Ocean Import/Export Supervisor — Lead Ops & Compliance

Nippon Express USA; Hayward (CA); On-site; USD 70,000 - 90,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Medical, Dental, and Vision

401k with company match

Flexible Spending Accounts

Vacation and Sick time

Commuter Benefits

Job summary

Nippon Express USA is seeking an experienced Ocean Import Supervisor to lead daily import/export operations, ensure regulatory compliance, and coach a team of staff and Team Leaders. The role requires strong analytical, leadership, and customer service skills with a focus on accuracy and timely shipment handling.

The position involves coordinating with branch offices, carriers, and internal teams, overseeing procedures, and driving process improvements.

Qualifications

• Minimum 3+ years of Ocean Import experience in a supervisory role.
• Must be flexible with work schedule.
• Strong leadership and customer service skills.
• Excellent communication and analytical abilities.

Responsibilities

• Provide departmental support and supervise the staff in the Ocean Import/Export department.
• Supervise and oversee daily import/export operations, including customs clearance, shipping documentation, cargo movement, customer service, and regulatory compliance.
• Lead and manage Team Leaders and operational staff to ensure accurate and timely execution of all shipment activities.
• Monitor departmental workload, staffing levels, and operational performance to maintain service standards and productivity goals.
• Manage escalations involving customers, carriers, vendors, customs issues, service failures, delays, claims, or operational exceptions.
• Ensure compliance with U.S. Customs regulations, FMC requirements, DOT regulations, TSA requirements, and other applicable transportation and trade compliance standards.
• Review and approve operational procedures, SOPs, and workflow processes to ensure consistency and efficiency.
• Identify operational inefficiencies and implement process improvements to enhance productivity, accuracy, and profitability.
• Support business development efforts by assisting with customer onboarding, operational implementation, and account retention.
• Conduct employee coaching, training, performance evaluations, disciplinary actions, and career development planning.
• Ensure proper communication and coordination between customers, overseas offices, carriers, warehouses, truckers, brokers, and internal departments.
• Monitor KPIs including shipment accuracy, billing accuracy, cargo release timing, productivity, and customer service metrics.
• Assist management with budgeting, forecasting, operational reporting, and departmental planning.
• Maintain a positive and professional work environment that promotes teamwork, accountability, and continuous improvement.

Skills

Analytical skills

Interpersonal skills

Organizational skills

Leadership

Education

High school diploma or equivalent

Tools

Microsoft Word

Excel

Outlook

Job description

Nippon Express USA is seeking an experienced Ocean Import Supervisor to lead daily import/export operations, ensure regulatory compliance, and coach a team of staff and Team Leaders. The role requires strong analytical, leadership, and customer service skills with a focus on accuracy and timely shipment handling.

The position involves coordinating with branch offices, carriers, and internal teams, overseeing procedures, and driving process improvements.