Operations Supervisor/Operations Manager

Ajulia Executive Search; Chicago (IL); On-site; USD 77,000 - 104,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Medical Insurance

Dental Insurance

Vision Insurance

401(K) with Company Match

Paid Time Off

Paid Holidays

Career Advancement Opportunities

Professional Development Opportunities

Growth Within a Global Logistics Org

Job summary

Ajulia Executive Search is recruiting an Operations Supervisor/Operations Manager to oversee multimodal freight forwarding operations in Chicago. You will lead a team of Operations Specialists and drive efficiency across Air, Ocean, and Rail imports/exports.

This role emphasizes regulatory compliance, shipment execution, performance metrics, and cross-functional collaboration with warehousing, transportation, and customer service teams.

Qualifications

• Minimum 3 years of Freight Forwarding Operations experience.
• Minimum 2 years of supervisory or management experience in logistics or freight forwarding.
• Strong knowledge of Air, Ocean, and Rail Import & Export operations.
• Experience with freight forwarding documentation, customs compliance, and international transportation procedures.

Responsibilities

• Supervise and lead Freight Forwarding Operations Specialists and logistics personnel.
• Oversee Air, Ocean, and Rail Import & Export shipment operations.
• Manage workflow priorities to ensure timely shipment processing and documentation completion.
• Monitor operational performance and implement process improvement initiatives.
• Serve as a subject matter expert for freight forwarding operations and issue resolution.
• Ensure compliance with TSA, CBP, FMC, and international transportation regulations.
• Oversee preparation and processing of HAWB, MAWB, Bills of Lading, customs documentation, invoicing, and shipping records.
• Coordinate with airlines, steamship lines, rail carriers, trucking companies, customs brokers, and logistics partners.
• Partner with warehouse, transportation, customer service, and logistics teams to ensure efficient shipment execution.
• Train, coach, mentor, and develop operations personnel.
• Support succession planning, employee development, and performance management initiatives.
• Prepare operational reports, shipment analysis, KPI reporting, and management updates.
• Maintain high levels of customer service, shipment visibility, and operational accuracy.
• Drive accountability, operational excellence, and continuous improvement initiatives.

Skills

Leadership

Communication

Team Building

Problem-solving

Microsoft Office

Education

High School Diploma

Bachelor's degree in Logistics/Business (preferred)

Tools

Go Freight

CargoWise

Job description

Are you ready to lead freight forwarding operations within a growing international logistics organization? This opportunity as an Operations Supervisor/Operations Manager offers competitive compensation, strong benefits, and career growth while overseeing multimodal transportation operations, team leadership, and operational performance. Does this position align with your experience in freight forwarding, import/export operations, logistics management, and team leadership? Then this role could be the right fit for you.

Summary

The Operations Supervisor/Operations Manager will oversee daily freight forwarding operations across Air, Ocean, and Rail Import & Export services while leading a team of Operations Specialists. This role is responsible for operational efficiency, shipment execution, regulatory compliance, customer satisfaction, employee development, and continuous improvement initiatives within a fast‑paced international logistics environment.

As an Operations Supervisor/Operations Manager, You Will:

• Supervise and lead Freight Forwarding Operations Specialists and logistics personnel.
• Oversee Air, Ocean, and Rail Import & Export shipment operations.
• Manage workflow priorities to ensure timely shipment processing and documentation completion.
• Monitor operational performance and implement process improvement initiatives.
• Serve as a subject matter expert for freight forwarding operations and issue resolution.
• Ensure compliance with TSA, CBP, FMC, and international transportation regulations.
• Oversee preparation and processing of HAWB, MAWB, Bills of Lading, customs documentation, invoicing, and shipping records.
• Coordinate with airlines, steamship lines, rail carriers, trucking companies, customs brokers, and logistics partners.
• Partner with warehouse, transportation, customer service, and logistics teams to ensure efficient shipment execution.
• Train, coach, mentor, and develop operations personnel.
• Support succession planning, employee development, and performance management initiatives.
• Prepare operational reports, shipment analysis, KPI reporting, and management updates.
• Maintain high levels of customer service, shipment visibility, and operational accuracy.
• Drive accountability, operational excellence, and continuous improvement initiatives.

Qualifications:

• High School Diploma or GED required.
• Bachelor's degree in Logistics, Supply Chain, Business, or related field preferred.
• Minimum 3 years of Freight Forwarding Operations experience required.
• Minimum 2 years of supervisory or management experience within logistics or freight forwarding required.
• Strong knowledge of Air, Ocean, and Rail Import & Export operations.
• Experience with freight forwarding documentation, customs compliance, and international transportation procedures.
• Experience coordinating carriers, customs brokers, vendors, and logistics providers.
• Proven leadership, coaching, and employee development experience.
• Strong problem‑solving, communication, and organizational skills.
• Proficiency with Microsoft Office including Excel, Outlook, Word, and PowerPoint.
• Experience with Go Freight, CargoWise, or other freight forwarding software preferred.
• Bilingual Chinese and English skills preferred but not required.

Benefits:

• Medical Insurance
• Dental Insurance
• Vision Insurance
• 401(K) with Company Match
• Paid Time Off
• Paid Holidays
• Career Advancement Opportunities
• Professional Development Opportunities
• Growth Within a Global Logistics Organization

Salary: $90K