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We are seeking an experienced and hands-on Supervisor, Sea Freight Import to oversee the daily operations of the Sea Freight Import team. The successful candidate will be responsible for ensuring the smooth and timely execution of import shipments, maintaining service quality, resolving operational issues, and leading the team to achieve productivity and customer service targets.
This role requires strong knowledge of sea freight import operations, customs and shipping documentation, shipment coordination, stakeholder management, and team supervision.
Key Responsibilities
Sea Freight Import Operations
- Supervise and coordinate daily Sea Freight Import operations to ensure shipments are handled efficiently and within agreed timelines.
- Monitor the end-to-end import process, including shipment pre-alerts, arrival notifications, documentation, customs clearance, delivery coordination, and shipment closure.
- Ensure accurate and timely processing of Bills of Lading, Arrival Notices, Delivery Orders, invoices, and other shipping documentation.
- Monitor shipment status and proactively follow up on delays, discrepancies, documentation issues, and operational exceptions.
- Ensure compliance with customer requirements, shipping regulations, and internal operational procedures.
- Manage urgent and complex shipment cases and provide timely solutions to minimise service disruption.
- Lead, supervise, and support the Sea Freight Import Operations team in their daily activities.
- Monitor team workload and allocate tasks based on shipment volume, priority, and business requirements.
- Provide coaching, guidance, and on-the-job training to team members to improve operational knowledge and performance.
- Monitor individual and team productivity, accuracy, service levels, and KPI performance.
- Support employee development and foster a collaborative, accountable, and high-performing team culture.
- Act as the first point of escalation for operational and customer-related issues.
- Build and maintain effective working relationships with customers, overseas offices, shipping lines, agents, hauliers, customs authorities, and internal stakeholders.
- Respond to customer enquiries and operational escalations professionally and within agreed service levels.
- Coordinate with internal departments, including Sales, Customer Service, Customs Brokerage, Finance, and other operational teams.
- Provide regular updates to customers and stakeholders regarding shipment status, delays, and recovery plans.
4. Documentation, Compliance & Customs Coordination
- Ensure the accuracy and completeness of shipping and import documentation.
- Coordinate customs clearance requirements and work closely with relevant internal teams and external parties to resolve customs-related issues.
- Ensure compliance with applicable import regulations, customs procedures, company policies, and standard operating procedures.
- Monitor documentation discrepancies and implement corrective actions where necessary.
- Maintain accurate shipment records and ensure proper documentation filing and system updates.
5. Operational Performance & Continuous Improvement
- Monitor operational KPIs, including shipment turnaround time, productivity, service quality, customer complaints, and backlog management.
- Identify operational bottlenecks and implement improvements to enhance efficiency and service delivery.
- Review existing processes and recommend improvements, standardisation, or system enhancements.
- Support the development and implementation of Standard Operating Procedures (SOPs).
- Analyse recurring operational issues and implement sustainable solutions to prevent repetition.
- Prepare and review operational reports, productivity reports, shipment status reports, and KPI performance.
- Escalate critical operational risks, service failures, and customer issues to management when necessary.
- Monitor outstanding shipments and ensure appropriate follow-up and closure.
- Provide management with updates on team performance, operational challenges, and improvement initiatives.
Qualifications & Experience
- Bachelor's Degree or Diploma in Logistics, Supply Chain Management, International Business, Maritime Studies, or a related discipline.
- Minimum 5 years of experience in Sea Freight Import or Freight Forwarding operations.
- Minimum 1-2 years of supervisory, team leadership, or senior operational experience.
- Strong knowledge of end-to-end Sea Freight Import operations.
- Experience in handling shipping documentation, Bills of Lading, Arrival Notices, Delivery Orders, customs documentation, and shipment coordination.
- Experience working with shipping lines, overseas agents, customers, hauliers, and customs-related stakeholders.
- Experience in a multinational freight forwarding or logistics environment will be an advantage.
Technical Skills
- Strong knowledge of Sea Freight Import procedures and documentation.
- Knowledge of Incoterms and international shipping practices.
- Familiarity with customs clearance and import procedures.
- Experience using freight forwarding, logistics, or ERP systems.
- Proficient in Microsoft Excel, Outlook, Word, and operational reporting tools.
Experience:
- Sea Freight Import operations: 5 years (Preferred)
- senior operational experience.: 2 years (Preferred)