Ocean Import Manager

Professional Search Group - OC; Cypress (CA); On-site; USD 110,000 - 140,000; Full time

Job summary

Professional Search Group- OC is seeking an Ocean Import Manager to lead a hands-on team in California. You will oversee FCL and LCL imports from pre-alert through final delivery, ensuring accuracy, compliance and profitability while delivering exceptional customer service.

The ideal candidate has 7+ years in ocean imports and 3+ years of supervisory experience, with strong communication and problem-solving skills.

Qualifications

• 7+ years in ocean import / freight forwarding required.
• 3+ years in supervisory or management roles.
• Strong knowledge of FCL and LCL imports, documentation, and compliance.

Responsibilities

• Lead, coach, and develop the Ocean Import team.
• Oversee FCL and LCL import shipments from pre-alert through final delivery and file closure.
• Act as escalation point for customer, vendor, and operational issues.
• Monitor workloads, service levels, billing accuracy, and profitability.
• Build relationships with customers, overseas agents, carriers, and service providers.
• Ensure procedures and compliance requirements are followed.
• Use CargoWise to maintain files, milestones, billing, workflows, and reporting.
• Track KPIs and drive improvements across processes and technology.

Skills

Ocean import

Leadership

Customer service

Problem-solving

Communication

Tools

CargoWise

Job description

Professional Search Group- OC (PSG) is seeking an Ocean Import Manager to join their client’s team. This Ocean Import Manager role is a hands‑on leadership role for someone who knows the ocean freight‑forwarding world and can confidently manage both people and operations. The Ocean Import Manager be responsible for making sure import shipments move efficiently from pre-alert through final delivery while maintaining strong customer service, operational accuracy, compliance, and profitability.

If you’ve spent years working in ocean imports and are ready to take the next step into a true management role, this could be a great opportunity.

This organization is a full‑service global logistics provider while its history dates to 1948. They are continuing to grow as they continue to invest heavily in technology & looking for individuals who want to be a part of that.

Ocean Import Manager Responsibilities:

• Lead, coach, and develop the Ocean Import team
• Oversee FCL and LCL import shipments from pre-alert through final delivery and file closure
• Act as an escalation point for customer, operational, and vendor issues
• Monitor team workloads, service levels, shipment exceptions, billing accuracy, and profitability
• Build and maintain relationships with customers, overseas agents, carriers, truckers, terminals, and other service providers
• Ensure import procedures, documentation, and compliance requirements are being followed
• Use CargoWise to maintain accurate files, milestones, billing, workflows, and reporting
• Track KPIs and use performance data to identify opportunities for improvement
• Help improve processes, automation, technology adoption, and overall operational consistency
• Partner with Brokerage, Export, Compliance, Sales, Accounting, IT, and other internal teams
• Address performance and behavioral issues professionally while maintaining a positive team environment

Ocean Import Manager Requirements:

• 7+ years of ocean import / freight forwarding experience
• 3+ years of supervisory or management experience
• Strong understanding of FCL and LCL ocean imports
• Experience with import documentation, customs clearance coordination, delivery, and equipment management
• NVOCC experience is highly preferred
• Domestic and cross-border experience is a plus
• Proven ability to lead, coach, and develop employees
• Strong communication, problem-solving, and organizational skills
• Someone who can manage multiple priorities, stay composed under pressure, and confidently resolve issues