Sr Manager, Freight Operations

Job Overview:

We are seeking a highly skilled and results-driven Senior Manager of Freight Operations to oversee and optimize our global freight operations, including air, ocean, trucking, and warehousing. In this role, you will manage and streamline the movement of goods across multiple transportation modes, ensuring timely, cost-effective, and efficient operations while maintaining a high standard of service quality. You will lead a team of logistics professionals, work closely with external partners, and implement strategies to enhance operational performance and reduce costs.

Key Responsibilities:

• Freight Operations Management:
• Oversee the end-to-end management of freight operations across all modes, including air, ocean, trucking, and warehousing.
• Collaborate with internal teams such as procurement, inventory, and sales to ensure seamless coordination of logistics activities and meet customer demands.
• Develop and implement transportation strategies to optimize routes, reduce transit times, and control costs.
• Vendor & Partner Relationships:
• Establish and maintain strong relationships with freight carriers, shipping lines, air carriers, third-party logistics providers, and warehousing partners.
• Negotiate contracts, rates, and service-level agreements with external providers to ensure competitive pricing and optimal service delivery.
• Evaluate and manage vendor performance through KPIs, ensuring compliance with agreed-upon terms and quality standards.
• Team Leadership & Development:
• Lead, manage, and develop a team of freight and logistics professionals, ensuring they are motivated, well-trained, and aligned with company objectives.
• Foster a culture of continuous improvement, collaboration, and accountability within the team.
• Conduct performance evaluations, provide feedback, and identify opportunities for team development and growth.
• Freight & Warehousing Strategy:
• Design and implement freight strategies to improve efficiency, reduce costs, and enhance service delivery for both inbound and outbound shipments.
• Manage warehousing operations and ensure proper inventory control, accurate order fulfillment, and timely distribution to customers.
• Work on demand forecasting and inventory management to ensure smooth supply chain operations and avoid delays or shortages.
• Cost Management & Budgeting:
• Develop and manage budgets for freight, transportation, and warehousing operations, ensuring cost controls and adherence to financial targets.
• Analyze transportation spend and identify areas for cost reduction while maintaining high service levels.
• Provide regular reports and updates on freight costs, performance metrics, and potential improvements.
• Compliance & Risk Management:
• Ensure that freight operations comply with all relevant laws, regulations, and international trade policies, including customs and import/export laws.
• Implement risk management strategies to minimize disruptions, such as delays, damage, or loss of goods, and maintain business continuity.
• Stay updated on industry regulations and best practices and ensure the team adheres to all compliance requirements.
• Continuous Improvement & Process Optimization:
• Identify opportunities for process improvements across freight and warehousing operations and implement innovative solutions.
• Leverage technology to automate and streamline logistics processes, improve visibility, and enhance efficiency.
• Lead initiatives to improve on-time delivery, reduce freight claims, and enhance overall supply chain performance.

Qualifications:

• Education & Certifications:
• Bachelor’s degree in Logistics, Supply Chain Management, Business Administration, or a related field.
• Relevant certifications (e.g., Certified Supply Chain Professional (CSCP), International Freight Forwarding certifications) are a plus.
• Experience:
• At least 8-10 years of experience in freight management, with a minimum of 3-5 years in a senior leadership or management role overseeing air, ocean, trucking, and warehousing operations.
• Strong experience in managing multi-modal transportation, including airfreight, ocean freight, and trucking.
• Proven track record in managing relationships with external service providers and negotiating contracts and rates.
• Skills & Competencies:
• Deep understanding of freight, warehousing, and logistics operations, including transportation regulations, industry trends, and cost optimization strategies.
• Strong leadership abilities with a focus on team development, performance management, and operational excellence.
• Excellent problem-solving skills and the ability to make data-driven decisions.
• Strong analytical and organizational skills, with the ability to manage complex logistics challenges.
• Effective communication and negotiation skills, with the ability to interact with both internal teams and external stakeholders.
• Technical Skills:
• Proficiency with transportation management systems (TMS), warehouse management systems (WMS), and supply chain software.
• Strong proficiency in Microsoft Excel and data analysis tools.