Senior leadership Operations Ocean Freight

Company Description
SAR Logistics (also known as SAR Transport) is a multinational logistics and freight forwarding organization with a presence in more than four countries. With over 500 team members across 24 offices in India, the USA, and Southeast Asia, the company delivers end-to-end logistics, warehousing, and transportation solutions. SAR is recognized as one of the largest freight forwarders on the India–USA and India–Canada trade lanes, serving over 50,000 customers across diverse industries.

Backed by more than 15 years of experience, the company emphasizes innovation, customer-centric service, and transparent operations. These core values shape its culture and drive continuous improvement in global logistics performance.
Role Summary
SAR Transport is seeking a highly accomplished Head – Ocean Freight Operations to lead and oversee the complete Ocean Freight Operations function. The role will be responsible for managing and driving operational excellence across Freehand and Nomination businesses, with a strong focus on USA Export trade lanes.
The incumbent will lead the Operations, Customer Service, and Documentation teams, ensuring seamless execution, service excellence, process standardization, digital transformation, and business scalability. This position requires a strategic leader with extensive freight forwarding experience, strong commercial acumen, expertise in Logisys, and proven success in leading large operational teams.

Key Responsibilities
Strategic Leadership

● Lead and manage the overall Ocean Freight Operations function across SAR Transport.

● Develop and execute operational strategies aligned with organizational growth objectives.

● Drive operational excellence, customer satisfaction, profitability, and process efficiency.

● Ensure scalability of operations to support business expansion plans.
Ocean Freight Operations Management

● Oversee end-to-end Ocean Export and Import operations.

● Manage both Freehand and Nomination shipments across global trade lanes.

● Drive operational excellence with particular focus on USA Export business.

● Ensure timely shipment execution, documentation accuracy, compliance, and service delivery.

● Monitor operational KPIs and implement corrective actions where necessary.
Team Management & Leadership

● Lead and manage large cross-functional teams including:
○ Ocean Operations
○ Customer Service
○ Documentation

● Build a high-performance culture focused on accountability, collaboration, and customer excellence.

● Coach, mentor, and develop future leaders within the organization.

● Drive employee engagement and capability-building initiatives.
Customer & Partner Management

● Act as the senior escalation point for key customers and strategic accounts.

● Strengthen relationships with shipping lines, overseas partners, customers, and internal stakeholders.

● Collaborate with Sales and Commercial teams to enhance customer retention and business growth.

● Ensure exceptional service levels and customer satisfaction.
Process Improvement & Transformation

● Drive continuous improvement initiatives across operations.

● Lead operational transformation projects aimed at improving efficiency, visibility, and service quality.

● Standardize SOPs, workflows, and best practices across locations and teams.

● Utilize operational analytics to improve productivity and decision-making.
ERP & Technology Enablement

● Play a key leadership role in ERP implementation and process digitization initiatives.

● Leverage strong expertise in Logisys to enhance operational effectiveness.

● Partner with technology teams to automate processes and improve operational visibility.

● Ensure successful adoption of new systems and change management practices.
Compliance & Governance

● Ensure compliance with shipping regulations, customs requirements, internal SOPs, and industry standards.

● Maintain strong operational controls and governance frameworks.

● Identify and mitigate operational risks proactively.

Desired Candidate Profile
Experience

● 15+ years of experience in Freight Forwarding and Ocean Freight Operations.

● Strong expertise in handling USA Export shipments.

● Proven experience managing both Freehand and…