Head of Ocean Freight

DHL Global Forwarding; Seattle (WA); On-site; USD 115,000 - 154,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Compensation: Competitive base salary

401(k) Match: $1-for-$1 up to 4% + 2%

Stock Purchase Plan

Medical

Vision

Dental

Paid Time Off

Job summary

DHL Global Forwarding in Seattle is seeking a dynamic Head of Ocean Freight to lead our ocean freight operations from the Renton, WA office. The role focuses on growing our FCL/LCL import/export business, building a high-performing team, and delivering exceptional service to customers.

You will manage P&L, drive financial performance, coordinate with carriers and partners, and ensure KPI targets are met while developing tailored ocean freight solutions for a competitive market.

Qualifications

• 8+ years of experience in the Ocean Freight Logistics Industry.
• 3+ years of management experience including P&L responsibility.
• Extensive knowledge of ocean freight import/export operations and strong people management.
• Customer-centric mindset with strong leadership, communication, and interpersonal skills.
• Ability to own areas of responsibility and drive results.
• CargoWise experience is a plus; BS/BA degree preferred; proficient MS Office.

Responsibilities

• Develop and grow FCL/LCL Import and Export business in key markets.
• Lead and develop the ocean freight operations team across locations.
• Design tailored ocean freight solutions and present to customers.
• Collaborate with commercial, product, and finance teams in a matrix setup.
• Drive P&L management, financial performance, and budget achievement.
• Ensure continuous improvement and adherence to policies and KPIs.

Skills

Management

P&L responsibility

Customer service

Leadership

Communication

Education

BS/BA degree

Tools

CargoWise

Microsoft Office

Job description

Job Title: Seattle - Head of Ocean Freight

Job Location: Seattle, Washington

DHL Global Forwarding (DGF) manages the flow of goods and information across a customer's global supply chain utilizing air/ocean/ground transportation, customs brokerage services, and dedicated warehousing/distribution centers. We are part of Deutsche Post DHL, the world's leading logistics provider with operations in over 220 countries. Visit our career site on the web at https://www.logistics.dhl/us-en/home/careers.html

We are seeking a dynamic person to take on the role of Ocean Freight Manager, Head of Ocean Freight Seattle at our office location in Renton, WA. In this role, the successful candidate will grow our ocean freight core products, leading and developing our high-performing team, and is responsible for the success of the overall ocean freight operations, customer service excellence and meeting performance targets. In addition, the manager will liaison with all related carriers, vendors and partners to ensure the highest level of service standards for our customers.

Key Responsibilities:

• Develop and grow our FCL/LCL Import and Export business in one of the most important and dynamic markets and gateways globally
• Build on and continue to develop our successful team supporting highest operational performance standards and customer service excellence
• Lead our ocean freight operations team, locally, but also based in different geographical areas
• Design tailored ocean freight solutions and presenting to our customers
• Develop our core products in our import and export departments
• Collaborate successfully in a matrix organization including direct reports, but also other functions like our commercial, ocean freight product or finance teams
• Proactive customer, carrier, vendor and network management, building strong relationships with all key stakeholders and partners
• Responsible for P&L Management, financial performance and meeting budget
• Ensure continuous improvement processes to increase efficiency and ongoing performance improvements in the dynamic world of logistics
• Responsible for supervision of all employees in the respective areas of responsibility
• Meeting operational and financial indexes and KPIs assigned and audited
• Responsible for ensuring compliance with all company regulations related to operations, human resources and compliance policies.
• Member of DGF SEA SMT, overall responsible for all management topics in own area of responsibility

Skills / Requirements:

• 8+ years of experience in the Ocean Freight Logistics Industry required
• 3+ years of management experience required (including P&L responsibility)
• Extensive knowledge of ocean freight import and export operations, strong people management and customer service skills
• Strong customer-centric mindset
• Strong leadership skills (communication, motivation, and interpersonal skills)
• Ready to take full ownership in areas of responsibility
• CargoWise platform experience is a plus
• BS/BA degree preferred
• Very good Microsoft Office skills (Outlook, Word, Excel, and PowerPoint)

Pay Range: $115,290.00 - $153,720.00+ (Based on Experience)

Benefits (All Non-Union Employees)

• Compensation: Competitive base salary plus role-dependent performance-based incentives.
• 401(k) Match: $1-for-$1 match up to 4% quarterly + 2% annual base contribution.
• Stock Purchase Plan: Ability to purchase Deutsche Post AG shares at a discounted rate.
• Medical: Comprehensive plans covering preventive care, inpatient/outpatient services, and prescriptions.
• Vision: Optional coverage for exams, frames, and contacts.
• Dental: Optional coverage for preventive, basic, and major services.
• Paid Time Off: Vacation days, Floating Holidays, Sick days, & Federal Holidays.

Equal Opportunity Employer

DHL Global Forwarding is committed to equal employment opportunities, evaluating all qualified applicants without regard to race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, disability, veteran status, or other legally protected characteristics.

Work Authorization

Applicants must be legally authorized to work in the United States. Visa sponsorship may be offered for this role.