Freight Forwarding Manager – Import Operations

W3Global; Clearwater (FL); On-site; USD 85,000 - 120,000; Full time

Job summary

W3Global in Clearwater, FL is seeking an experienced Freight Forwarding Manager to oversee import operations and lead the logistics team.

The role focuses on ocean and air imports, customs coordination, documentation, and delivering excellent customer service while improving efficiency and service quality.

Qualifications

• 5+ years in freight forwarding/logistics focusing on imports
• Experience with ocean and air imports and related documentation
• Supervisory/leadership experience preferred
• Strong communication and customer service skills

Responsibilities

• Manage and oversee international import shipments from origin through final delivery.
• Coordinate ocean and air freight shipments, including documentation, booking, tracking, and delivery.
• Manage relationships with customers, overseas agents, carriers, customs brokers, and other logistics partners.
• Review and ensure accuracy of import documentation, including commercial invoices, bills of lading, arrival notices, and customs-related paperwork.
• Monitor shipment status and proactively resolve delays, discrepancies, and operational issues.
• Ensure compliance with applicable import regulations and company procedures.
• Provide guidance and support to freight forwarding staff and coordinate daily workloads.
• Train, mentor, and oversee team members as needed.
• Handle escalated customer issues and maintain strong customer relationships.
• Review operational processes and identify opportunities to improve efficiency and service quality.
• Assist with pricing, quotations, and account management when required.
• Track shipment performance, costs, and operational KPIs.
• Work closely with sales and operations teams to support business growth and customer retention.

Skills

Import operations

Leadership

Customer service

Documentation

Problem solving

Communication

Education

Bachelor's degree in Logistics or related field

Tools

Freight forwarding software

Microsoft Office

Job description

Freight Forwarding Manager - Import Operations
Location: Clearwater, FL
Job Type: Full-Time
Salary: Competitive, based on experience

Position Overview

We are seeking an experienced Freight Forwarding Manager to oversee import operations and help lead the day-to-day activities of a growing logistics team. The ideal candidate will have a strong background in international freight forwarding, with a primary focus on ocean and air imports, customs coordination, documentation, and customer service.
This is a hands-on management position for someone who understands the full import process and can effectively manage customers, vendors, carriers, and internal operations while ensuring shipments move efficiently and accurately.

Key Responsibilities

• Manage and oversee international import shipments from origin through final delivery.
• Coordinate ocean and air freight shipments, including documentation, booking, tracking, and delivery.
• Manage relationships with customers, overseas agents, carriers, customs brokers, and other logistics partners.
• Review and ensure accuracy of import documentation, including commercial invoices, bills of lading, arrival notices, and customs-related paperwork.
• Monitor shipment status and proactively resolve delays, discrepancies, and operational issues.
• Ensure compliance with applicable import regulations and company procedures.
• Provide guidance and support to freight forwarding staff and coordinate daily workloads.
• Train, mentor, and oversee team members as needed.
• Handle escalated customer issues and maintain strong customer relationships.
• Review operational processes and identify opportunities to improve efficiency and service quality.
• Assist with pricing, quotations, and account management when required.
• Track shipment performance, costs, and operational KPIs.
• Work closely with sales and operations teams to support business growth and customer retention.

Qualifications

• 5+ years of experience in freight forwarding/logistics, with significant import experience.
• Strong knowledge of international import operations, particularly ocean freight.
• Previous supervisory, lead, or management experience preferred.
• Experience working with freight forwarders, NVOCCs, customs brokers, carriers, or international logistics providers.
• Strong understanding of import documentation and international shipping procedures.
• Excellent communication and customer service skills.
• Strong organizational and problem-solving abilities.
• Ability to manage multiple shipments, customers, and priorities simultaneously.
• Proficiency with Microsoft Office and freight forwarding/logistics software.
• Experience with customs clearance and compliance is a strong plus.

Ideal Candidate

The ideal candidate would be someone who has progressed beyond a traditional Import Coordinator position and is ready to take ownership of an import operation or team. They should be comfortable being hands-on with shipments while also providing leadership and direction to other employees.

Key focus: Import experience + freight forwarding expertise + leadership/management capability.