Operations Manager

Navia; Houston (TX); On-site; USD 120,000 - 170,000; Full time

Job summary

Navia in Houston seeks an experienced Operations Manager to lead the Import, Export, and Domestic teams across air, ocean, and ground transport. You will develop policies, manage vendor and client relationships, and ensure alignment with daily operational goals.

You will drive KPI performance, mentor staff, and uphold regulatory compliance while collaborating with the Director of Operations to scale our growing freight-forwarding division.

Qualifications

• 10+ years in Ocean and Air freight forwarding with progressive roles.
• 5+ years of management experience overseeing direct reports.
• Strong knowledge of international shipping regulations and customs.
• CW1 Cargowise Certified Specialist or Professional.
• Proficiency in logistics software and Microsoft Office Suite.

Responsibilities

• Lead and manage Import, Export, and Domestic teams.
• Develop and implement operational policies aligned with company objectives.
• Manage strategic and operational plans to meet goals.
• Maintain hands-on leadership with a strong team presence.
• Ensure KPIs are met and drive continuous improvement.
• Oversee TSA/IATA compliance and regulatory requirements.
• Foster relationships with vendors and clients.

Skills

Leadership

Team management

Communication

Negotiation

Customer service

Operational execution

Cargowise CW1

Logistics software

Microsoft Office

Process improvement

Education

Bachelor's degree in international logistics

Tools

Cargowise CW1

Microsoft Office

Job description

Navia is where people, technology, and data combine. We are a fully integrated freight and logistics company delivering empowered outcomes across all aspects of the supply chain, including sea and air freight, customs clearance, and third-party logistics and e-commerce.

Our Values: Since 2003, we’ve been defined by driving innovation, delivering transparency, leading with high-performance outcomes, and empowering partnerships.

Innovation - Since Navia began, we’ve been early adopters of technology, pushing its boundaries to drive even greater efficiency. By helping our clients transform their businesses, we’re also transforming our industry for the better.

Transparency - We’ve always believed that greater clarity leads to better outcomes. That’s why Navia was founded on accountability, integrity, and loyalty. Our services and systems provide clients with full visibility, and our culture is one of total transparency.

Performance - Only people with years of on-the-ground experience can create freight-forwarding solutions that move the industry ahead. We have the leading people, processes, and high-performance technology in place to deliver consistently superior results.

Partnerships - Partnerships are at the heart of Navia. We’re a trusted team with an embedded collective spirit of going beyond the expected. By making the complex simple, we empower our clients to reach heights. With agility, efficiency, and experience, our purpose is simply this: to deliver value.

At Navia, we’re proud to offer an end-to-end supply chain that performs not only in one or two facets but across the entire process. We are a growing business looking to expand our footprint in North America and strengthen our market presence. As such, we are looking for a candidate to fulfill the role of Operations Manager.

The role of Operations Manager oversees the development and efficient operation of the growing freight-forwarding branch in Houston, offering comprehensive air, ocean, and ground transportation, project cargo, 3PL logistics services, and value-added solutions. This role requires maintaining strong business relationships locally and across the global company network with partners, vendors, and clients. The Operations Manager will lead the import, export, and domestic teams by working alongside them in a fully involved capacity, showing commitment through consistent, on-the-ground support, while also supporting our 3PL warehouse relationships. This is a true, hands-on operations role, working directly with the team to support day-to-day execution.

Reports to: Director of Operations

Key Duties and Responsibilities

Operational Execution and Leadership:

• Lead and manage high-performing local Import, Export, and Domestic teams.
• Develop and implement operational policies and procedures aligned with company and account objectives.
• Manage strategic and operational plans to meet short and long-term goals.
• Support the operations team with a highly engaged, hands-on approach, leading by example with a strong “first one in, last one out” mentality.
• Ensure operational KPIs are met, and continuous improvement initiatives are implemented.

Customer Service:

• Foster growth by cultivating current customer relationships and expanding existing business in international air/ocean freight forwarding.
• Oversee house accounts and maintain client partnerships.
• Manage local supplier/vendor contracts and resolve disputes.
• Develop partnerships with key trade-lane stakeholders and the overseas network.
• Resolve customer queries and issues promptly.

Team Management and Development:

• Recruit, hire, train, and maintain staffing.
• Provide operational leadership and employ performance management techniques.
• Foster a productive culture and growth-oriented office environment.
• Drive financial performance, including revenue, gross profit, and operating expenses.
• Support house account A/R resolution, new account set-up, and ensure timely billing as per KPI.
• Prepare timely and accurate management reports as required.

Facilities and Compliance:

• Maintain a safe, organized, and professional office environment.
• Maintain TSA/IATA compliance execution per the Compliance Director's guidance.
• Ensure compliance with operational standards, regulatory requirements, and company policies.
• 10 + years of experience in the Ocean and Air freight forwarding industry with demonstrated progressive role advancement.
• 5+ years of management experience overseeing direct reports.
• Strong knowledge of international shipping regulations, logistics, and customs procedures.
• Experience with project cargo, breakbulk freight, overdimensional (OD) freight, and out-of-gauge (OOG) solutions.
• Excellent communication, negotiation, and customer service skills.
• Ability to work under pressure when needed and meet deadlines.
• CW1 Cargowise Certified Specialist or Professional
• Proficiency in logistics software and Microsoft Office Suite

Preferred Requirements:

• Project experience in Oil and Gas and Solar verticals.
• Bachelor's degree in international logistics or a related field.
• Strong understanding of regulatory trade compliance and customs regulations
• Proficiency with Warehouse Management systems (WMS).

Physical Requirements

• The job is typically performed indoors in a traditional office setting. Activities include extended periods of sitting while working at a computer and occasional fast-paced operations and events.
• The employee is occasionally required to stand, walk, sit, and reach with hands and arms.
• Specific vision abilities required by this position include close vision, distance vision, and the ability to adjust focus.
• Ability to communicate orally with customers, vendors, management, and co-workers. Regular use of the telephone, virtual meetings, and e-mail for communication. Hearing, vision, and speaking within normal ranges are essential for normal conversations, receiving ordinary information, and preparing or inspecting documents.
• Good manual dexterity for operating common office equipment, such as computers, calculators, and copiers.
• While performing the duties of this job, the employee is regularly required to sit; use hands to grasp, handle, or feel; and operate a computer keyboard, mouse, and telephone keypad.