Operational Key Account Manager

People Freight | Freight Forwarding & Logistics Recruitment Specialists; Elk Grove Village (IL); Hybrid; USD 86,000 - 105,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Hybrid work arrangement

Bonus opportunity

Job summary

People Freight | Freight Forwarding & Logistics Recruitment Specialists in Elk Grove Village, IL seeks an Operational Key Account Manager to manage key Air & Ocean freight accounts and coordinate international shipments from booking to delivery.

You will be the primary operational contact for major customers, liaising with overseas offices, carriers, brokers and internal teams to ensure accurate documentation, efficiency and strong service levels.

Qualifications

• 3+ years of experience in international freight forwarding or key account management.
• Strong hands-on experience across Air & Ocean freight.
• Experience managing key accounts or major customer relationships.
• Knowledge of international import/export procedures.
• Experience coordinating shipments with carriers, overseas agents, and brokers.
• Excellent customer service and communication skills.
• Strong problem-solving and organizational abilities.
• Ability to manage multiple shipments and priorities in a fast-paced environment.

Responsibilities

• Manage day-to-day operational requirements of key Air & Ocean freight accounts.
• Serve as primary operational contact for assigned customers.
• Coordinate international shipments from booking through final delivery.
• Monitor shipment status, milestones, exceptions and delivery schedules.
• Collaborate with overseas offices, carriers, truckers, warehouses and brokers.
• Provide proactive updates to customers and resolve issues quickly.
• Review shipping documentation for accuracy and compliance.
• Coordinate import/export activities across Air and Ocean freight.
• Identify opportunities to improve processes and service levels.
• Maintain relationships with key customers and understand their requirements.
• Track and report on account performance and KPIs.
• Work with sales and operations to meet customer expectations.

Skills

Key account management

Customer service

Logistics coordination

Air & Ocean freight

Shipment tracking

Problem solving

Communication

Organization

CargoWise

Tools

CargoWise

Job description

Operational Key Account Manager | Elk Grove Village, IL | Salary up to $95,000 + Bonus

This is a hands-on operational role supporting and managing key customer accounts across Air and Ocean freight, ensuring shipments move efficiently while maintaining a high level of customer service.

You will act as a key point of contact for major accounts, coordinating closely with customers, overseas offices, carriers, customs brokers, warehouses and internal operations teams.

• Salary up to $90,000, depending on experience
• Bonus opportunity
• Hybrid working arrangement
• Opportunity to join an established international freight forwarding organization
• Career development and progression opportunities

Key Responsibilities

• Manage the day-to-day operational requirements of key Air & Ocean freight accounts
• Serve as the primary operational contact for assigned customers
• Coordinate international shipments from booking through final delivery
• Monitor shipment status, milestones, exceptions and delivery schedules
• Work closely with overseas offices, carriers, truckers, warehouses and customs brokers
• Resolve operational issues quickly and provide proactive updates to customers
• Review shipping documentation and ensure accuracy and compliance
• Coordinate import and export activities across Air and Ocean freight
• Identify opportunities to improve processes, service levels and operational efficiency
• Maintain strong relationships with key customers and understand their specific requirements
• Track and report on account performance, service levels and operational KPIs
• Work closely with internal sales and operations teams to ensure customer expectations are consistently met

Requirements

• 3+ years of experience within international freight forwarding
• Strong hands-on experience across Air & Ocean freight
• Previous experience managing key accounts or major customer relationships
• Strong knowledge of international import/export procedures
• Experience coordinating shipments with carriers, overseas agents, customs brokers and other service providers
• Excellent customer service and communication skills
• Strong problem-solving and organizational abilities
• Ability to manage multiple shipments and priorities in a fast-paced environment
• Experience with a freight forwarding operating system such as CargoWise is preferred