Ocean Imports Manager: Freight & Compliance Lead

Manager, Ocean Import Department

Location:

USA - Itasca, N Arlington Heights Rd Itasca, IL

Division:
Air & Sea

The Ocean Import Department Manager oversees the importation of goods by ocean, ensuring efficient and timely delivery while maintaining compliance with regulations. This role involves managing relationships with customers, vendors, and service providers to deliver exceptional service and enhance operational efficiency.

• Manage and oversee the importation of goods by ocean, including carrier selection, booking, and transportation.
• Collaborate with internal departments such as logistics, finance, and operations to ensure seamless service delivery.
• Build and maintain relationships with customers, vendors, and third‑party service providers to optimize cargo delivery.
• Address and resolve customer inquiries promptly to maintain satisfaction and trust.
• Ensure compliance with all relevant regulations, including customs regulations and trade laws.
• Stay updated on changes in ocean freight regulations and import controls.
• Develop and implement policies and procedures to improve efficiency and service quality.
• Identify and execute process improvements to reduce costs and enhance customer satisfaction.
• Monitor and report on key performance indicators, including cargo delivery times, costs, and service quality.
• Analyze performance data to identify trends and opportunities for improvement.

• Supervise a team of ocean import coordinators and support staff.

• Bachelor’s degree in Logistics, Supply Chain Management, or a related field is preferred.
• 5 years of experience in freight forwarding, logistics, or a related field is preferred.
• Prior experience in ocean imports and supervisory roles is highly desirable.

• Familiarity with ocean freight regulations, customs requirements, and export controls.
• Knowledge of shipping routes and schedules.

• Lead Yourself:
  Strong analytical and problem‑solving skills, with the ability to thrive in a fast‑paced environment.
• Lead Your Team:
  Excellent leadership and communication skills to manage and inspire a team.
• Lead Your Business:
  In‑depth knowledge of logistics, supply chain management, and ocean freight principles.
• Strong analytical and problem‑solving skills, with the ability to thrive in a fast‑paced environment.
• Excellent leadership and communication skills to manage and motivate a team.
• In‑depth knowledge of logistics, supply chain management, and ocean freight principles.

• Fluency in English is required.

• Proficiency in Microsoft Office Suite (Excel, Word, PowerPoint, Outlook).
• Experience with logistics and ocean cargo management systems.

• Work is generally sedentary, with no specific need for physical coordination or effort. May require physical effort associated with using the computer to access information, or occasional standing, walking, lifting needed to carry out everyday activities. Hours can be extensive as well as occasionally staggered for multi‑shift access. While performing the duties of this job, the employee uses his/her hands to finger, handle or feel objects, tools or controls;
  
  reach with hands and arms; stoop, kneel, or crouch; talk or hear. The employee uses computer and telephone equipment. Specific vision requirements of this job include close vision and distance vision. Minimal travel maybe required for this role domestically and internationally.

• While performing the duties of this job, the employee rarely is exposed to fumes or airborne particles, toxic or caustic chemicals. The noise level in the work environment is usually low to moderate. The physical demands and work environment characteristics described above are representative of those an employee encounters while performing the essential functions of this job. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions.

For this position, the expected base pay is $78,000 - $117,500 / Annually
. Actual base…