Operations Supervisor

Operations Supervisor (Freight Forwarding)

Location: Brea, CA

Work Arrangement: Full-Time, Onsite

A growing international freight forwarding and logistics company is seeking an experienced Operations Supervisor to oversee import operations while remaining actively involved in the day-to-day shipment process. This is a hands-on leadership role for someone with deep freight forwarding experience who enjoys coaching a small team while ensuring excellent customer service and operational execution.

• 401(k): 100% match on the first 3%, plus 50% match on the next 1%
• Company-paid Life Insurance
• Paid Time Off begins immediately after the probationary period
• Stable and growing international freight forwarding company
• Opportunity to lead while staying involved in daily operations

This is not a high-level management role. We're looking for a freight forwarding professional with at least 10 years of industry experience who enjoys staying close to the daily operation while providing guidance to a small team. Candidates will be evaluated during the interview to determine whether they are the right fit for the Operations Supervisor role.

• Pre-Alert: Receive pre-alert from overseas agent, verify shipment details against booking (BL, invoice, packing list, container/seal numbers), flag discrepancies immediately, update shipment info in GoFreight; most data should flow through the EDI feed.
• Arrival Notice: Track vessel schedule, prepare and send arrival notice to customer with accurate ETA, charges, and required documents; confirm the customer has everything needed for clearance.
• Customs Clearance Follow-Up: Monitor clearance status daily, resolve holds (exam, missing docs, ISF issues), keep customer updated on delays.
• Door Delivery: Arrange trucking/drayage after clearance, confirm delivery appointment, track through completion, obtain POD, resolve delivery exceptions (chassis shortage, detention, storage, demurrage).
• File Closing: Confirm accurate/timely billing and that all documents and POD are complete before closing the file.

• Monitor teammates' open files daily to catch issues early.
• Monitor pre-alerts, arrival notices, and delivery follow-ups are done on time and correctly.
• Train teammates on process and problem-solving as needed.
• Give feedback and correct mistakes early.
• Monitor and rebalance workload between the 2 teammates.
• Report recurring issues or performance concerns to management.
• Main point of contact for customers on escalated, complex, or complaint shipments.
• Coordinate well with trucking companies, customs brokers, and warehouses.
• Handle exceptions including rerouted cargo, damaged cargo, documentation errors, and missed delivery windows.

• Provide regular updates to management on team performance and open issues.
• Flag anything needing management's decision early, not after it becomes urgent.
• This is hands-on operational work, not just office coordination. The Operations Supervisor is expected to remain actively involved in the day-to-day operation while coaching and supporting a small team.

• Minimum 10 years of freight forwarding / NVOCC industry experience required.
• Strong import ocean freight operations experience from pre-alert through final delivery and file closing.
• Previous experience leading, mentoring, or supervising a small team is preferred.
• Hands-on problem solver with excellent organizational and follow-up skills.
• Experience using GoFreight or similar freight forwarding software preferred.
• Bilingual Mandarin is highly preferred.
• Ability to work on-site Monday through Friday.

• 100% employer-paid Medical, Dental, and Vision coverage
• 401(k) with company matching: 100% match on the first 3%; 50% match up to 4%
• Life insurance
• Paid Time Off (PTO) eligibility upon completion of probation; 10 PTO days annually, with additional accrual based on tenure