Ocean Export Manager

Scan Global Logistics is a leading freight forwarding company, specializing in providing comprehensive logistics solutions to clients across various industries. At the core of our DNA is a ‘can-do-attitude’ and the willingness to always walk the extra mile to find the right logistic solution whether by road, rail, ocean, air or any other modes of transportation. Our culture is based on our four virtues: respect, integrity, entrepreneurship and fun.

This is a direct hire, full-time, on-site position based in Franklin Park, IL.

Position Overview:

SGL is seeking an experienced and results-driven Ocean Export Manager to oversee and manage all aspects of international ocean export operations. This role is responsible for leading the Ocean Export team, ensuring efficient and compliant shipment execution, maintaining strong customer and carrier relationships, and driving operational performance and profitability. The Ocean Export Manager will provide strategic and operational direction, oversee daily department activities, resolve escalated issues, and implement process improvements to ensure high-quality service delivery. The ideal candidate will possess extensive ocean export freight forwarding experience, strong leadership capabilities, and a thorough understanding of international shipping regulations and export compliance requirements.

Job Duties and Responsibilities:

• Manage and oversee all ocean export operations, ensuring the timely, accurate, and cost-effective movement of shipments from origin through final destination.
• Lead, mentor, and develop the Ocean Export team by providing training, guidance, performance feedback, and ongoing support.
• Oversee daily operational activities, workload distribution, staffing requirements, and departmental priorities to ensure productivity and service efficiency.
• Serve as the primary escalation point for operational challenges, shipment delays, documentation discrepancies, and customer service concerns.
• Ensure compliance with applicable U.S. Customs requirements, Federal Maritime Commission (FMC) regulations, export controls, Export Administration Regulations (EAR), and other applicable international trade requirements.
• Oversee the preparation, review, and timely submission of export documentation, including Bills of Lading, shipping instructions, commercial invoices, certificates of origin, Electronic Export Information (EEI), and Automated Export System (AES) filings, as applicable.
• Ensure proper coordination of the complete ocean export process, including booking arrangements, cargo pickup, inland transportation, container management, vessel departures, pre-alerts, and shipment tracking.
• Develop and maintain strong working relationships with ocean carriers, NVOCCs, overseas agents, customs brokers, trucking companies, warehouses, customers, and other service providers.
• Negotiate and evaluate ocean freight rates, carrier agreements, and vendor services to secure competitive pricing, improve service levels, and maximize departmental profitability.
• Monitor shipment performance, operational workflows, and key performance indicators (KPIs) to identify service gaps and ensure compliance with customer requirements and established service standards.
• Collaborate with Sales and Business Development teams to support new business opportunities, develop competitive ocean export solutions, provide pricing support, and strengthen existing customer relationships.
• Oversee customer-specific requirements, service agreements, and Standard Operating Procedures (SOPs) to ensure consistent and accurate execution of export shipments.
• Analyze departmental performance, identify operational inefficiencies, and implement process improvements to reduce costs, increase productivity, and enhance service quality.
• Ensure accurate and timely shipment updates, documentation, and operational records within transportation management systems and other internal platforms.
• Coordinate with internal departments, including customs brokerage, transportation, warehousing, and accounting, to ensure seamless shipment execution and timely resolution of operational matters.
• Oversee the proper handling of specialized cargo, including bonded freight, hazardous materials, and other regulated shipments, ensuring applicable documentation and handling requirements are met.
• Ensure timely and accurate invoicing, review operational costs, and identify opportunities to improve revenue, control expenses, and minimize financial discrepancies.
• Promote a culture of accountability, compliance, customer satisfaction, teamwork, and continuous improvement throughout the department.
• Perform other duties and responsibilities as assigned by management.

Qualifications

• Minimum 5 years of experience in ocean export freight forwarding operations.
• Minimum 2–3 years of supervisory or management experience within freight forwarding, logistics, or supply chain operations.
• Strong knowledge of the end-to-end ocean export process, international shipping practices, carrier booking procedures, documentation, and export compliance requirements.
• Comprehensive understanding of U.S. export regulations, including AES/EEI filing requirements, FMC regulations, U.S. Customs requirements, and other applicable government agency regulations.
• Experience working with ocean carriers, NVOCCs, overseas agents, customs brokers, trucking providers, and other logistics service providers.
• Knowledge of bonded freight, cargo handling, and applicable regulatory requirements for specialized shipments.
• Proven leadership, team management, and employee development capabilities.
• Strong customer service, communication, negotiation, and relationship management skills.
• Excellent organizational, analytical, and problem-solving abilities with strong attention to detail.
• Ability to manage competing priorities, resolve escalated issues, and make effective operational decisions in a fast-paced environment.
• Proficiency in Microsoft Office Suite, particularly Excel, and freight forwarding/logistics management systems.
• Bachelor's degree in Logistics, Supply Chain Management, Business Administration, or a related field preferred.

Physical Requirement:

Work authorization/security clearance requirements:

• Must be eligible to work in the United States
• Must pass TSA eligibility screening

Job Types: Full Time

Salary: $90,000 - $120,000 Annually

Expected hours: 40 per week

Work Location: On-site

Benefits:

• 401(k)
• Health Insurance
• Dental insurance
• Vision Insurance
• Employee assistance program
• Health Savings Account (HSA)
• Life insurance
• Short Term Disability Insurance
• Long Term Disability Insurance 
• Paid Time Off
• Tuition Reimbursement