Ocean Freight Business Manager

Category Purchases, logistics and warehouse

Subcategory Distribution and logistics

Sector Logistics

Working hours Full Time

Work mode Hybrid (On-site and Remote)

Department Logistics

As a global client-centered logistics operator, Noatum Logistics provides integrated value-added solutions for the supply chain of all our clients. With a vast network of offices in 27 different countries, Noatum Logistics has onsite experts to develop and execute logistics solutions tailored to meet our client’s needs.

Renowned for its excellent service and specialized staff, the company has positioned itself as an industry leader, offering solutions to meet the needs of clients across various sectors. Our services include Air Freight, Ocean Freight, Road & Rail Freight, Customs Brokerage, Warehousing & Distribution, and Value Supply Chain services. The solutions offered are Integrated Supply Chain Solutions, 3PL for eCommerce business (eSolutions), Reefer/Cold Chain Logistics, and Project Cargo.

Noatum Logistics responds to different industry needs with in-depth knowledge and experience in defined industries, including Fashion & Retail, Industrial & Construction, High Tech & Consumer Electronics, Automotive, Food & Consumer Goods, Mining, Energy and Oil & Gas, Defense & Aerospace, and Pharma & Healthcare.

About the Role:

We are looking for an Ocean Freight Business Manager to lead the ocean team in Chicago branch. This position requires direct ownership of revenue, gross profit, and P&L performance within a freight forwarding, ocean product, trade lane, or branch environment. In this role, you will be responsible for is responsible for the end-to-end management of ocean import and export operations within an NVOCC environment, responsible for the strategic direction, operational execution, and regulatory compliance of all ocean freight service (FCL, LCL, import/export).

This role oversees the full life cycle of ocean shipments and leads cross-functional teams to deliver efficient, cost-effective, and customer-focused logistics solutions. The position serves as the subject matter expert in ocean freight operations, with accountability for driving performance, improving processes, and maintaining strong carrier and customer relationships.

Key Responsibilities:

• Own and manage the Ocean Product P&L, including revenue growth, gross profit optimization, cost management, and overall financial performance.
• Develop and execute ocean freight product strategies that align with company growth objectives.
• Manage carrier procurement, contract negotiations, allocation strategies, and strategic partnerships with ocean carriers.
• Analyze market trends, trade lane performance, and pricing dynamics to maximize profitability and competitive positioning.
• Lead customer and carrier pricing strategies, including RFPs, RFQs, contract negotiations, bid responses, and rate management.
• Collaborate with Sales, Operations, Branch Leadership, and Key Account teams to develop customized solutions for customers.
• Monitor and improve product performance through KPI analysis, forecasting, margin management, and business reviews.
• Drive new business growth while maintaining strong relationships with existing customers and carriers.
• Provide leadership and guidance on ocean freight market conditions, trade lane developments, and product opportunities.
• Ensure compliance with all applicable international trade, customs, FMC, and regulatory requirements.

What We Are Looking For:

• 8+ years of experience in ocean freight forwarding, NVOCC, ocean carrier management, or international logistics.
• Proven ability to mentor, train and develop successful team of skilled Import and Export Specialists.
• Demonstrated experience owning or directly managing a P&L, business unit, branch, product line, or trade lane.
• Previous experience working directly with customers and sales team.
• Experience managing revenue, margins, while successfully managing business growth initiatives.
• Proven success managing revenue, gross profit, margins, and business growth initiatives.
• Understanding of Ocean Freight Pricing
• Strong understanding of ocean carrier contracts, pricing…