Ocean Freight Operations Expert

Job title: Ocean Freight Operations Expert

Job location: Chennai

Manage end-to-end ocean freight shipment execution while serving as the primary point of contact for customers. Ensure shipments are executed efficiently, compliantly, and in line with customer expectations and service commitments. Drive customer satisfaction through proactive communication, issue resolution, and strong stakeholder collaboration, while supporting profitability, operational excellence, and continuous improvement initiatives.

Key Responsibilities

Shipment Execution & Operations

• Manage end-to-end shipment execution, including booking, documentation, transportation coordination, and delivery.
• Ensure timely and accurate processing of import/export shipments in accordance with customer requirements and operational standards.
• Coordinate with carriers, vendors, customs authorities, and internal stakeholders to ensure seamless shipment movement.
• Create, confirm, and optimize transport orders and bookings.
  
  

Customer Service & Relationship Management

• Act as the primary point of contact for customers regarding shipment status, documentation, exceptions, complaints, and claims.
• Provide proactive shipment updates and ensure service commitments are met.
• Build and maintain strong customer relationships to support customer retention and service excellence.
• Identify customer needs and opportunities for service improvements or additional solutions.
  
  

Commercial & Profitability Management

• Support shipment routing and operational decisions that balance customer requirements and profitability.
• Monitor shipment-level gross profit and support resolution of invoice-related queries and disputes.
• Identify opportunities to enhance customer value and contribute to business growth and retention.
  
  

Compliance & Risk Management

• Ensure compliance with customs, trade regulations, and shipment-specific requirements.
• Proactively identify operational risks and implement corrective actions to minimize service disruptions.
• Maintain accurate shipment records and documentation.
  
  

Supplier & Stakeholder Management

• Collaborate with carriers, vendors, and internal teams to achieve service commitments.
• Monitor supplier performance and escalate recurring service issues.
• Drive effective communication and coordination across stakeholders.
  
  

Continuous Improvement

• Analyze recurring operational issues and recommend process improvements.
• Contribute to operational excellence initiatives, productivity improvements, and best practice sharing.
• Participate in improvement programs such as Lean, GEMBA, and process enhancement initiatives.
  
  

Knowledge Sharing & Support

• Provide guidance and support to less experienced team members.
• Share operational knowledge, best practices, and process updates.
• Support training and onboarding activities as required.
  
  

Required Qualifications & Skills

Education

• Bachelor's Degree, Vocational Qualification, Technical Certification, or equivalent relevant experience in Logistics, Supply Chain, Freight Forwarding, International Trade, or a related field.
  
  

Experience

• Minimum 4 years of experience in Ocean Freight Operations, Freight Forwarding, Logistics, Shipping, or Supply Chain Operations.
• Experience managing customer-facing shipment execution activities.
• Knowledge of import/export operations and transportation processes.
  
  

Technical & Functional Skills

• Ocean Freight Operations (FCL/LCL)
• Import & Export Operations
• Shipment Routing & Carrier Management
• Freight Forwarding & Logistics
• Customs Regulations & Compliance
• Documentation Management (Bill of Lading, Shipping Documents)
• Vendor & Supplier Coordination
• Shipment Tracking & Exception Management
• Transportation Management Systems (TMS)
• Microsoft Excel and Office Applications
  
  

Business & Commercial Skills

• Customer Relationship Management
• Profitability Awareness
• Commercial Acumen
• Stakeholder Management
• Business Process Improvement
  
  

Behavioral Skills

• Customer Focus
• Problem Solving & Decision Making
• Attention to Detail
• Communication & Influencing Skills
• Collaboration & Teamwork
• Proactive Mindset
• Continuous Improvement Orientation
• Training & Knowledge Sharing