Operations Manager -Air/Sea freight (m/w/d)

Freight People is a boutique recruitment firm specializing exclusively in the freight forwarding, logistics, and supply chain sectors. Combining deep industry expertise with an extensive network of qualified professionals, we are a trusted recruitment partner for organizations seeking top talent within the freight forwarding and logistics industry.

Our client: is a well established international freight forwarding and logistics company providing services of air/ocean/road/rail freight forwarding as well as warehousing and customs clearance services.

POSITION SUMMARY

• The Operations Manager is responsible for leading and managing end-to-end freight forwarding operations, including air, ocean, road transportation, and customs activities. The role ensures operational excellence, regulatory compliance, financial performance, and high-quality service delivery to customers.
• The position plays a key leadership role in optimizing operational workflows, maintaining profitability at the shipment and file level, and developing a high-performing operations team.

KEY RESPONSIBILITIES
Operational Leadership

• Manage and oversee daily freight forwarding operations across air, ocean, road freight, and customs clearance activities.
• Ensure timely and accurate execution of shipments, documentation, and operational processes.
• Monitor operational performance to ensure on-time shipment execution and file completion accuracy.
• Manage operational exceptions including delays, claims, and customs-related issues, ensuring prompt resolution.
• Maintain operational service standards for strategic and key accounts.
• Handle customer escalations related to operational matters.

Team Management & Development

• Lead, supervise, and develop the operations team, ensuring high levels of productivity and engagement.
• Allocate workloads and ensure adherence to company procedures, operational standards, and process discipline.
• Conduct performance evaluations and KPI reviews for operations staff.
• Provide training and coaching on company systems, operational procedures, and compliance requirements.
• Monitor and manage team productivity and staff turnover.

Financial Performance & Cost Control

• Monitor shipment-level profitability and file margins.
• Ensure effective control of carrier rates, subcontractor costs, and operational expenditures.
• Identify and mitigate operational cost leakage.
• Ensure accurate and timely invoicing in accordance with company policies.
• Review subcontractor invoices and operational costs to maintain financial discipline.
• Prepare and present monthly operational reports, job performance reports, financial results, and wage-related reports to the Regional Director.

Compliance & Risk Management

• Ensure full compliance with German customs regulations, security requirements, DGR regulations, and internal corporate compliance policies.
• Maintain adherence to operational SOPs and corporate governance standards.
• Proactively identify operational risks and implement corrective actions where necessary.
• Process Improvement & Operational Excellence
• Drive continuous improvement initiatives to optimize workflows and operational procedures.
• Develop and implement standard operating procedures (SOPs) where required.
• Identify opportunities to reduce manual errors, improve process efficiency, and minimize operational delays.

Sales & Commercial Support

• Partner with the Sales team to support business development initiatives.
• Provide operational feasibility assessments and pricing input for customer solutions.
• Ensure operational readiness and service quality for newly onboarded customers.

• Experience in freight forwarding operations management.
• Strong knowledge of air, ocean, road freight, and customs procedures.
• Proven team leadership and operational management skills.
• Strong focus on cost control, operational efficiency, and customer service.
• Ability to manage multiple priorities in a fast-paced logistics environment.
• Native level of German language and fluent English language are essential.

JCPL1_DE