Ocean Import Manager

Ocean Import Manager | Atlanta, GA | Salary up to $95,000The Ocean Import Manager will oversee the day-to-day ocean import operation, ensuring shipments are managed efficiently from origin through customs clearance and final delivery. You will be responsible for managing operational performance, supporting and developing the team, maintaining customer relationships, and ensuring compliance with U.S. import regulations.This is an excellent opportunity for an experienced ocean freight professional with strong leadership, operational, and customer service skills to take ownership of import activities, drive operational efficiency, and support the continued success of an established international logistics business.Compensation & BenefitsSalary up to $95,000, depending on experience.Opportunity to lead and develop an ocean import operation.Career progression within an established international freight forwarding business.Collaborative working environment with exposure to global logistics operations.Key ResponsibilitiesOversee daily ocean import operations, ensuring shipments are handled accurately and delivered within agreed timelines.Manage, lead, and support the ocean import team, providing guidance, training, and performance management.Coordinate with overseas agents, shipping lines, customs brokers, trucking companies, and customers to ensure smooth shipment execution.Monitor vessel arrivals, shipment milestones, customs clearance, cargo releases, and final delivery arrangements.Ensure import documentation, including bills of lading, commercial invoices, packing lists, and arrival notices, is processed accurately.Oversee ISF filings and ensure compliance with applicable U.S. Customs and Border Protection (CBP) requirements.Resolve escalated operational issues, shipment delays, customs holds, and customer concerns.Develop and maintain strong relationships with key customers, overseas partners, and service providers.Monitor operational KPIs, productivity, service levels, and shipment performance, implementing improvements where necessary.Review operational costs, vendor invoices, and billing accuracy to support profitability.Identify opportunities to improve workflows, reduce costs, and enhance the customer experience.Collaborate with sales and other departments to support business growth and customer retention.Ensure team compliance with company procedures, industry standards, and applicable import regulations.Candidate RequirementsThe successful candidate will have extensive experience in ocean import operations within a U.S. international freight forwarding environment, alongside proven leadership capabilities and a strong understanding of the complete import shipment lifecycle.We are looking for a commercially aware, hands-on manager who can lead a team, manage complex operational challenges, and maintain high standards of customer service and compliance.Preferred QualificationsSeveral years of ocean import experience within an international freight forwarding company.Previous management or supervisory experience within ocean freight operations.Strong knowledge of ocean import documentation, customs clearance, ISF filings, drayage, and final delivery.Understanding of U.S. customs regulations and import compliance requirements.Experience managing operational KPIs, team performance, and service quality.Strong leadership, communication, problem-solving, and organizational skills.Experience with CargoWise or similar freight forwarding software is advantageous.