Operations Manager Air & Sea
Our client is an international freight forwarding and logistics company founded in 1968. Today the company operates a network of 50+ owned offices across 28 European countries and employs more than 1,200 logistics professionals.
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The company specializes in air, ocean, and road freight forwarding, warehousing, customs clearance, and end-to-end supply chain solutions for a wide range of industries including automotive, aerospace, retail, electronics, and project cargo.
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The company is family-owned and financially stable, with over €300 million in annual turnover and a strong focus on organic growth, operational efficiency, and long-term customer partnerships. Its European footprint allows customers to manage their supply chains through one integrated logistics partner across the continent.
What to expect as an Operations Manager?
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
Key Performance Indicators
- On-time shipment execution
- File profitability and cost control
- Billing accuracy and timeliness
- Team productivity and performance
What's expected
- 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
Location
Egelsbach, Germany
Type of employment contract
Full time