Director of Operations

Rogers-; Greer (SC); On-site; USD 120,000 - 160,000; Full time

Job summary

Rogers- is seeking a Director of Operations to lead import/export functions, ensuring regulatory compliance and operational excellence. This role demands deep customs brokerage knowledge, strategic planning, and hands-on involvement in daily activities to drive growth and efficiency.

The successful candidate will oversee budgeting, risk management, and client relationships, while shaping company-wide operational strategies and improving processes to reduce costs and enhance performance.

Qualifications

• Decisive leadership with 10–15 years in customs brokerage, international trade, and logistics.
• Experience leading import/export operations in a freight forwarder or similar setting.
• Proven ability to plan strategically and execute on goals.

Responsibilities

• Lead and mentor the Import and Export department managers and staff.
• Develop and execute operational strategies aligned with company goals.
• Oversee compliance with import/export regulations including ITAR, EAR and OFAC.
• Manage day-to-day operations for import, export, and related accounting.
• Create onboarding and SOP processes for key accounts with tailored solutions.
• Identify opportunities to streamline processes and reduce costs.
• Cultivate and maintain key client relationships and handle escalations.
• Establish KPIs; monitor and report department performance.
• Develop and manage budgets for the Import and Export departments.
• Identify and mitigate operational risks; conduct audits as needed.
• Maintain relationships with suppliers, carriers, and authorities.
• Drive continuous improvement and stay updated on regulations.

Skills

Leadership

Regulatory knowledge

Strategic planning

Client relationship mgmt

Process optimization

Budget management

Risk management

Communication skills

Cultural awareness

Education

High school diploma or equivalent

Bachelor's degree preferred

Customs broker license (preferred)

CCS/CES certification (preferred)

Tools

CargoWise proficiency

SCM systems

Job description

POSITION OVERVIEW

The Director of Operations will be responsible for the efficient management of import and export operations, ensuring compliance with regulations, optimizing processes, and fostering a culture of excellence. This role requires strong leadership, deep knowledge of customs brokerage and freight forwarding, budgeting, and the ability to handle a heavy workload by being actively involved in the day-to-day operations, while shaping and executing operational strategies.

KEY RESPONSIBILITIES

1. Leadership and Team Management:

• Lead and mentor the Import and Export department managers and staff, fostering their professional development and ensuring high-performance levels.
• Promote a collaborative and motivated team environment, including evaluating staffing needs and participating in the hiring process.

2. Strategic Planning:

• Develop and execute comprehensive operational strategies that align with the company's overall goals, with a focus on growth, compliance, and operational excellence.

3. Regulatory Compliance:

• Oversee compliance with import and export regulations, including customs regulations, ITAR (International Traffic in Arms Regulations), EAR (Export Administration Regulations), and OFAC (Office of Foreign Assets Control) sanctions.
• Stay current with evolving regulations and ensure adherence within the departments.

4. Operational Oversight:

• Oversee and handle the day-to-day activities of all the operational functions for import, export, and operational accounting.
• Create new client onboarding and SOP processes on key accounts by providing tailored logistics solutions by understanding the client’s business needs.

5. Process Optimization:

• Identify opportunities for process improvements within the import and export departments, streamlining operations to enhance efficiency and reduce costs.

6. Client Relationship Management:

• Cultivate and maintain key client relationships, acting as a high-level point of contact for complex import and export needs, inquiries, and escalations.
• Ensure exceptional client satisfaction through effective service and problem resolution.
• Identify opportunities to expand services and grow the client base through proactive sales and relationship-building efforts.

7. Reporting and Metrics:

• Establish and monitor key performance indicators (KPIs) for import and export operations, regularly assessing and reporting on departmental performance.
• Use data and metrics to identify areas for improvement and optimization.

8. Budget Management:

• Develop and manage budgets for the Import and Export departments, optimizing resource allocation and cost control.

9. Risk Management:

• Identify and mitigate operational risks, ensuring compliance with all customs and trade compliance requirements.
• Conduct regular audits and assessments to maintain compliance.

10. Supplier and Partner Relationships:

• Develop and maintain relationships with key suppliers, carriers, customs authorities, and logistics partners to facilitate import and export processes.

11. Continuous Improvement:

• Stay informed about changes in import and export regulations, industry trends, and best practices.
• Drive process improvements and innovations within the departments.

12. Problem Solving:

• Address and resolve complex import and export-related issues, collaborating with department managers and teams to find effective solutions.

13. Employee Development:

• Provide training and development opportunities for department managers and staff to enhance their skills and knowledge in customs brokerage and compliance.
• Conduct regular performance evaluations, provide feedback, and support professional development initiatives which could include corrective actions as needed.

Requirements

QUALIFICATIONS AND SKILLS

1. Education:

High school diploma or equivalent required; a bachelor's degree in a related field such as international trade, business administration, logistics, or a related discipline is preferred. Advanced degrees or certifications can be advantageous.

2. Experience:

• Minimum of 10-15 years of progressive experience in customs brokerage, international trade, and logistics is preferred.
• Proven experience in a leadership role overseeing import and export operations within a customs brokerage, freight forwarder, or similar industry.
• A successful track record of strategic planning and execution.

3. Regulatory Knowledge:

• In-depth knowledge of customs regulations, import/export controls, and compliance requirements, including familiarity with customs laws and regulations in different countries.
• Proficiency in understanding and managing regulatory changes and their impact on operations.

4. Leadership and Management Skills:

• Strong leadership and team management skills with a track record of leading and developing high-performance teams.
• Proven ability to set and achieve departmental and organizational goals.
• Exceptional problem-solving and decision-making abilities.

5. Client Relationship Management:

• Excellent interpersonal and communication skills to build and maintain strong client relationships, particularly for complex import and export matters.
• A customer-centric mindset and the ability to address client concerns effectively.

6. Process Optimization:

• Demonstrated ability to identify opportunities for process improvement, streamline operations, and enhance efficiency.
• Experience with implementing operational best practices and lean methodologies.

7. Budget and Resource Management:

• Proficiency in budget development and management to optimize resource allocation and control costs.

8. Risk Management:

• Strong understanding of risk management principles and the ability to identify and mitigate operational risks effectively.
• Experience conducting audits and assessments to maintain compliance.

9. Supplier and Partner Relationships:

• Established relationships with key suppliers, carriers, customs authorities, and logistics partners to facilitate import and export processes.

10. Strategic Planning:

• Proven ability to develop and execute comprehensive operational strategies that align with the company's objectives, resulting in growth and operational excellence.

11. Communication Skills:

• Excellent written and verbal communication skills to convey complex concepts and strategies clearly to both internal teams and external stakeholders.

12. Technological Proficiency:

• Proficiency in customs brokerage software, supply chain management systems, and relevant technology tools used for import and export management. CargoWise proficiency and Specialist certification required.

13. Customs Broker License (Preferred):

• While not always required, a customs broker license is often preferred and can be a significant advantage.

14. Certification (Preferred):

• Certification as a Certified Customs Specialist (CCS), Certified Export Specialist (CES), or other relevant certifications is highly advantageous.

15. Continuous Learning:

• A commitment to staying informed about changes in import and export regulations, industry trends, and best practices.
• A willingness to adapt strategies and processes accordingly.

16. Strategic Vision:

• The ability to think strategically, anticipate future challenges, and proactively plan for the growth and success of the customs brokerage and freight forwarding firm.

17. Cultural Awareness:

• Awareness and understanding of cultural differences and international business practices, especially in a global customs brokerage and freight forwarding setting.