Ocean Manager

Crane Worldwide Logistics is a leader in supply chain solutions with over 130 locations across 30 countries providing individual services that address our client's logistics challenges.

The Ocean Manager is responsible for leading, developing and managing the Ocean Freight business across Crane Madrid (MAD), ensuring operational excellence, customer satisfaction, commercial growth and financial performance.  Occasional travel may be required for training purposes. 

The role is accountable for the day-to-day management of import and export ocean operations, ensuring compliance with company policies, customer requirements and local regulatory obligations. The Ocean Manager will work closely with Sales, Finance, Customs, Air Freight and regional Ocean Product Management to drive profitability, improve operational efficiencies and expand the ocean freight product offering. 

The successful candidate will provide strong leadership to the Ocean Operations team while promoting a culture of accountability, continuous improvement and exceptional customer service.  

Essential Job Functions:

Operational Leadership  

• Lead and manage all Ocean Freight Import and Export operations across Spain.  


• Ensure operational activities are performed safely, efficiently and in accordance with company standards.  


• Develop and implement operational procedures and best practices.


•   Monitor shipment execution to ensure service level agreements (SLAs) are consistently achieved. 


• Ensure timely resolution of operational issues and customer escalations.  


• Drive continuous improvement initiatives to enhance productivity and service quality. 

Commercial & Customer Management  

• Support commercial teams in securing new business opportunities.  


• Participate in customer meetings, business reviews and operational presentations.  


• Develop operational solutions to support customer requirements.  


• Maintain strong relationships with shipping lines, co-loaders, vendors and strategic partners.  


• Support customer implementation projects and major account transitions.  


• Request of client codes through Vision, for clients not developed by Sales Team (with its supportive documents). 


• Request of Vendor client codes (with its supportive documents). 

Financial Management  

• Manage departmental budgets and operating expenses along Managing Director  


• Review and monitor gross profit, revenue and productivity metrics.  


• Identify opportunities to improve margins through procurement and operational efficiencies.  


• Support carrier negotiations in conjunction with Regional Ocean Product Management.  

People Leadership  

• Recruit, coach and develop Ocean Operations employees.  


• Conduct performance reviews, establish development plans and succession planning.  


• Promote employee engagement and a high-performance culture.  


• Ensure adequate staffing levels to meet business requirements.  


• Manage performance issues in accordance with company policies.  

Compliance & Governance  

• Ensure compliance with company policies and procedures.  


• Maintain compliance with customs regulations, carrier requirements and local legislation.  


• Support quality, security and compliance initiatives including ISO standards and AEO requirements where applicable.  


• Ensure adherence to financial controls and operational governance. 

Performance Management  

• Develop and monitor operational KPIs including:  


• Gross Profit  


• Net Revenue  


• Shipment volumes  


• Productivity  


• Customer satisfaction  


• Service performance  


• Vendor performance  


• Produce regular operational reports for senior management.  


• Drive corrective actions where KPIs fall below target.  

Continuous Improvement  

• Identify opportunities for automation and digital solutions.  


• Support implementation of regional and global initiatives.  


• Share best practices across the EMEIA region.  


• Champion Lean and continuous improvement methodologies.  

Other Duties  

• Undertake additional responsibilities as assigned by the Managing Director.  


• Travel within Spain and internationally as required. 

Physical Requirements:

• Regular use of computer, keyboard and telephone.  


• Sitting for extended periods.  


• Occasional standing and walking.  


• Ability to travel domestically and internationally.  


• Vision sufficient for computer work and document review. 

Other Skills and Abilities:

• Strong leadership and people management skills.  


• Excellent communication and interpersonal skills.  


• Strong commercial awareness.  


• Excellent negotiation skills.  


• Customer-focused mindset.  


• Strong analytical and problem-solving ability.  


• Strong commercial and financial acumen 


• Ability to manage multiple priorities in a fast-paced environment.  


• Strong organisational and planning skills.  


• Proficiency in Microsoft Office applications.  


• Experience using CargoWise One or equivalent freight forwarding systems is preferred.  


• Fluent Spanish and English (written and spoken). 

Key performance indicators (KPIs):

• Ocean Gross Profit  


• Revenue Growth  


• Shipment Volume Growth  


• Productivity  


• Customer Satisfaction  


• SLA Achievement  


• Employee Engagement  


• Cost Management  


•  Operational Compliance  


•  Quality Metrics 

Education and Experience: 

• Bachelor's Degree in Supply Chain, Logistics, Business Administration, International Trade or a related discipline preferred.  


• Minimum 8–10 years' experience within international freight forwarding, with significant Ocean Freight experience.  


• Minimum 5 years' experience managing Ocean Freight operations.  


• Proven experience leading operational teams.  


• Experience managing customer relationships and key accounts.  


• Demonstrated experience delivering operational improvements and financial performance.  

Disclaimer:  

The above statements are intended to describe the general nature and level of work being performed by people assigned to this position. They are not to be construed as an exhaustive list of all responsibilities, duties, and skills required of personnel so classified. All personnel may be required to perform duties outside of their normal responsibilities from time to time, as 

Recruitment Agency Policy  

At Crane Worldwide Logistics we manage all hiring directly and do not accept unsolicited CVs or candidate profiles from recruitment agencies or search firms. Agencies must not contact our employees or managers directly with candidate details. 

Where recruitment support is required, we will engage trusted partners through a formal written agreement. We will not be liable for any associated placement fees for any CVs received without such an agreement. 

We appreciate your cooperation in respecting this policy.