Ocean Freight Manager

About the Role

Our client is seeking a strategic and commercially-minded Ocean Freight Manager to take full end-to-end accountability for the performance and development of their Ocean Freight Business Unit. This pivotal role owns the Business Unit P&L and is responsible for building a competitive, scalable, and customer-focused product through expert procurement, commercial growth, and operational excellence.

Key Responsibilities

• P&L and Performance Management: Full accountability for revenue, volume, gross profit, and operating costs, including budgeting, forecasting, and implementing corrective actions to improve profitability.
• Procurement and Carrier Management: Lead negotiations with shipping lines to secure competitive rates, capacity, allocations, and commercial terms while maintaining strategic carrier relationships.
• Commercial Growth: Drive volume and revenue growth by identifying opportunities within the existing customer base and actively participating in new business acquisitions, tenders, and solution development.
• Service Delivery Excellence: Lead the operations team to ensure accurate booking execution, documentation control, milestone management, and high-quality customer communication.
• Operational Efficiency: Continuous improvement of processes, controls, and system utilization to enhance productivity, data quality, and service consistency.
• Leadership and Capability: Direct, coach, and develop the ocean freight team, fostering a customer-focused and performance-driven culture with clear accountabilities.
• Risk and Compliance: Ensure all activities comply with international shipping laws, internal policies, and customer standards, managing commercial and financial risks effectively.

Requirements

• Bachelor's degree in Logistics, Supply Chain Management, Business, or a related field.
• Minimum of 7+ years of experience in ocean freight, freight forwarding, or logistics.
• Proven track record in managing a P&L, budget, or business unit with clear financial accountability.
• Demonstrated expertise in shipping line rate negotiations and capacity procurement.
• Strong background in commercial development, with the ability to grow existing accounts and win new business.
• Previous experience leading operational teams in a high-pressure, time-sensitive logistics environment.
• Deep technical knowledge of international ocean freight processes, trade lanes, carrier practices, and documentation.
• Proficiency in ERP and freight forwarding management systems.

Whats on Offer

• Competitive monthly salary at a management level.
• The opportunity to lead and shape a major Business Unit within a leading organisation.
• A high-impact role with significant autonomy over procurement strategy and commercial growth.
• Professional development within a performance-driven and scaling environment.