The Role
The Ocean Export Manager leads ocean export operations, ensures compliance, optimizes P&L performance, and manages vendor relationships, focusing on profitability and efficiency.
Summary Generated by Built In
About the Opportunity:
The Ocean Export Manager is a hands-on leader responsible for driving execution, performance, and profitability across all ocean export operations (FCL & LCL). This role owns the full shipment lifecycle, delivering operational excellence and a high level of customer and carrier satisfaction within a fast-paced, high-volume freight forwarding environment.
Reporting to the National Ocean Operations Manager and partnering closely with the National Director, you will serve as the subject matter expert for the ocean export product. You will lead the development of scalable, cost-effective supply chain solutions, own P&L performance, and collaborate cross-functionally to turn operational execution into measurable business results.
What’s in it for you:
What you’ll do:
What we are looking for:
Where you’ll be: 11500 N Ambassador Drive, Kansas City, MO 64153
The Ocean Export Manager is a hands-on leader responsible for driving execution, performance, and profitability across all ocean export operations (FCL & LCL). This role owns the full shipment lifecycle, delivering operational excellence and a high level of customer and carrier satisfaction within a fast-paced, high-volume freight forwarding environment.
Reporting to the National Ocean Operations Manager and partnering closely with the National Director, you will serve as the subject matter expert for the ocean export product. You will lead the development of scalable, cost-effective supply chain solutions, own P&L performance, and collaborate cross-functionally to turn operational execution into measurable business results.
What’s in it for you:
- Competitive compensation package aligned with ocean export leadership roles
- Comprehensive medical, dental, and vision coverage
- 401(k) with company match
- Opportunity to lead and shape ocean export operations within a privately held, US-based, service-focused freight forwarder
- High impact role with visibility to senior leadership and influence on business performance
- Ability to make a meaningful impact in a lean, agile team environment with global reach
What you’ll do:
- Lead end-to-end ocean export operations (FCL/LCL), ensuring speed, accuracy, and full regulatory compliance
- Serve as the subject matter expert for ocean freight, driving SOP standardization, process improvement, and execution excellence
- Own and optimize P&L performance, including margin expansion, cost control, and accurate shipment-level financials
- Manage carrier and vendor performance, including rate optimization, routing strategy, and service accountability
- Oversee claims resolution and ensure a high standard of customer experience
- Partner with sales to support business development, customer retention, and account growth
- Lead customer onboarding and support solution design for complex logistics needs
- Leverage data and market trends to improve operational efficiency and cost strategies
- Align team execution with company goals, driving accountability and continuous improvement
- Lead, coach, and develop a high-performing operations team, including performance management and resource allocation
- Build and maintain strong relationships with customers, carriers, and internal stakeholders
- Communicate performance insights and deliver operational updates to leadership
What we are looking for:
- 8+ years of experience in ocean freight forwarding, with 5+ years in a leadership role
- Deep expertise in ocean export operations, global trade compliance, and international shipping regulations (FMC, AES, Customs)
- Proven track record of managing high-volume freight operations with strong focus on profitability, efficiency, and service delivery
- Strong financial acumen, including P&L ownership and margin optimization
- Experience with TMS, ERP systems, and logistics technology platforms
- Exceptional leadership, communication, and cross-functional collaboration skills
- Data-driven mindset with the ability to translate insights into operational improvements
- Bachelor’s degree in Supply Chain Management, Logistics, International Business, or related field
Where you’ll be: 11500 N Ambassador Drive, Kansas City, MO 64153
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The Company
What We Do
Laufer is a different type of logistics company. We challenge conventional ways of doing business. We ask the right "why" questions and link those "why" answers to our customers' needs. Through this process of discovery and collaboration, we develop innovative and customized supply chain solutions. We always strive to make our customers better and our industry more progressive. We help our customers' break away from yesterday's business model to succeed in today's world. At Laufer, it's not just about what we do, it's about how we do it—better, with more insight, and with a record of success. Laufer is built different, offering fresh, new thinking for better results. Different Perspectives. Different Approaches. Different Insights. Dare to be Different.
