Air and Ocean Export Supervisor

Air & Ocean Export Operations Supervisor

Location: Chicago, IL (O'Hare / ORD Area)

Salary: $70,000 – $95,000 + Benefits

A growing international freight forwarding and logistics provider is seeking an experienced Air & Ocean Export Operations Supervisor to join its Chicago operations team. This is an excellent opportunity for a hands‑on freight forwarding professional looking to step into a leadership position with clear progression opportunities.

The successful candidate will initially supervise a small export operations team, including direct responsibility for one team member, while playing a key role in building, developing, and expanding the department as the business continues to grow. This position offers the opportunity to shape processes, mentor talent, and contribute to the long‑term success of a rapidly growing freight forwarding organization.

• Oversee daily Air & Ocean Export operations, ensuring shipments are handled efficiently, accurately, and in compliance with customer requirements and international regulations.
• Directly supervise and mentor one export operations team member, providing coaching, support, and performance management.
• Play a key role in the recruitment, development, and growth of the export operations team as the business expands.
• Deliver exceptional customer service through proactive communication, problem‑solving, and effective management of customer expectations.
• Manage the full export process from booking through final delivery, ensuring operational excellence at every stage.
• Collaborate closely with sales, accounting, customs, and compliance teams to deliver seamless customer solutions.
• Build and maintain strong relationships with airlines, ocean carriers, overseas agents, trucking providers, and logistics partners.
• Support pricing activities and assist in developing competitive logistics solutions for customers.
• Monitor operational KPIs, identify opportunities for improvement, and implement best practices to enhance efficiency and service levels.
• Develop, maintain, and improve standard operating procedures (SOPs) to support future team growth and scalability.
• Ensure all export activities comply with company policies, regulatory requirements, and industry standards.
• Foster a positive, accountable, and high‑performance culture focused on continuous improvement and customer satisfaction.

• Minimum 5 years of experience within international freight forwarding, logistics, or transportation.
• Strong hands‑on experience managing Air & Ocean Export shipments from A‑Z.
• Previous supervisory, team lead, or mentoring experience preferred.
• Demonstrated ability to develop people, improve processes, and support team growth.
• Solid understanding of international shipping processes, export documentation, customs requirements, and trade compliance.
• Strong customer service and stakeholder management skills.
• Ability to prioritize multiple shipments, deadlines, and operational requirements in a fast‑paced environment.
• Excellent organizational, analytical, and problem‑solving abilities.
• Proficiency with freight forwarding systems and Microsoft Office applications.

• Bachelor's degree in Business, Supply Chain, Logistics, or a related field preferred.
• Experience with KPI reporting, operational performance management, and continuous improvement initiatives.
• Commercial awareness with the ability to support profitability, pricing, and customer retention objectives.
• Experience helping build or scale operational teams within a freight forwarding environment.
• Career Development & Leadership Growth Opportunities
• Opportunity to Build and Develop a Growing Operations Team
• Stable and Expanding Freight Forwarding Organization
• Collaborative and Supportive Team Environment