Team Leader - Ocean Freight

DHL Global Forwarding; Pasay; On-site; PHP 900,000 - 1,200,000; Full time

Job summary

DHL Global Forwarding Philippines is seeking a Team Leader for Ocean Freight (OFR) to supervise OFR operations, drive workflow improvements, and foster strong stakeholder relations. Strong analytical, leadership, and customer‑oriented skills are essential to lead a high‑performing team in a dynamic logistics environment.

The role emphasizes mentoring, issue resolution through RCA/CAPA, and ongoing service enhancements while ensuring compliance with OFR procedures and KPI targets within the

Qualifications

• Graduation in any discipline.
• Preferably holds management qualifications.
• 5 to 7 years in logistics/forwarding with 1–2 years in leading a team.
• Certifications related to logistics and management preferred.

Responsibilities

• Direct and oversee the Ocean Freight team to ensure smooth processes.
• Provide coaching and mentoring to team members.
• Resolve escalated issues via RCA and CAPA.
• Assess and implement enhancements to ocean freight services.
• Generate KPI reports for partners and stakeholders.
• Identify inefficiencies and drive process improvements with automation.
• Foster positive relationships with Business Partners.
• Ensure adherence to standard OFR procedures and report metrics.
• Distribute tasks equitably and uphold quality service.
• Collaborate with HR to support employee engagement and training.
• Conduct hands-on training and address training needs.
• Use KPIs for performance reviews and set IKOs/KPIs.

Skills

Logistics knowledge

Analytical skills

Systems proficiency

Customer focus

Planning & organizing

Decision making

Influencing

Communication

Excellence mindset

Education

Graduation in any discipline

Management qualifications

Tools

ERP systems

Data analysis tools

Job description

The Team Leader for Ocean Freight (OFR) is responsible for supervising and improving OFR operations, ensuring seamless transitions in workflow, and cultivating robust stakeholder relationships. This role mandates a profound comprehension of ocean freight logistics, encompassing regulatory adherence, customs practices, and financial considerations pertinent to maritime transportation. Analytical proficiency, outstanding problem‑solving abilities, and a focus on customer satisfaction are imperative. Effective leadership, the skill to influence others positively, and an unwavering commitment to operational excellence are indispensable competencies for success in this position.

Key Responsibilities

• Direct and oversee the Ocean Freight team to ensure the smooth execution of Ocean freight processes and systems.
• Provide personalized coaching and mentorship to team members, fostering their growth and optimizing their performance.
• Manage and resolve escalated issues through comprehensive root cause analysis (RCA) and the implementation of corrective and preventive actions (CAPA).
• Recommend and implement enhancements to services by assessing the effectiveness of existing ocean freight solutions. Foster a collaborative culture within the Global Service Center (GSC) and across Business Partner (BP) teams.
• Generate and distribute key performance indicator (KPI) reports to Business Partners, facilitating transparent and constructive communication.
• Proactively identify inefficiencies and areas for process improvement, initiating appropriate enhancements. Drive team efficiency by deploying automation solutions and leveraging technological advancements.
• Cultivate positive and productive relationships with Business Partners, ensuring mutually beneficial outcomes.
• Oversee adherence to standardized ocean freight procedures and contribute to establishing process‑centric organizational frameworks. Monitor and report on operational metrics aligned with established IKOs/KPIs.
• Ensure equitable distribution of tasks within the team, prioritizing operational excellence and quality service delivery. Uphold First Choice standards and actively participate in initiatives focused on quality and process optimization.
• Collaborate with Centre HR to engage in and support employee engagement initiatives. Supervise process execution and deliver comprehensive process reports.
• Conduct hands‑on training sessions and address specific training needs of team members.
• Utilize agreed‑upon KPIs to evaluate team performance, conducting regular one‑on‑one review meetings.
• Collaborate with team members to establish IKOs/KPIs, monitor individual accomplishments, and conduct thorough performance assessments.

Required Skills/Abilities

• Strong knowledge of the forwarding and logistics industry, including back‑office operations. Excellent analytical and problem‑solving skills.
• Proficiency in computer systems and software relevant to the role.
• Customer‑oriented mindset with the ability to understand and meet business partners' needs. Exceptional planning and organizing capabilities to set and achieve goals effectively.
• Sound decision‑making skills, even in uncertain situations, with a focus on risk management. Proven ability to develop and lead high‑performing teams, fostering a spirit of cooperation.
• Influencing skills to persuade others and gain support for ideas and approaches.
• Effective communication skills, both verbally and in writing, adapting to various contexts.
• Strong commitment to excellence, challenging oneself and others to achieve outstanding results.

Required Qualifications

• Graduation in any discipline.
• Preferably holds management qualifications.
• Significant work experience in the logistics or forwarding industry, with a track record of success in relevant roles. Overall work exp of 5 to 7 years with 1- 2 years exp in leading a team is preferred.
• Educational and professional certifications related to logistics and management would be preferred.