Ocean Freight Operation Manager

DP World; Sarıyer; On-site; TRY 900,000 - 1,350,000; Full time

Job summary

DP World is seeking an Ocean Freight Operation Manager to oversee end-to-end ocean export operations and coordinate with customers, carriers, and internal teams. The role focuses on operational excellence, regulatory compliance, and delivering high-quality service.

Ideal candidates have strong leadership capabilities, extensive ocean freight experience, and a proven ability to optimize processes while managing costs and profitability.

Qualifications

• Bachelor's degree in logistics or related field.
• 7–10 years of ocean freight forwarding operations experience.
• 3+ years in leadership or people management.
• Strong knowledge of incoterms, shipping docs, and customs procedures.
• Experience with freight forwarding systems and ERPs.
• Advanced Excel skills and English proficiency.

Responsibilities

• Lead end-to-end ocean freight import/export operations (FCL/LCL/reefer).
• Ensure on-time shipments and meet KPIs and service levels.
• Monitor schedules, milestones, and performance; resolve issues.
• Ensure compliance with SOPs, regulations, and trade requirements.
• Coach and develop the Ocean Freight Operations team.
• Build relationships with customers, carriers, and stakeholders.
• Collaborate with Sales, Pricing, Procurement, and Finance to deliver logistics solutions.
• Control costs, support profitability, and ensure accurate invoicing.
• Drive continuous improvement, SOPs, and digital transformation.
• Prepare reports, analyze data, identify risks, implement corrective actions.

Skills

Ocean freight operations

Leadership

Stakeholder management

Excel proficiency

English proficiency

Problem solving

Education

Bachelor's degree in Logistics, Supply Chain Management, International Trade, Business Administration, or related field

Tools

Freight Forwarding systems

ERP platforms

Job description

Job Description

We are looking for a detail‑oriented Ocean Freight Operation Manager to manage end‑to‑end ocean export operations and ensure smooth coordination across all stakeholders. This role is key to maintaining operational excellence, ensuring compliance with international trade regulations, and delivering high‑quality service to customers.

Your Responsibilities

• Lead and oversee end‑to‑end Ocean Freight Import and Export operations, including FCL, LCL, and Reefer shipments.
• Ensure efficient execution of shipments while meeting customer service levels and operational KPIs.
• Monitor vessel schedules, shipment milestones, and operational performance, ensuring timely issue resolution.
• Ensure compliance with customer SOPs, company procedures, customs regulations, and international trade requirements.
• Lead, coach, and develop the Ocean Freight Operations team, fostering a collaborative and high‑performance culture.
• Build and maintain strong relationships with customers, carriers, overseas agents, and internal stakeholders.
• Collaborate with Sales, Pricing, Procurement, Finance, Customs, and other teams to deliver integrated logistics solutions.
• Monitor operational costs, support profitability, and ensure timely and accurate invoicing.
• Drive continuous improvement initiatives by optimizing processes, implementing SOPs, and supporting digital transformation.
• Prepare operational reports, analyze performance data, identify risks, and implement corrective actions to improve service quality.

Your Profile

• Bachelor's degree in Logistics, Supply Chain Management, International Trade, Business Administration, or a related field.
• Minimum 7–10 years of experience in Ocean Freight Forwarding Operations.
• Minimum 3 years of leadership or people management experience.
• Strong knowledge of Ocean Freight Import and Export operations, including FCL, LCL, and Reefer shipments.
• Solid understanding of Incoterms, shipping documentation, customs procedures, and international trade regulations.
• Experience with Freight Forwarding systems and ERP platforms.
• Advanced proficiency in Microsoft Office applications, particularly Excel.
• Advanced level of English, both written and spoken.
• Strong leadership, coaching, and people development skills.
• Excellent analytical, problem‑solving, and decision‑making abilities.
• Strong financial awareness with the ability to manage operational costs and profitability.
• Proven ability to analyze operational data and transform it into meaningful management reports.
• Excellent communication, stakeholder management, and relationship‑building skills.
• Customer‑oriented mindset with a focus on operational excellence and continuous improvement.
• Strong planning, organizational, and prioritization skills.
• Ability to work effectively in a fast‑paced and dynamic environment.

Compensation

DP World offers exciting and challenging roles within a growing international organization. We strive to hire and develop the right people, locally and globally, stimulating personal growth and self‑development within an informal atmosphere. We offer a market competitive compensation package.