OCEAN FREIGHT MANAGER

Scan Global Logistics; Atlanta (GA); On-site; USD 90,000 - 120,000; Full time

Job summary

Scan Global Logistics in Atlanta, GA is seeking an experienced Ocean Freight Manager to oversee international ocean import/export operations. You will manage daily freight activities, lead the Ocean Freight team, ensure compliance, and maintain strong customer and carrier relationships.

The ideal candidate has 5+ years in ocean freight forwarding, proven leadership, and a track record of optimizing service levels while controlling costs in a fast-paced environment.

Qualifications

• 5+ years in ocean freight forwarding, including import/export operations.
• 2+ years supervisory/management experience in freight forwarding or logistics.
• Strong knowledge of ocean freight operations, customs regulations, and trade compliance.
• Experience with ocean carriers, NVOCCs, brokers, trucking providers, and overseas agents.
• Proven leadership and people-management skills.

Responsibilities

• Manage all ocean import/export operations from origin to final delivery.
• Lead, mentor, and develop the Ocean Freight team with training and feedback.
• Escalation point for operational issues and customer concerns.
• Ensure compliance with international trade regulations and U.S. Customs requirements.
• Review shipping documentation (BLs, invoices, origin certificates, AES filings).
• Maintain relationships with customers, carriers, brokers, and overseas agents.
• Negotiate rates, service agreements, and vendor contracts to optimize service and profitability.
• Monitor KPIs and service levels, drive continuous improvement.
• Collaborate with Sales to support growth and cross-sell opportunities.
• Oversee workload distribution and staffing for productivity.

Skills

Ocean freight operations

Leadership

Customer relationships

Regulatory compliance

Team supervision

Education

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

Tools

MS Office

TMS

Job description

At Scan Global Logistics every person has an opportunity to unlock potential. We are a full-service global logistics provider present on all continents. By bringing a human approach to everyone, everywhere, we make the world a little less complicated. At the core of our DNA is a ‘can-do-attitude’ and the willingness to always walk the extra mile to find the right logistic solution whether by road, rail, ocean, air, or any other modes of transportation.

Our culture is based on our four virtues: respect, integrity, entrepreneurship, and fun.

This is a direct hire, full-time onsite position based in Atlanta, GA.

Position Overview:

SGL is seeking an experienced and results-driven Ocean Freight Manager to oversee all aspects of international ocean import and export operations. This role is responsible for managing daily ocean freight activities, leading operational teams, ensuring regulatory compliance, maintaining strong customer and carrier relationships, and driving operational efficiency. The ideal candidate will possess extensive freight forwarding experience, strong leadership skills, and the ability to manage complex logistics operations in a fast-paced environment.

Job Responsibilities:

• Manage and oversee all ocean import and export operations, ensuring timely and accurate execution of shipments from origin through final delivery.
• Lead, mentor, and develop the Ocean Freight team by providing training, guidance, performance feedback, and ongoing support.
• Serve as the primary escalation point for operational issues, customer concerns, and service-related challenges.
• Ensure compliance with all applicable international trade regulations, U.S. Customs requirements, FMC regulations, export controls, and company policies.
• Review and approve shipping documentation, including Bills of Lading, commercial invoices, certificates of origin, AES filings, and other import/export documents.
• Develop and maintain strong relationships with customers, ocean carriers, NVOCCs, customs brokers, trucking companies, warehouses, and overseas agents.
• Negotiate carrier rates, service agreements, and vendor contracts to optimize service levels and profitability.
• Monitor operational performance, shipment milestones, and key performance indicators (KPIs) to ensure service excellence.
• Collaborate with Sales and Business Development teams to support customer growth initiatives, prepare logistics solutions, and identify cross-selling opportunities.
• Manage workload distribution, staffing requirements, and operational priorities to maximize team productivity and efficiency.
• Analyze operational data, identify trends, and implement process improvements to enhance service quality and reduce costs.
• Ensure accurate and timely updates within transportation management systems and internal operational platforms.
• Coordinate with internal departments, including customs brokerage, warehousing, transportation, and accounting, to support seamless operations.
• Maintain and enforce company Standard Operating Procedures (SOPs) and customer-specific requirements.
• Support customer retention efforts by providing exceptional service and proactive communication.
• Promote a culture of compliance, accountability, safety, and continuous improvement throughout the department.

Qualifications:

• Minimum 5 years of experience in ocean freight forwarding, including both import and export operations.
• Minimum 2 years of supervisory or management experience within freight forwarding, logistics, or supply chain operations.
• Strong knowledge of ocean freight operations, international shipping practices, customs regulations, and trade compliance requirements.
• Experience working with ocean carriers, NVOCCs, customs brokers, trucking providers, and overseas agents.
• Proven leadership, team development, and people management skills.
• Excellent communication, customer service, negotiation, and relationship-building abilities.
• Strong analytical, organizational, and problem-solving skills.
• Proficiency in Microsoft Office Suite and freight forwarding/logistics management systems.
• Ability to manage multiple priorities and perform effectively in a fast-paced environment.
• Bachelor's degree in Logistics, Supply Chain Management, Business Administration, or a related field preferred.

Physical Requirement:

• Prolonged periods sitting at a desk and working on a computer.
• Must be able to lift 15 pounds at times.

Work authorization/security clearance requirements:

• Must be eligible to work in the United States