Freight Forwarding - Director of Operations
Reports To: Vice President of Freight Forwarding
Location: Chicago, IL
Environment: Hybrid
Status: Exempt; Salaried
Work Schedule:
This position is full-time and hybrid Monday through Friday from 8:00 AM to 5:00 PM with an hour break, but flexibility is available based on coverage.
Who We Are:
Recognized by Gartner in their Modern 4PL Market Guide, Redwood Logistics is at the forefront of industry innovation. Our cutting-edge supply chain technology pairs with the expertise of our brilliant minds to empower logistics execution across North America and Mexico.
Leveraging a comprehensive range of services, data-centric network solutions, and a seamlessly integrated platform, we have established our prominence as a key player in the mid-market segment within the freight tech industry.
Our Freight Forwarding services provides efficient and reliable logistics solutions to our clients worldwide. With a strong commitment to innovation and customer satisfaction, we specialize in seamlessly managing the transportation of goods across borders, ensuring timely delivery and cost-effective solutions.
Whether you're just starting your career or are an established professional looking for your next opportunity, Redwood inspires innovation across teams to provide transformative solutions for our customers.
Purpose of Your Work:
As a Director of Operations ,working within Supply Chain Solutions (one of our entities),you will be responsible for overseeing and managing all aspects of our company's operational activities on an international scale. Your leadership will drive efficiency, ensure compliance, and uphold the highest standards of service quality in freight forwarding.
How You Make a Difference Everyday:
Day to Day Operations:

• Execute and manage day to day proactive shipment requirements for all our client's air & ocean import and export shipments.
• Optimize operational efficiency and enhance service delivery requirement for our clients.

Team Leadership:

• Build and lead a team of operational execution staff and customer service, fostering a culture of collaboration, accountability, and continuous improvement.

Compliance and Risk Management:

• Ensure compliance with regulatory requirements, international trade laws, and industry standards, while effectively managing operational risks and mitigating potential liabilities. (FMC, IATA, CBP, Census and Dangerous Goods)

Client Relationship Management:

• Collaborate closely with sales and customer service team to understand client needs, anticipate challenges, and deliver exceptional service experiences that exceed expectations.

Vendor and Partner Relations:

• Cultivate and maintain strong relationships with airlines, ocean carrier agents, customs brokers, and other partners to ensure seamless coordination and execution of freight forwarding services.

Performance Monitoring and Reporting:

• Establish key performance indicators (KPIs) and metrics to track operational performance, analyze data insights, and prepare comprehensive reports for senior management.

Budgeting and Cost Management:

• Develop and manage operational budgets, monitor expenses, and implement cost-saving initiatives without compromising service quality or reliability.

Continuous Improvement:

• Drive a culture of continuous improvement and innovation, encouraging feedback, implementing process enhancements, and investing in employee development and training programs.

You've Got This?

• Bachelor's degree in business administration, Logistics, Supply Chain Management, or a related field; master's degree preferred.
• Proven track record of at least 8-10 years of progressive leadership experience in operations management within the freight forwarding, logistics, or transportation industry.
• Strong understanding of international trade regulations, customs procedures, and supply chain logistics, with a focus on air, ocean, and ground transportation modes.
  • FMC & Shipping Act Regulations
  • TSA Regulations
  • US Export Regulations
  • IMDG and IATA dangerous goods regulations
• Excellent communication, interpersonal, and negotiation skills, with the ability to build rapport with clients, stakeholders, and team members at all levels.
• Demonstrated ability to think strategically, analyze complex problems, and make sound decisions in a fast-paced, dynamic environment.
• Proficiency in using operational management software, data analytics tools, and ERP systems to optimize processes and drive business performance.
• Proactive, results-oriented mindset with a passion for driving operational excellence and exceeding customer expectations.

What We Offer:

• Access to experts and resources for your Learning & Development journey
• Opportunity for internal mobility
• Employee referral bonus program
• Employee Resource Groups (ERGs)
• Annual fundraising and volunteer events to give back to communities
• Paid time off, floating holidays, time off to volunteer and rollover
• Paid parental leave
• Medical, dental, vision and 401k plans (with match)
• Flexible spending account, mass transit and dependent care plans available
• Health savings account, with a annual company contribution for plan participants
• Short-term and long-term disability; life insurance policies subsidized by company
• Additional benefits including pet insurance, accident care, access to legal advice and more

Redwood is an equal opportunity employer. Employment decisions at the Company are based on individual merit, qualifications, abilities, and the Company's needs and resources. The Company does not discriminate in recruiting, hiring, compensation, promotions, discipline, termination or any other aspect of employment on the basis of an individual's actual or perceived race, color, creed, religion, sex (including pregnancy, childbirth and related medical conditions), sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, ancestry, citizenship status, age, disability, marital status, military service or status, genetic information, arrest and conviction record, credit history, or any other basis protected by applicable law.