OIA Global provides customers with an unparalleled suite of scalable and flexible supply chain solutions. Supported by 1,300 forward-thinking employees, we specialize in 3PL, 4PL, sustainability, technology, contract logistics, packaging design and optimization, and raw materials management.
Since 1988, we have grown into a $1.3 billion company with a presence in 27 countries and industry expertise in fashion and apparel, consumer goods, healthcare, energy, and industrials. OIA Global is privately held by LDI, Ltd.
Summary
Assistant Manager, OperationsThe Assistant Manager, Operations plays a pivotal role in managing and coordinating both air and ocean freight operations within the freight forwarding industry. This hands-on leadership position assists the Operations Manager in overseeing daily multimodal logistics activities.
The role is critical for ensuring timely shipment processing, rigorous customs compliance, and seamless communication with airlines, ocean carriers, global agents, and customers.
The Assistant Customer Service Manager will actively supervise operations coordinators, proactively address and resolve complex routing or escalation issues, and optimize both operational efficiency and file profitability while maintaining the highest standards of service quality.
Supervisory
Responsibilities
Duties and Responsibilities
- Oversee daily air and ocean freight forwarding operations, ensuring seamless execution from shipment booking through to final delivery.
- Supervise, train, and mentor the air and ocean operations coordinators, providing guidance on complex routing, documentation, and customer service standards.
- Manage the preparation and verification of essential shipping documentation, including HAWB, MAWB, HBL, MBL, and customs declarations, ensuring strict compliance with international regulations.
- Act as the primary escalation point to promptly resolve operational issues, including port/airport congestion, rolled cargo, documentation discrepancies, and customs clearance challenges.
- Coordinate directly with airlines, ocean shipping lines, NVOCCs, and overseas agents to secure space, negotiate spot rates, and maintain strong vendor relationships.
- Audit operational files and billing to ensure accurate job costing, timely invoicing, and adherence to target profit margins across all transport modes.
- Monitor operational performance metrics and KPIs, identifying bottlenecks and implementing process improvements.
- Collaborate effectively with internal teams (sales, customer service, and finance) to enhance the overall customer experience and streamline handovers.
- Prepare accurate operational reports and provide regular updates to the management team regarding operational status and team performance.
- Stay updated on industry developments, fluctuating market rates, regulatory changes, and best practices in multimodal freight forwarding.
Required Skills and Abilities
- To perform this job successfully, an individual must be able to perform each essential duty satisfactorily.
- The requirements listed below are representative of the knowledge, skill, and/or ability required.
- Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions.
- Practical understanding of international freight forwarding processes, Incoterms, customs regulations, and dangerous goods (DG) compliance.
- Demonstrated ability to effectively lead and train a team of operations staff while stepping in to manage complex files or key accounts when necessary.
- Strong problem-solving and analytical abilities to address dynamic operational challenges like sudden flight cancellations or vessel delays.
- Excellent interpersonal and communication skills, capable of interacting effectively and negotiating with airlines, ocean carriers, global agents, and customers.
- Proficiency in industry-standard freight forwarding ERP systems (e.g., Cargo
- Wise One) and Microsoft Office applications.
- Excellent organizational and time-management skills, with the ability to manage multiple tasks simultaneously in a high-pressure, fast-paced environment.
- Detail-oriented with a strong commitment to accuracy, quality, and financial profitability.
Education and Experience
Bachelor's degree in Logistics, Supply Chain Management, Business Administration, or a related field.
Minimum 3–5 years of hands-on experience in multimodal (air and ocean) freight operations, with at least 1–2 years in a team lead or supervisory capacity.
Physical Requirements
- The employee frequently is required to stand and walk.
- The employee must occasionally lift and/or move up to 50 pounds, particularly luggage while traveling.
- Regular travel required.
- The work environment characteristics described here are representative of those an employee encounters while performing the essential functions of this job.
- Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions.OIA Global is an Equal Opportunity Employer.
- All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, or disability.
- We offer an exciting and growth-oriented work environment, and OIA employees enjoy competitive salaries and excellent benefits.
