Operations Manager

Approved-Freight-Forwarders; California; On-site; USD 120,000 - 170,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Medical insurance

Dental insurance

401(k) with match

Paid time off

Team celebrations

Flexible Spending Accounts

Employee Assistance Program

Yearly performance reviews

Job summary

Approved Freight Forwarders in City of Industry, CA is seeking an experienced Operations leader to oversee warehouse, freight forwarding, and 3PL activities. You will manage day-to-day operations, ensure on-time shipments, and drive efficiency across inbound/outbound, cross-dock, and distribution.

The role requires 7+ years in logistics leadership, strong budgeting and data analytics, and a track record of building high-performing teams.

Qualifications

• 7+ years of progressive leadership in freight forwarding or 3PL.
• Minimum 5 years managing supervisors and multiple operational departments.
• Strong knowledge of domestic and freight forwarding.
• Experience with ocean, air, drayage, intermodal, LTL/FTL, and distribution.
• Working knowledge of import/export documentation and customs compliance.
• Transportation Management Systems (TMS), Warehouse Management Systems (WMS), and MS Office.
• Strong analytical, financial, and operational planning skills.
• Proven ability to lead change and build high-performing teams.

Responsibilities

• Oversee day-to-day warehouse, freight forwarding, and 3PL operations.
• Manage inbound, outbound, consolidation, cross-dock, and distribution.
• Develop SOPs and WI's to standardize operations.
• Lead daily operational meetings and set performance expectations.
• Monitor budgets and control costs while driving profitability.
• Coach and develop supervisors and operations staff.

Skills

Strategic leadership

Operations planning

Budgeting & cost control

Cross-functional leadership

Change management

Team development

Education

Bachelor's degree in Logistics / Supply Chain / Business

Tools

TMS

WMS

MS Office

Job description

City of Industry Office, City of Industry, CA 91746, USA

Description

On Site, M-F, Full Time

About Us

Approved Freight Forwarders has been connecting Hawaii, Guam, California, and global markets since 1991. As a Top 100 3PL provider and part of The DeWitt Companies family of businesses, we deliver comprehensive freight forwarding, logistics, warehousing, and transportation solutions for commercial, military, and residential customers.

With terminals on all four major Hawaiian Islands, over 300,000 square feet of warehouse space, and a team of experienced logistics professionals, we provide customized shipping solutions by air, ocean, and ground. Our commitment to exceptional service, reliability, and communication helps ensure every shipment arrives safely and on time.

Operational Leadership

• Manage all day-to-day warehouse, freight forwarding, and 3PL operations.
• Oversee inbound, outbound, consolidation and deconsolidation services, cross-dock, transloading, pick & pack, storage, and distribution activities.
• Ensure all customer shipments are processed accurately and shipped on time.
• Establish daily operational priorities while balancing labor, equipment, and customer demands.
• Develop and maintain Standard Operating Procedures (SOPs) and Work Instructions (WI’s) to standardize operations across departments.
• Lead daily operational meetings and communicate performance expectations.
• Manage consolidation shipments via ocean, truckload (FTL), LTL, drayage, and intermodal transportation.
• Coordinate Hawaii and island shipments while ensuring all documentation is complete and accurate.
• Oversee shipment planning, booking, routing, cargo visibility, and exception management.
• Build and maintain relationships with steamship lines, trucking companies
• Monitor service failures and implement corrective actions to prevent recurrence.

Warehouse & 3PL Operations

• Oversee receiving, inventory control, put-away, replenishment, order fulfillment, staging, shipping, and cycle counting.
• Maintain inventory accuracy through routine audits and inventory reconciliation.
• Optimize warehouse space utilization and improve operational flow.
• Ensure proper handling of customer inventory and value-added services.
• Support new customer implementations and operational start-ups.

Systems & Technology

• Utilize Warehouse Management Systems (WMS), RF scanning technology, and transportation systems to maximize efficiency.
• Ensure operational data integrity within a WMS.
• Partner with IT and leadership to implement automation and technology improvements.
• Develop operational dashboards and KPI reporting.

Financial & Performance Management

• Manage labor scheduling to meet productivity goals while controlling costs.
• Monitor departmental budgets and operational expenses.
• Improve profitability through process improvements and waste reduction.
• Ensure billing accuracy and timely completion of operational transactions.
• Identify opportunities to increase revenue through operational efficiencies and value-added services.

Leadership & Employee Development

• Lead, coach, mentor, and develop supervisors, team leads, and operations personnel.
• Conduct performance evaluations and establish employee development plans.
• Create accountability through measurable performance metrics.
• Support hiring, onboarding, succession planning, and employee engagement initiatives.
• Foster a culture centered around teamwork, accountability, customer service, and continuous improvement.

Customer Experience

• Serve as the operational point of contact for key customer accounts.
• Participate in customer business reviews and operational meetings.
• Resolve service issues and customer escalations with urgency.
• Partner with Sales and Business Development to support customer growth opportunities.

Safety & Compliance

• Ensure compliance with OSHA, TSA, Hazmat, and company policies.
• Promote a proactive safety culture through regular inspections, audits, and employee training.
• Investigate incidents and implement corrective actions.
• Maintain warehouse security and inventory integrity.

Qualifications

• 7+ years of progressive leadership experience in freight forwarding, warehouse operations, or third-party logistics (3PL).
• Minimum of 5 years managing supervisors and multiple operational departments.
• Strong understanding of domestic and freight forwarding.
• Experience with ocean, air freight, drayage, intermodal, LTL, FTL, and distribution operations.
• Working knowledge of import/export documentation and customs compliance.
• Transportation Management Systems (TMS), Warehouse Management Systems (WMS), and Microsoft Office Suite.
• Strong analytical, financial, and operational planning skills.
• Proven ability to lead change and build high-performing teams.

Preferred Qualifications

• OSHA 30 certification.
• Custom
• TSA certification

Physical Requirements

• Must be able to lift up to 15lbs at times
• Prolonged periods of sitting at a desk and typing on a computer
• Medical and Dental Insurance
• Vision
• 401(k) with Match
• Paid Time Off
• Monthly Team Celebrations
• Flexible Spending Accounts (FSA) and Supplemental Benefits
• Employee Assistance Program (EAP)
• Yearly performance reviews

Equal Opportunity Employer: Women/Veterans/Minorities/Disabled

Equal Opportunity Employer/Protected Veterans/Individuals with Disabilities

This employer is required to notify all applicants of their rights pursuant to federal employment laws. For further information, please review the Know Your Rights notice from the Department of Labor.