Import/Export Freight Manager

Job Title: Import/Export Freight Manager

Location: Remote – U.S. – Work From Home

Job Type: Full-time

Our Client:

Our client is a well-established freight forwarding company offering 3rd party integrated logistics to international customers and is looking to expand its U.S. direct brokerage presence. The company is highly customer-centric with strong customer service values.

Job Overview:

Our client seeks an experienced Import/Export Freight Manager to oversee and manage international freight operations. The ideal candidate will be responsible for handling import and export shipments, ensuring compliance with customs regulations, optimizing logistics processes, and maintaining strong relationships with clients, carriers, and government authorities. This individual must have well-developed experience in ocean and trucking carrier selection and relationship management. This full-time opportunity is best suited for a leader with an entrepreneurial spirit and a growth mindset, who is comfortable in a startup environment taking on a broad range of responsibilities. This role will start in a fully remote work from home setting during the first year, with significant opportunity for career progression depending on business growth combined with associated skills, experience and desire for additional leadership responsibilities.

Key Responsibilities:

• Manage and oversee all aspects of import and export freight operations, including ocean, land and air shipments.
• Ensure compliance with international trade regulations, customs clearance procedures, and documentation requirements.
• Coordinate with shipping lines, airlines, trucking companies, and customs brokers for smooth cargo movement.
• Negotiate contracts and freight rates with carriers to achieve cost-effective shipping solutions.
• Monitor shipments, track deliveries, and proactively resolve any transportation or customs-related issues.
• Ensure accurate and timely preparation of import/export documentation, including bills of lading, invoices, packing lists, and certificates of origin.
• Stay up to date with changes in trade policies, tariffs, and international shipping laws.
• Develop and maintain strong relationships with clients, vendors, and regulatory authorities.
• Optimize supply chain and logistics strategies to improve efficiency and reduce costs.
• Train and supervise freight forwarding staff, ensuring adherence to best practices and company policies.

Requirements & Qualifications:

• Bachelor’s degree in Logistics, Supply Chain Management, International Business, or a related field is an asset.
• Minimum 5 years of experience in freight forwarding, logistics, or import/export operations; experience must include a minimum of 3 years of ocean transportation experience as an intermediary in the U.S.
• Strong knowledge of international shipping regulations, customs procedures, and trade compliance.
• Experience in handling freight documentation, customs clearance, and tariff classifications.
• Excellent negotiation and vendor management skills, with existing network/knowledge of regional and local carriers.
• Familiarity with relevant freight forwarding platforms and systems.
• Proficiency in logistics management software and Microsoft Office Suite.
• Strong problem-solving, communication, and organizational skills.
• Ability to work under pressure and manage multiple shipments simultaneously.
• Knowledge of Incoterms, HS codes, and freight cost optimization strategies.
• Entrepreneurship, business development and carrier relationship management skills are highly valued.

Preferred Qualifications:

• Prior experience managing a team within a freight forwarding company.
• Familiarity with import/export laws of specific regions (e.g., US, EU, Asia).

What’s on Offer:

• Competitive salary and performance-based incentives.
• Opportunities for career growth and professional development.
• A dynamic and fast-paced work environment.