International Freight Forwarding Operations Manager

Company Overview We are a licensed Freight Forwarder, providing end‑to‑end international freight solutions for importers and exporters, including documentation, carrier coordination, customs support, and shipment visibility. Position Summary The International Freight Forwarding Operations Manager leads a small team of forwarding agents while managing a portfolio of international shipments from origin to final destination. This role combines hands-on freight operations with team leadership: setting workflow priorities, developing staff, maintaining quality and compliance standards, and serving as the escalation point for complex shipments and customer issues. Based in the Kansas City metro area, the position supports full-cycle freight operations including rate quoting, booking, documentation, tracking, and issue resolution. Team Leadership Responsibilities Supervise daily operations of the forwarding team, assigning and balancing workloads to meet service levels and deadlines. Develop, deliver, and maintain training programs and standard operating procedures for new and existing staff. Conduct regular performance check-ins and annual reviews, provide coaching, and address performance issues. Participate in hiring, onboarding, and staffing decisions. Audit team documentation and data entry for accuracy and regulatory compliance. Serve as the escalation point for shipment exceptions, customer complaints, and carrier disputes. Track and report team metrics such as volume, on-time performance, error rates, and margin. Identify process improvements and support implementation of new systems or workflows. Operational Responsibilities Arrange and coordinate international shipments, including booking cargo space and organizing inland drayage and delivery. Prepare, review, and process shipping documents such as bills of lading, commercial invoices, packing lists, and certificates of origin. Ensure adherence to customs and other applicable regulations, maintaining records and supporting audits. Negotiate freight rates and services with carriers and vendors. Monitor shipments from booking through delivery and communicate status, delays, and solutions to customers. Collaborate with customs brokers, trucking companies, and warehouse providers. Maintain accurate data in TMS, including bookings, costs, billing, A/R, and A/P. Support business development by managing key accounts and identifying growth opportunities, and operate in a sales capacity as needed. Qualifications Minimum 5 years of experience in OTI activities (ocean freight forwarding or NVOCC) with an FMC-licensed company, and eligibility to serve as an FMC Qualifying Individual. 2+ years of experience supervising, leading, or training staff in a logistics environment. Strong working knowledge of Incoterms, freight forwarding processes, and U.S. customs requirements. Experience with log exports Must be willing to travel Demonstrated ability to coach, delegate, and hold a team accountable to quality and deadlines. Experience in TMS software, including A/R and A/P. Strong attention to detail, problem-solving, and communication skills. Proficiency with Microsoft Office. Bachelor's degree preferred. Licensed Customs Broker or CCS designation a plus. Experience: International Freight Forwarding: 5 years (Required) Supervisory experience: 2 years (Preferred) Join us as we lead the way in innovative international freight forwarding solutions! Your expertise will help shape seamless global supply chains while delivering outstanding service that keeps our clients moving forward confidently. Pay: $77,000.00 - $90,000.00 per year Benefits: 401(k) Dental insurance Health insurance Paid time off Vision insurance Work Location: In person

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