Ocean Operations & Business Planning Specialist

LX Pantos Americas; Teaneck Township (NJ); On-site; USD 85,000 - 120,000; Full time

Job summary

LX Pantos Americas is seeking an Ocean Operations & Business Planning Specialist to manage end-to-end ocean freight operations, drive planning, and lead process improvements. You will analyze performance, support projects, and work with Sales, Customer Service, Warehouse and overseas offices to optimize service quality and profitability.

The role requires a Bachelor's degree in a related field and 5+ years in ocean freight or logistics. Proficiency in Excel, TMS, ERP, and CargoWise is preferred.

Qualifications

• Bachelor's degree in Logistics, SCM, business admin, international trade or related field.
• 5+ years of experience in ocean freight forwarding, logistics, transportation or supply chain.
• Experience in freight forwarding, NVOCC or international logistics environment.
• Strong understanding of ocean import/export operations and shipping processes.
• Excellent analytical, organizational and problem-solving abilities.
• Strong communication and interpersonal skills; ability to manage multiple priorities.

Responsibilities

• Coordinate/import/export ocean freight shipments from booking to delivery.
• Communicate with carriers, vendors, warehouses, brokers and customers for smooth cargo movement.
• Monitor shipments, resolve delays and issues; prepare shipping documents.
• Ensure compliance with policies and regulatory standards.
• Process freight billing and verify operational costs; maintain records.
• Provide timely shipment updates and exceptional customer service.
• Develop KPI reports and support SOPs and process improvements.
• Support budgeting, forecasting and business strategy initiatives.

Skills

Analytical skills

Organizational skills

Problem-solving

Communication

Interpersonal skills

Education

Bachelor's degree in Logistics/SCM/Business Admin/International Trade

Tools

Excel (Pivot Tables, VLOOKUP)

TMS

ERP

CargoWise

Job description

The Ocean Operations & Business Planning Specialist is responsible for managing end-to-end ocean freight operations while driving operational planning, process improvement, and business performance initiatives. This role will ensure efficient cargo movement, maintain high levels of customer service, analyze operational performance, and support strategic projects that improve productivity, service quality, and profitability.

Job Responsibilities

Ocean Operations

• Coordinate and manage import and export ocean freight shipments from booking to final delivery.
• Communicate with ocean carriers, vendors, trucking companies, warehouses, customs brokers, and customers to ensure smooth cargo movement.
• Monitor shipment status and proactively resolve operational issues, delays, and exceptions.
• Prepare and review shipping documents including B/Ls, arrival notices, invoices, and related documentation.
• Ensure compliance with company policies, customer requirements, and regulatory standards.
• Process freight billing, vendor invoices, and operational cost verification.
• Maintain accurate shipment records and operational data within internal systems.
• Provide timely shipment updates and exceptional customer service to internal and external stakeholders.

Business Planning & Process Improvement

• Analyze operational performance and logistics data to identify trends, risks, and opportunities for improvement.
• Develop and maintain periodic KPI reports related to service performance, productivity, profitability, and customer satisfaction.
• Identify operational bottlenecks and recommend process improvement initiatives.
• Support the implementation and enhancement of Standard Operating Procedures (SOPs).
• Participate in new business implementation projects and operational expansion initiatives.
• Collaborate with management to improve operational efficiency and service quality.
• Conduct cost analysis and identify opportunities to reduce operational expenses.
• Support budgeting, forecasting, resource planning, and business strategy initiatives.
• Prepare management reports, presentations, and business reviews for leadership decision-making.

Cross-Functional Collaboration

• Work closely with Sales, Customer Service, Warehouse, Trucking, Customs Brokerage, and overseas offices to support business objectives.
• Assist in onboarding new customers and implementing customer-specific logistics requirements.
• Support special projects assigned by management to enhance organizational performance and growth.

Qualifications

Education

• Bachelor's degree in Logistics, Supply Chain Management, Business Administration, International Trade, or a related field preferred.

Experience

• 5+ years of experience in ocean freight forwarding, logistics, transportation, or supply chain operations preferred.
• Experience in freight forwarding, NVOCC, or international logistics environment strongly preferred.
• Experience in operational analysis, process improvement, or project coordination is a plus.
• Strong understanding of ocean import/export operations and international shipping processes.
• Excellent analytical, organizational, and problem-solving skills.
• Strong communication and interpersonal skills.
• Ability to manage multiple priorities in a fast-paced environment.
• Proficiency in Microsoft Office applications, especially Excel (Pivot Tables, VLOOKUP, data analysis, reporting).
• Experience with TMS, ERP, CargoWise, or other logistics management systems preferred.
• Ability to analyze data and provide actionable business recommendations.

** This position is not eligible for employer-sponsored work authorization now or in the future. Applicants must be legally authorized to work in the United States without employer sponsorship. **

Equal Opportunity & Inclusive Workplace

LX Pantos America, Inc. is an equal opportunity employer committed to fostering a diverse and inclusive workplace. We value diverse backgrounds, experiences, and perspectives, and we strive to create an environment where all employees feel respected and empowered.

We consider all qualified applicants without regard to race, color, religion, sex, gender identity, sexual orientation, national origin, age, disability, veteran status, or any other protected status under applicable law.