International Shipping Manager

About Us

We are a family of scientists, farmers, and pioneers working toward the development of a modern, global industry. Our core value of Innovative Creativity is why Abstrax Tech, Inc. is a leading innovator of the sensorial experiences that shape the cannabis industry. We specialize in ingredient, processing, and formulation science, focusing on terpene research and its applications in flavor profiles, fragrance, and the discovery of new valuable molecules. Abstrax collaborates with established manufacturers to help advance the industry, working closely with some of the largest and fastest-growing brands to develop custom formulations for products like vape pens, concentrates, topicals, tinctures, alcohol, and more.

Position Summary

We are seeking a highly skilled and experienced International Shipping Manager to oversee and execute end-to-end shipping operations for global shipments. This role is responsible for managing international freight strategies, ensuring compliance with complex regulatory requirements, and optimizing shipping processes for cost, efficiency, and service quality.

The ideal candidate brings deep expertise in multi-modal international shipping—including air, ocean, truck, and courier—along with strong customs and hazardous materials compliance knowledge. You will be instrumental in driving operational excellence, building carrier partnerships, managing logistics vendors, and ensuring seamless shipment execution to key global markets across Europe, Asia, and South America.

Responsibilities (including but not limited to)

• Design, implement, and manage global shipping strategies for the shipment of hazardous goods and general freight to international markets.
• Oversee daily execution of international shipments via air, ocean, ground, and express courier from U.S. facilities to Europe, Asia, and South America.
• Negotiate and manage contracts with global freight carriers, freight forwarders, and customs brokers to ensure cost-effective, reliable service.
• Ensure full compliance with all international trade regulations, export control laws, and hazardous materials (hazmat) shipping requirements.
• Own and manage critical shipping documentation including Bills of Lading, Commercial Invoices, Certificates of Origin, HS codes, export declarations, and compliance records.
• Track and analyze key performance indicators (KPIs) related to logistics, such as on-time delivery, transit time, freight spend, and compliance rates.
• Generate performance reports and actionable insights to continuously improve shipping performance and reduce cost.
• Develop, document, and maintain standard operating procedures (SOPs), logistics policies, and training resources to ensure consistency and compliance.
• Partner cross-functionally with internal teams including supply chain, production, R&D, customer service, and sales to align logistics planning with business needs.
• Monitor international regulatory changes, trade sanctions, and compliance risks; proactively adjust procedures to ensure ongoing compliance.
• Support other operational and administrative logistics duties as needed.

Skills

• Deep knowledge of multimodal transportation (air, ocean, truck, courier), with a specialization in hazmat shipping protocols.
• Proficiency in logistics software, Transportation Management Systems (TMS), customs platforms, Excel, and ERP systems.
• Strong negotiation and vendor management skills, particularly in global freight and customs operations.
• Exceptional attention to detail and analytical capabilities, especially in freight cost analysis and KPI tracking.
• Effective communicator with the ability to collaborate across departments and lead through influence.
• Ability to thrive in a dynamic, fast-paced, and high-growth environment with shifting priorities.

Core Competencies

• Adaptability/Flexibility: Ability to adapt to change in response to new information, evolving priorities, or unexpected circumstances.
• Communication: Clear and concise communication with internal and external stakeholders.
• Creative Thinking: Ability to identify new solutions and process improvements through innovative thinking.
• Self-Confidence: Demonstrates credibility and sound decision-making in challenging scenarios.
• Teamwork/Collaboration: Strong team player capable of motivating peers and driving shared results.
• Values & Ethics: Acts with integrity, professionalism, and fairness; embraces diversity and inclusivity.

Experience & Education Requirements

• Bachelor’s degree in Supply Chain Management, International Business, Logistics, or a related field.
• Minimum of 5 years of experience in international shipping or logistics.
• Demonstrated success managing global shipments, including hazmat exports, to Europe, Asia, and South America.
• Familiarity with customs brokerage, freight forwarding, and international trade compliance.
• Certifications: Dangerous Goods Certification or proven experience managing dangerous goods shipments.

Supervisory Requirements

None.

Work Environment

• Primarily an office environment with occasional exposure to warehouse conditions.
• Rare exposure to outdoor elements or fumes associated with distillation processes.
• Moderate noise level typical of a business office.

Physical Demands

• Occasionally required to lift or move up to 75 pounds.
• Sedentary work primarily involving sitting and extensive computer use.
• Occasional standing or walking.