Sea Freight Manager- Cruise Logistics & Perishables

Apollo Freight; Town of Florida (NY); On-site; USD 90,000 - 110,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Competitive pay & benefits

Career growth

Perishable logistics focus

Job summary

Apollo Freight in the United States is seeking a Sea Freight Manager to lead all sea freight operations from Doral, FL, with a focus on perishable and temperature-controlled cargo tied to cruise provisioning. You will guide the ocean freight team, ensure cold chain integrity, and manage planning, booking, and delivery to vessel schedules.

The role requires strong leadership, extensive maritime logistics experience, and collaboration with shippers, lines, ports, and internal teams to maintain

Qualifications

• Bachelor’s degree in Business, Logistics, Supply Chain Management, or related field.
• 5–7 years of freight forwarding or international logistics experience.
• Expertise in maritime freight and perishable/temperature-controlled cargo.
• Experience with reefer containers and cold chain management.
• Strong network with major shipping lines, port operators, and terminals.
• Leadership of logistics or operations teams in high-pressure environments.
• Fluent English; Spanish is a strong advantage.
• Strong organizational, problem-solving, and negotiation skills.
• Proficiency in logistics management systems and MS Office.

Responsibilities

• Oversee sea freight operations for on-time shipments.
• Supervise ocean freight team and provide coaching.
• Coordinate reefer container planning and temperature control.
• Maintain cold chain compliance from booking to delivery.
• Collaborate with carriers, ports, maritime agents, and trucking.
• Monitor vessel schedules and transit times to prevent delays.
• Ensure compliance with international shipping regulations and standards.
• Develop procedures to improve efficiency and cargo integrity.
• Build relationships with shipping lines, ports, partners and clients.
• Identify new opportunities in perishable and cruise provisioning.
• Assist commercial team with pricing strategies and negotiations.
• Report on performance, cargo volumes, and department results.

Skills

Freight forwarding experience

International logistics

Leadership of logistics teams

English proficiency

Problem-solving

Negotiation skills

Communication skills

Organizational skills

Education

Bachelor’s degree in Business, Logistics, Supply Chain Management, or related field

Tools

Logistics management systems

Microsoft Office

Job description

Job Details
Job Location: Apollo Freight MIA - Doral, FL 33178
Position Type: Full Time
Salary Range: $90,000.00 - $110,000.00 per year

The Sea Freight Manager will oversee and manage all sea freight operations with a strong focus on perishable, temperature-controlled cargo and commercial cruise line provisioning. This role is responsible for leading the ocean freight team, ensuring the efficient planning, booking, monitoring, and delivery of refrigerated, sensitive, and time-critical marine cargo shipments. The manager will ensure strict compliance with cold chain requirements, carrier regulations, and international logistics standards while maintaining high service levels for customers.

The role also includes business development responsibilities, with an emphasis on expanding the company’s presence in the perishable logistics and cruise line supply chain sectors. The Sea Freight Manager will work closely with customers, shipping lines, port operators, ship chandlers, and internal operations teams to guarantee proper cargo handling, temperature integrity, and flawless on-time performance tied to vessel departure schedules.

Key Responsibilities

• Manage and oversee all sea freight operations, ensuring shipments are executed accurately, efficiently, and on schedule in alignment with cruise port timelines.
• Supervise, train, and support the ocean freight team including operations staff, documentation specialists, and account managers.
• Ensure proper planning and coordination of reefer containers, temperature-controlled shipments, and vessel provisioning orders.
• Maintain strict cold chain compliance throughout the entire logistics process, including booking, transit, and final delivery at the port of call.
• Coordinate closely with carriers, terminals, maritime agents, and trucking providers to ensure correct handling of perishable cargo.
• Monitor vessel schedules, transit times, and shipment milestones to prevent delays, temperature deviations, and missed sailings.
• Ensure compliance with international shipping regulations, customs requirements, and industry standards related to ocean freight, refrigerated cargo, and maritime logistics.
• Develop and implement operational procedures to improve efficiency, reduce errors, and protect cargo integrity under tight just-in-time (JIT) schedules.
• Build, maintain, and leverage strong, existing relationships with shipping lines, port authorities, partners, and key clients within the cruise industry.
• Identify and pursue new business opportunities in industries such as seafood, fresh produce, frozen foods, pharmaceuticals, and commercial cruise provisioning.
• Support the commercial team with pricing strategies, carrier negotiations, and service solutions for temperature-controlled and marine cargo.
• Monitor key performance indicators including transit times, claims, service levels, and customer satisfaction.
• Prepare regular reports on operational performance, cargo volumes, and department results.

Qualifications

• Bachelor’s degree in Business, Logistics, Supply Chain Management, or a related field.
• 5–7 years of experience in freight forwarding or international logistics, with a proven track record and longevity within the commercial cruise line industry (e.g., cruise supply chain, marine procurement, or cruise logistics).
• Deep expertise in maritime freight and demonstrated experience managing perishable or temperature-controlled cargo logistics.
• Experience working with reefer containers, cold chain management, and carrier coordination under tight vessel departure constraints.
• Well-connected within the maritime sector, with established relationships among major shipping lines, port operators, and terminal networks.
• Proven leadership experience managing logistics or operations teams in high-pressure environments.
• Strong understanding of international shipping procedures, documentation, and customs processes.
• Proficiency in English (written and spoken). Spanish is considered a strong advantage to manage regional port operations.
• Excellent organizational, problem-solving, and decision-making skills.
• Strong communication and negotiation skills with both clients and carriers.
• Proficiency in logistics management systems and Microsoft Office applications.

Benefits

• Competitive salary and benefits package.
• Opportunities for professional growth within a dynamic and expanding logistics company.
• Work with a specialized team focused on perishable and temperature controlled supply chains.