachelor's Degree or Diploma in Logistics/CILT Holder, Supply Chain Management, International Business or a related field.
• Minimum 8 years of experience in freight forwarding/logistics operations, including at least 3-5 years in a managerial or leadership role.
• Proven leadership and people management skills, with hands-on experience managing a forwarding business unit of at least 10 personnel; experience managing larger teams (20-30 staff) is an added advantage.
• Strong working knowledge of customs clearance procedures, HS Code classification/tariff identification, and Malaysian and international trade regulations.
• Well-versed in freight forwarding operational process flow, covering FCL, LCL, special equipment (Flat Rack, Open Top, Reefer) and breakbulk/project cargo handling.
• Demonstrated experience managing high-volume, multi-branch/division operations spanning both import, export and project shipments.
• Excellent stakeholder management skills, with the ability to liaise effectively with clients, port authorities, customs, hauliers, transporters and government agencies.
• Hands-on, data-driven approach to SOP development, process improvement and cost control.
• Passionate about developing talent and coaching teams, with a strong mindset for continual improvement.

Responsibilities

• Ensure the smooth, efficient and professional running of the Forwarding Department, overseeing a total staff force of around 40.
• Manage the department's high-volume operations of approximately 3,000 shipments per month.
• Provide proven, hands-on leadership in managing the Forwarding business unit of at least 10 direct reports, building a high-performing, engaged team.
• Apply strong, current knowledge of customs clearance procedures, HS Code classification and tariff identification to guide the team and resolve escalations.
• Ensure the team is well-versed in end-to-end freight forwarding operational process flows across FCL, LCL, special equipment, and breakbulk/project cargo shipments.
• Attend to customer enquiries and support the sales team on forwarding services, tariff/HS Code identification and other government regulations.
• Review and enhance operational processes by establishing or revising SOPs, and through data gathering and analysis, to achieve continual improvement in service delivery.
• Manage and control operational costs to meet the department's annual budget.
• Develop and train operations staff to continuously improve their skills and knowledge, and champion talent development and succession planning across the team.
• Maintain close rapport with clients, port authorities, customs, hauliers, transporters and other government agencies (OGA).
• Undertake any other duties as deemed necessary by management.

Skills

Leadership

People management

Customs knowledge

Data-driven

Cost control

Stakeholder management

Education

Bachelor's Degree or Diploma in Logistics/Supply Chain

CILT Holder

International Business

Job description

Private Advertiser is seeking a Forwarding Manager in Port Klang to lead our Forwarding Department and drive excellence across import/export operations. The role oversees around 40 staff and a high-volume operation, including 3,000 shipments per month, with end-to-end freight forwarding and customs compliance as core responsibilities.

You will mentor a team, optimize processes, and collaborate with sales on service offerings and regulatory requirements.