OCEAN FREIGHT MANAGER

Scan Global Logistics; Elizabeth (NJ); On-site; USD 100,000 - 110,000; Full time

Job summary

Scan Global Logistics is seeking an experienced Ocean Freight Manager for ARG operations, with responsibilities spanning import/export, team leadership, compliance, and customer relations. The role requires strong knowledge of ocean freight, ITAR, and regulatory requirements in a fast-paced environment.

The position is full-time, on-site in Arlington, VA or Elizabeth, NJ, with a focus on delivering reliable freight solutions and building robust carrier partnerships to support government and

Qualifications

• Minimum 5 years of ocean freight forwarding experience, ARG/NGO/humanitarian logistics preferred.
• Minimum 2 years of supervisory or management experience in freight forwarding or logistics.
• Strong knowledge of ITAR compliance and U.S. export controls.
• Experience with project cargo and complex shipments is a plus.
• Excellent communication, negotiation, and relationship-building skills.

Responsibilities

• Manage ocean import/export operations from origin to delivery.
• Lead and develop the Ocean Freight team with coaching and performance feedback.
• Escalate and resolve operational issues and customer concerns.
• Ensure compliance with ITAR, export controls, FMC, and company policies.
• Review shipping docs (Bills of Lading, invoices, origin certificates, AES).
• Build and maintain relationships with customers, carriers, brokers, and agents.
• Negotiate rates, service contracts, and vendor terms to optimize service and profitability.
• Monitor KPIs, shipment milestones, and use TMS/ERP systems for visibility.
• Collaborate with Sales/BD to support growth and cross-sell opportunities.
• Coordinate cross-functional departments to ensure seamless operations.

Job description

Scan Global Logistics is a leading freight forwarding company, specializing in providing comprehensive logistics solutions to clients across various industries. 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 full-time, direct-hire, on-site position based in either Arlington, VA, or Elizabeth, NJ.

SGL is seeking an experienced and results-driven Ocean Freight Manager to oversee all aspects of our Aid, Relief & Government (ARG) 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.
• Manage and supervise shipment visibility through Transportation Management Systems (TMS), ERP systems, and freight tracking platforms.
• 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.
• Ensure compliance with applicable International Traffic in Arms Regulations (ITAR), export control requirements, and company policies when handling controlled shipments, as applicable to the role.
• Oversee the coordination and execution of complex project cargo shipments, including specialized transportation planning, carrier coordination, shipment documentation, and delivery requirements.

Qualifications:

• Minimum 5 years of experience in ocean freight forwarding preferably within Aid, Relief, Government (ARG), NGO, or humanitarian logistics environments, including both import and export operations.
• Minimum 2 years of supervisory or management experience within freight forwarding, logistics, or supply chain operations.
• Working knowledge of ITAR compliance and U.S. export control requirements relevant to international freight forwarding operations.
• Experience managing project cargo shipments, including complex, oversized, heavy-lift, or specialized cargo movements, is preferred.
• 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.

Technical Proficiency

• Experience using Transportation Management Systems (TMS), freight forwarding platforms, and Microsoft Office applications, particularly Excel.

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
• Must pass TSA eligibility screening

Job Types:

Full Time

Salary:

$100,000 - $110,000 Annually

Expected hours:

40 per week

Work Location:

On-site (Arlington, VA and alternatively Elizabeth, NJ))