Ocean Operations Supervisor

People Freight | Freight Forwarding & Logistics Recruitment Specialists; Chicago (IL); On-site; USD 68,000 - 83,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

401(k)

Career progression

Job summary

People Freight is seeking an Ocean Operations Supervisor to lead the Chicago-based ocean import and export operations. You will supervise a team of operations professionals and ensure shipments are executed efficiently and accurately.

The role requires collaboration with steamship lines, freight forwarders, and overseas offices to maintain compliance, timely delivery, and strong customer communications. This on-site position offers career progression within an established international freight

Qualifications

• 3+ years of ocean freight forwarding experience.
• Strong experience across both ocean import and export operations.
• Previous supervisory, team lead, or senior-level experience preferred.
• Strong knowledge of shipping documentation and operational procedures.
• Excellent communication, organization, and problem-solving skills.

Responsibilities

• Supervise and support the day-to-day ocean import and export operations team.
• Oversee shipments from booking through final delivery, ensuring accurate and timely execution.
• Coordinate with steamship lines, truckers, warehouses, customs brokers, and overseas offices.
• Review and manage Bills of Lading, commercial invoices, packing lists, arrival notices, and other shipping documentation.
• Ensure compliance with import/export regulations and company procedures.
• Monitor shipment status, identify potential delays, and proactively resolve operational issues.
• Assist with rates, bookings, routing, scheduling, and shipment tracking.
• Provide guidance, training, and ongoing support to operations staff.
• Maintain strong communication with customers and provide timely updates.
• Work closely with overseas agents and international offices to coordinate global shipments.
• Help improve operational processes, productivity, and customer service levels.

Skills

Ocean freight forwarding

Import/export operations

Supervisory experience

Communication

Team leadership

Job description

Ocean Operations Supervisor | Chicago, IL | Salary up to $75,000

This is an excellent opportunity for an experienced ocean freight professional with strong import and export operations experience who is ready to take the next step into a supervisory role.

You will oversee day-to-day ocean operations, support a team of operations professionals, and ensure shipments are handled efficiently, accurately, and in line with customer expectations.

What's Offered

• Salary up to $75,000
• Benefits package including 401(k)
• Opportunity to join an established international freight forwarder
• Supervisory responsibility with career progression opportunities
• Collaborative and professional working environment

Key Responsibilities

• Supervise and support the day-to-day ocean import and export operations team
• Oversee shipments from booking through final delivery, ensuring accurate and timely execution
• Coordinate with steamship lines, truckers, warehouses, customs brokers, and overseas offices
• Review and manage Bills of Lading, commercial invoices, packing lists, arrival notices, and other shipping documentation
• Ensure compliance with import/export regulations and company procedures
• Monitor shipment status, identify potential delays, and proactively resolve operational issues
• Assist with rates, bookings, routing, scheduling, and shipment tracking
• Provide guidance, training, and ongoing support to operations staff
• Maintain strong communication with customers and provide timely updates
• Work closely with overseas agents and international offices to coordinate global shipments
• Help improve operational processes, productivity, and customer service levels

Requirements

• 3+ years of ocean freight forwarding experience
• Strong experience across both ocean import and export operations
• Previous supervisory, team lead, or senior-level experience preferred
• Strong understanding of the international ocean freight forwarding process
• Experience working with steamship lines, trucking companies, warehouses, and customs brokers
• Strong knowledge of shipping documentation and operational procedures
• Excellent communication, organization, and problem-solving skills
• Ability to manage multiple shipments and priorities in a fast-paced environment