Operations Manager
Air & Ocean Freight Forwarding Houston, TX
$85,000 – $105,000 Base + Full Benefits
ABOUT
We are representing a Scandinavian-founded, independently owned international freight forwarder with a network spanning 36 countries and a Houston office that has been operational since 2004.
Their Houston branch sits at the centre of their North American operation and was built specifically to service the energy, industrial, and manufacturing sectors that define this market. They handle end-to-end air and ocean freight across import and export lanes, moving everything from time-critical parts and equipment to high-volume FCL and LCL ocean cargo through the Port of Houston and George Bush Intercontinental Airport.
The branch runs well. The client base is established, the team is experienced, and the operations function is structured. They are not looking for someone to come in and fix what is broken. They are looking for someone who can take ownership of what works, sharpen it, and manage a team that is capable but needs consistent leadership to perform at the level the clients expect.
The current Operations Manager is relocating within the group. This is a direct replacement with full handover and no operational gap.
CORE RESPONSIBILITIES
- Oversee the day-to-day air and ocean freight operations for the Houston branch across both import and export, ensuring all shipments are processed accurately, compliantly, and on time across every file.
- Manage and develop a team of operations specialists, setting clear performance expectations, providing day-to-day coaching, and maintaining the service standard the company's energy and industrial clients require.
- Take direct ownership of key client relationships at the operational level, acting as the senior point of contact for escalations, service issues, and SOP reviews.
- Oversee file management across air and ocean modes in CargoWise, ensuring data integrity, milestone accuracy, billing, and timely file closure across all active shipments.
- Build and maintain strong working relationships with airlines, ocean carriers, customs brokers, drayage providers, and overseas agents to protect the branch's capacity and service options.
- Monitor branch KPIs including on-time performance, billing accuracy, file closure timelines, and client satisfaction, reporting directly to the Branch Manager with clear, factual operational updates.
- Develop, document, and enforce standard operating procedures across the operations team, ensuring consistency of process and reducing error rates on complex or high-value files.
- Ensure full compliance with CBP regulations, TSA and IATA requirements on air cargo, IMDG requirements on hazardous ocean shipments, and any client-specific compliance obligations.
- Support the Branch Manager on commercial activity including RFQ preparation, onboarding of new accounts, and pricing reviews for existing clients.
WHAT WE ARE LOOKING FOR
- A minimum of five years of experience in international freight forwarding operations, covering both air and ocean modes across import and export, with at least two of those years in a supervisory or management capacity.
- Strong working knowledge of air freight documentation and IATA/TSA compliance, ocean freight operations including FCL and LCL, and the customs and regulatory requirements specific to the Houston market.
- Proven ability to manage and develop an operations team in a fast-paced, high-volume freight forwarding environment.
- Proficiency in CargoWise. This is the company's core platform and experience with it is essential.
- Experience working with energy, industrial, or manufacturing sector clients is a strong advantage given the nature of the branch's client base.
- A methodical, detail-orientated approach to operations with a low tolerance for file errors and a clear understanding of how operational quality directly affects client retention.
- Strong written and verbal communication skills for client-facing escalations and carrier negotiations.
WHAT'S ON OFFER
- Base salary of $85,000 to $105,000 dependent on experience.
- Full benefits package including medical, dental, vision, and 401(k).
- A structured, well-run branch operation with a stable team and an established client base.
- Direct reporting line to the Branch Manager with genuine input into how the operations function develops.
- Monday to Friday schedule, based full-time in the Houston office.
Confidential Search | Placed by Altius Talent
Send your CV to lewis.wilson@wearealtius.com or message directly on LinkedIn. All applications handled in strict confidence.
