Manager of Ocean Transportation

Accountabilities: In this role, you will independently coordinate ocean freight activities, maintain accurate shipping records, and ensure reliable communication across all stakeholders involved in international transportation. Manage ocean transportation processes from customer award through shipment execution and final delivery. Coordinate FCL, LCL, breakbulk, out-of-gauge, and specialized ocean cargo shipments. Arrange ocean freight bookings and coordinate vessel schedules, cargo readiness, and shipping deadlines. Monitor shipment progress and proactively resolve delays, documentation issues, and operational challenges. Coordinate with ocean carriers, freight agents, terminals, customs brokers, and other transportation partners. Ensure transportation activities comply with applicable shipping regulations and internal procedures. Review and coordinate shipping documentation, including bills of lading, shipping instructions, packing lists, and other required documents. Follow up with Project Managers to obtain missing documentation or shipment information and keep processes moving forward. Track documentation deadlines, vessel cutoffs, and key shipment milestones. Maintain accurate shipment records and operational information in company systems. Identify opportunities to improve documentation workflows and ocean freight processes. Work closely with Project Managers to address transportation requirements throughout each project and provide operational guidance when needed. Coordinate shipment timelines and communicate changes that may affect project execution. Support other freight forwarding activities when required and maintain proactive communication with Operations, Sourcing, and other departments. Obtain and review ocean freight rates, carrier quotations, and transportation-related charges. Monitor shipment costs and identify potential financial risks, including demurrage, detention, storage, and other avoidable expenses. Communicate delays, missed deadlines, and potential cost exposure to Project Managers and leadership. Assist with carrier invoice discrepancies and transportation-related billing issues. Maintain timely communication with internal stakeholders, carriers, vendors, and customers as appropriate. Provide accurate updates on vessel schedules, shipment progress, and documentation requirements while responding promptly to operational requests. Requirements The ideal candidate is an experienced ocean freight professional with strong operational knowledge, excellent organizational skills, and the ability to manage multiple shipments independently in a remote environment. At least 5 years of experience in international ocean freight forwarding or ocean transportation operations. Strong understanding of ocean freight booking procedures, shipping documentation, and international transportation requirements. Experience coordinating ocean import and/or export shipments. Knowledge of vessel schedules, port operations, and international shipping deadlines. Experience working with ocean carriers, freight agents, and Project Managers. Ability to independently manage multiple shipments, competing priorities, and tight deadlines. Strong attention to detail, organizational skills, and follow-through. Excellent written and verbal communication skills. Proficiency in Microsoft Office and freight forwarding or transportation management systems. Ability to work independently and take ownership of responsibilities in a fully remote environment. Proactive, dependable, and solution-oriented approach, with the ability to anticipate challenges and follow up without direct supervision. Preferred Qualifications Experience handling project cargo, breakbulk, heavy-lift, or oversized shipments. Experience using CargoWise or similar freight forwarding software. Knowledge of Incoterms and international trade documentation. Experience coordinating customs clearance and working with international freight agents. Familiarity with freight cost management and carrier rate negotiations. Benefits Annual salary ranging from $60,000 to $80,000. Fully remote position for candidates based in the United States. Full-time employment. Hands-on ownership of international ocean freight operations and exposure to a variety of specialized cargo shipments.