Freight Operations Manager (HOD)

ALLIANCE 21 PTE. LTD.; Singapore; On-site; SGD 90,000 - 130,000; Full time

Job summary

ALLIANCE 21 PTE. LTD. in Singapore is seeking an experienced Freight Operations Manager to lead the Freight Operations Department, including Air Freight, Sea Freight, Neutral Freight, and Project Cargo.

You will report to senior management as HOD, driving performance, growth, and operational excellence across global logistics. The role requires hands-on leadership, strong people management, and a deep understanding of end-to-end international operations.

Qualifications

• Bachelor's degree in Logistics, Supply Chain Management, or related discipline.
• 5+ years in freight forwarding, logistics, or international transportation operations.
• 3+ years in supervisory or management roles within freight forwarding.
• Experience across Air Freight, Sea Freight, Neutral Freight and Project Cargo.

Responsibilities

• Lead and manage the Freight Operations Department to meet KPIs and service levels.
• Oversee end-to-end air, sea, neutral, and project cargo shipments.
• Ensure regulatory compliance and accurate shipment documentation.
• Develop and implement processes to improve productivity, profitability, and customer satisfaction.
• Build relationships with customers, carriers, agents, and partners.

Skills

Strategic leadership

Team management

Operational excellence

Regulatory compliance

Customer relationship mgmt

Education

Bachelor's degree in Logistics or related field

Job description

About the Role

We are seeking a highly experienced, results-driven, and strategic Freight Operations Manager to lead and manage our Freight Operations Department. Reporting directly to senior management, the successful candidate will serve as the Head of Department (HOD) and be responsible for overseeing the overall performance, growth, and operational excellence of our Air Freight, Sea Freight, Neutral Freight, and Project Cargo operations. This leadership role requires a hands-on professional with extensive freight forwarding expertise, strong people management skills, and a thorough understanding of end-to-end international logistics operations. The ideal candidate will be responsible for leading a team of freight professionals, driving operational efficiency, maintaining service excellence, ensuring regulatory compliance, and building strong relationships with customers, carriers, agents, and key business partners. The Freight Operations Manager will play a critical role in supporting the company's growth strategy while ensuring the seamless movement of cargo across global supply chains.

Key Responsibilities

Leadership & Department Management

• Lead, mentor, and manage the Freight Operations Department, ensuring high levels of performance, accountability, and professional development.
• Develop and implement operational strategies to improve productivity, profitability, service quality, and customer satisfaction.
• Establish departmental goals, KPIs, and performance standards aligned with company objectives.
• Conduct regular team reviews, coaching, training, and succession planning initiatives.
• Drive a culture of operational excellence, teamwork, compliance, and continuous improvement.

Freight Operations Management

• Oversee end-to-end operations for Air Freight, Sea Freight, Neutral Freight and Project Cargo shipments.
• Ensure smooth and timely execution of import, export, transshipment, and project logistics movements.
• Manage shipment planning, freight bookings, cargo routing, and operational workflows.
• Supervise and provide guidance on complex shipment requirements and operational challenges.
• Ensure accurate preparation, verification, and processing of freight documentation, including Bills of Lading, Air Waybills, permits, customs declarations, commercial invoices, and related shipping documentation.
• Monitor shipment progress and proactively address operational disruptions, delays, and service issues.
• Ensure compliance with international trade regulations, customs requirements, industry standards, and company policies.
• Oversee vendor, carrier, warehouse, transport, customs brokerage, and agent relationships to ensure service reliability and cost efficiency.
• Manage project cargo operations, including oversized, time-critical, and specialized shipments.

Customer & Stakeholder Management

• Build and maintain strong relationships with key customers, overseas agents, shipping lines, airlines, transport providers, and industry partners.
• Act as the escalation point for major operational issues, customer complaints, and service recovery situations.
• Ensure the delivery of exceptional customer service and operational support throughout the shipment lifecycle.
• Collaborate with sales and business development teams to support customer acquisition, retention, and business growth.
• Participate in customer meetings, business reviews, and operational planning discussions when required.

Operational Excellence & Compliance

• Monitor departmental performance metrics and implement corrective actions where necessary.
• Identify process improvement opportunities to enhance operational efficiency and service delivery.
• Ensure compliance with customs regulations, trade compliance requirements, security protocols, and company SOPs.
• Conduct risk assessments and implement controls to minimize operational and financial exposure.
• Ensure accurate record keeping and maintenance of operational documentation and reports.

Requirements

Education

• Bachelor's Degree in Logistics, Supply Chain Management, Business Administration, International Trade, or a related discipline.

Experience

• Minimum 5 years of relevant experience in freight forwarding, logistics, supply chain, or international transportation operations.
• Minimum 3 years in a supervisory, team lead, or management capacity within the freight forwarding industry.
• Extensive hands-on experience managing Air Freight, Sea Freight, Neutral Freight, Cross-Trade, and Project Cargo operations.
• Strong understanding of import/export regulations, customs procedures, international trade documentation, and freight compliance requirements.