Director of Freight Operations


Job description:

Ocean/Air Freight Operations Director Los Angeles or Houston:

Are you a Freight Operations Directorwith deep expertise in ocean freight, air freight, and global logistics management? We are seeking a seasoned leader to join our growing international freight forwarding team. As the Ocean/Air Freight Operations Director, you will oversee U.S. operations across Los Angeles (LA), El Paso (ELP), and Houston (HOU), leading a team of 1520 professionals while collaborating closely with global leadership in China. This strategic position drives operational excellence, supply chain optimization, and customer satisfaction.

If you thrive in a fast-paced logistics and freight forwarding environment, this is your opportunity to lead with impact and shape the future of our North American operations.

Key Responsibilities Freight Operations Director

Strategic Leadership

  • Develop and execute short-term and long-term strategies aligned with global freight forwarding objectives.
  • Optimize transportation models, load consolidation, and carrier partnershipsto maximize profitability.
  • Collaborate with global leadership to align U.S. operations with international standards.

Operational Excellence in Logistics

  • Implement and monitor KPIs for freight forwarding performance.
  • Oversee TMS (Transportation Management Systems)and logistics software (Cargowise preferred).
  • Standardize SOPsto ensure compliance, quality, and efficiency.
  • Reduce transit times, cut costs, and improve end-to-end supply chain visibility.

Customer Success & Satisfaction

  • Partner with sales teams to meet client expectations for international shipping and freight forwarding services.
  • Ensure timely, accurate cargo delivery across ocean freight, air freight, and inland trucking.
  • Proactively address customer issues while driving continuous improvement in client service.

Risk & Compliance Management

  • Identify and mitigate freight network risks, customs compliance challenges, and transportation disruptions.
  • Build contingency plans to safeguard cargo movement across global trade lanes.
  • Ensure adherence to international freight regulations, safety standards, and industry best practices.

Qualifications:

Must-Have:

  • Bachelors degree in Supply Chain Management, Logistics, or Business Administration(Masters preferred).
  • 20+ years freight operations and logistics management experience, with at least 10 years in leadership across multiple locations.
  • Proven expertise in ocean freight, air freight, inland trucking, and freight forwarding operations.
  • Strong skills in carrier negotiations, route optimization, and freight cost management.
  • Proficiency with logistics technology, TMS, and Cargowise.
  • Exceptional leadership, communication, and decision-making abilities.
  • Deep knowledge of regulatory compliance and international trade requirements.

Nice-to-Have:

  • Experience in global freight forwarding companies or logistics enterprises.
  • Familiarity with digitization trends in freight technology.
  • Multilingual skills for cross-border coordination.
  • Strong financial acumen to manage budgets and P&L for freight operations.

Why is This a Great Opportunity:

Competitive salary + performance bonuses

  • Career growth within a global freight forwarding company
  • Exposure to international logistics operations and trade compliance
  • Collaborative culture with strong values in teamwork, innovation, and customer service