Manager, Release Operations

Livingston International; Chicago (IL); On-site; USD 62,000 - 80,000; Full time

Job summary

Livingston International in the United States is seeking a Release Operations Manager to lead the Release Operations team, ensure timely release and rating activities, and drive process improvements in a 2pm–10:30pm or 3pm–11:30pm EST shift.

The ideal candidate has a strong customs brokerage and import operations background, proven coaching experience, and a collaborative, performance-driven approach to meet service levels.

Qualifications

• 5 years of related experience
• Associates Degree or post-secondary education preferred
• Experience coaching and mentoring
• Knowledge of Customs laws and regulations

Responsibilities

• Manage Release Operations team members daily.
• Recruit, coach, train, and develop onshore Release Team.
• Review workflow to remove production barriers and improve processes.
• Monitor KPIs and vendor performance; ensure timely EDI release and rating.
• Plan scheduling and shift coverage in a 24/7 environment.

Skills

Team leadership

Customs regulations

Communication

Customer service

Organizational skills

MS Office

Analytical thinking

Fast-paced environment

Education

Associates Degree or post-secondary education

Job description

Manager, Release Operations

Join Livingston and grow your career in the constantly changing world of international trade. Livingston is a market leader offering customs brokerage, international trade consulting, compliance and freight forwarding services around the world. Livingston has over 3,000 employees at more than 90 key border crossings, sea ports, airports and other strategic locations in North America, Europe and Asia.

Our fast-paced and collaborative environment offers you the opportunity to work with leaders in the industry, receive recognition for achievements and develop your expertise in the complex and evolving world of trade. Learn how you can make an impact at Livingston.

JOB SUMMARY

The Release Operations Manager is responsible for the day-to-day leadership and oversight of the Release Operations team. This role ensures productivity targets are met while maintaining accurate and timely release and rating activities in accordance with Livingston and client standards. Key responsibilities include coaching and mentoring team members, resolving operational issues, driving process efficiency, and partnering closely with the Regional Manager on workforce planning, shift scheduling, and other operational initiatives to support business objectives. Must be able to work 2pm to 10:30pm, or 3pm to 11:30pm EST

The ideal candidate has a strong foundation in customs brokerage and import operations, combined with a positive, team-oriented attitude. Proven experience coaching and mentoring employees, fostering professional growth and development, while also driving continuous process improvements to enhance efficiency, accuracy, and overall team performance.

KEY DUTIES & RESPONSIBILITIES

• - Manage Release Operations team members, the Release Customs Analysts on a day-to-day basis.
• - Responsible for recruiting, coaching, guiding, training, planning, and developing all team members of the onshore Release Team.
• - Assist with performance reviews and assists onshore Release Team members to identify development opportunities and establish career development plans.
• - Conduct staff meetings as required with all members of the Release Team.
• - Consistently review the flow of work to identify production barriers and constrains. Elaborate strategy to remove the barriers and implement better process to work through constrains.
• - Assist Workforce Management (WFM) by providing feedback to the Director, Release Operations and WFM team, on schedule adjustment requirements to better align with the demand flow.
• - Continuously monitor the Release Operations team members (including our vendor partners’ members) against key performance indicators and regularly communicate progress.
• - Ensure accurate and timely EDI release and rating of all shipments in all modes of transportation for the designated client base.
• - May assist Release Operations, as necessary, to help the team meet its performance objectives.
• - Daily review with the vendor partners on their feedback and statistics to Support Services on their service level performance.
• - Maintain an excellent working relationship with Managers, Service Delivery, Vendor Partner Leads & Managers, Manager Support Services, and/or carriers.
• - Facilitate the relationships between our Vendor Partners Release Operations, our Release Operations, Client Service Teams, Support Services, and other internal departments within Livingston.
• - Provide technical expertise in Customs regulations.
• - Plan employee scheduling/hours of work based on work volumes, vacations, and public holidays in a 24/7 work environment to ensure all resources are utilized efficiently.
• - Accountable for Release Operations service levels.
• - Review and analyze change in regulations/trade initiatives and identify impact to client base and Release Operations.
• - Identify process improvement and efficiencies by encouraging and facilitating discussions within Release Operations for opportunities to enhance client service and improve day to day operations.
• - Participate in the development, coordination, and implementation of required changes to Livingston’s processes and procedures to incorporate new regulations and/or continuous improvement initiatives.
• - Monitor Border hold work queues to ensure they are corrected, and escalations are resolved as required.
• - Perform other related duties as assigned by management.
• - Adhere to established policies and procedures.

KNOWLEDGE & SKILLS

• - Ability to lead a team of employees in a service delivery environment while providing coaching and guidance.
• - Fully conversant with all applicable Customs laws, regulations, procedures, and industry practices
• - Strong interpersonal and communication skills (both verbal and written).
• - Strong customer service orientation.
• - Strong organizational skills with the ability to meet tight deadlines.
• - Advanced Microsoft Office skills.
• - Analytical and problem-solving skills
• - Ability to work in a fast-paced environment and to handle large volume of work.
• - Strong team player.

WORK EXPERIENCE – MINIMUM REQUIRED

5 years of related experience
## EDUCATION

Preferred: Associates Degree or post-secondary education
## CERTIFICATIONS DESCRIPTION

At Livingston, we are committed to fostering a flexible, growth-oriented environment where you can thrive. Our culture is built on respect, recognition, and collaboration, and we empower our team with trusted expertise, continuous learning opportunities, and long-term support. We offer competitive compensation, comprehensive benefits, and a transparent pay philosophy aligned with market data and job-related factors.

Base salary is one component of our total rewards package which also includes incentive opportunities, benefits, and professional development. Salary ranges are established by location and reflect relevant factors such as skills, experience, and market conditions. The good-faith salary range for this position is 61,515-80,000 USD. Actual compensation will be determined based on these factors and may vary accordingly.

Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion at Livingston

We are proud to be an inclusive employer and welcome applications from individuals of all backgrounds, experiences, and perspectives. Inclusiveness makes us stronger and better at what we do. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, or national origin.

Livingston is an equal opportunity employer and committed to creating and sustaining an inclusive environment in which all individuals are treated with dignity, respect and one which reflects the diversity of the community in which we operate. Accommodations are available for applicants and employees with disabilities throughout the recruitment process. If you require accommodations for interviews or other meetings, please advise when submitting your application.

Job Type: Full Time

Location: NY Amherst - US083, HomeOffice Chicago, HomeOffice Florida, HomeOffice Georgia, HomeOffice Illinois, HomeOffice Kentucky, HomeOffice Massachusetts, HomeOffice Michigan, HomeOffice Minnesota, HomeOffice New Jersey, HomeOffice New York, HomeOffice North Carolina, HomeOffice North Dakota, HomeOffice Ohio, HomeOffice Pennsylvania, HomeOffice South Carolina, HomeOffice Tennessee, HomeOffice Texas