Operational Key Account Manager

People Freight | Freight Forwarding & Logistics Recruitment Specialists; Roselle (IL); Hybrid; USD 90,000 - 110,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Salary up to 100k

Bonus opportunity

Hybrid work arrangement

Opportunity to join an established org

Career development and progression

Job summary

People Freight | Freight Forwarding & Logistics Recruitment Specialists in Roselle, IL is seeking an Operational Key Account Manager. This hands-on role manages key Air & Ocean freight accounts, coordinating with customers, overseas offices, carriers, customs brokers and warehouses.

You will be the primary operational contact, monitor shipments from booking through delivery, resolve issues, ensure documentation accuracy and report on KPIs.

Qualifications

• 3+ years in international freight forwarding.
• Strong hands-on Air & Ocean freight experience.
• Experience managing key accounts or major customers.
• Knowledge of international import/export procedures.
• Experience coordinating shipments with carriers and brokers.
• Excellent customer service and communications.
• Strong problem-solving and organization skills.
• Able to manage multiple shipments in a fast-paced environment.
• CargoWise or similar system experience preferred.

Responsibilities

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

Skills

Key account management

Air & Ocean freight knowledge

Customer service

CargoWise

Tools

CargoWise

Job description

Operational Key Account Manager | Roselle, IL | Hybrid working arrangement

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 $100,000, 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