What are the responsibilities and job description for the Air and Ocean Export Supervisor position at Altius Talent | Freight Forwarding Recruitment?
Air & Ocean Export Operations Supervisor
Location: Chicago, IL (O'Hare / ORD Area)
Salary: $70,000 – $95,000 Benefits
Company Overview
A growing international freight forwarding and logistics provider is seeking an experienced Air & Ocean Export Operations Supervisor to join its Chicago operations team. This is an excellent opportunity for a hands-on freight forwarding professional looking to step into a leadership position with clear progression opportunities.
The successful candidate will initially supervise a small export operations team, including direct responsibility for one team member, while playing a key role in building, developing, and expanding the department as the business continues to grow. This position offers the opportunity to shape processes, mentor talent, and contribute to the long-term success of a rapidly growing freight forwarding organization.
Key Responsibilities
- Oversee daily Air & Ocean Export operations, ensuring shipments are handled efficiently, accurately, and in compliance with customer requirements and international regulations.
- Directly supervise and mentor one export operations team member, providing coaching, support, and performance management.
- Play a key role in the recruitment, development, and growth of the export operations team as the business expands.
- Deliver exceptional customer service through proactive communication, problem-solving, and effective management of customer expectations.
- Manage the full export process from booking through final delivery, ensuring operational excellence at every stage.
- Collaborate closely with sales, accounting, customs, and compliance teams to deliver seamless customer solutions.
- Build and maintain strong relationships with airlines, ocean carriers, overseas agents, trucking providers, and logistics partners.
- Support pricing activities and assist in developing competitive logistics solutions for customers.
- Monitor operational KPIs, identify opportunities for improvement, and implement best practices to enhance efficiency and service levels.
- Develop, maintain, and improve standard operating procedures (SOPs) to support future team growth and scalability.
- Ensure all export activities comply with company policies, regulatory requirements, and industry standards.
- Foster a positive, accountable, and high-performance culture focused on continuous improvement and customer satisfaction.
Requirements
- Minimum 5 years of experience within international freight forwarding, logistics, or transportation.
- Strong hands-on experience managing Air & Ocean Export shipments from A-Z.
- Previous supervisory, team lead, or mentoring experience preferred.
- Demonstrated ability to develop people, improve processes, and support team growth.
- Solid understanding of international shipping processes, export documentation, customs requirements, and trade compliance.
- Strong customer service and stakeholder management skills.
- Ability to prioritize multiple shipments, deadlines, and operational requirements in a fast-paced environment.
- Excellent organizational, analytical, and problem-solving abilities.
- Proficiency with freight forwarding systems and Microsoft Office applications.
Preferred Qualifications
- Bachelor's degree in Business, Supply Chain, Logistics, or a related field preferred.
- Experience with KPI reporting, operational performance management, and continuous improvement initiatives.
- Commercial awareness with the ability to support profitability, pricing, and customer retention objectives.
- Experience helping build or scale operational teams within a freight forwarding environment.
Compensation & Benefits
- Base Salary: $70,000 – $95,000
- Comprehensive Benefits Package
- Career Development & Leadership Growth Opportunities
- Opportunity to Build and Develop a Growing Operations Team
- Stable and Expanding Freight Forwarding Organization
- Collaborative and Supportive Team Environment
If you have the relevant experience, please apply or contact Jamie Watts at jamie.watts@wearealtius.com for a confidential discussion.
Salary : $70,000 - $95,000