Senior Ocean Freight Supervisor

Company Description

Rulewave Global Logistics, part of the privately owned Rulewave Group, brings more than 40 years of international logistics expertise to the global supply chain industry. We provide customized, data-driven logistics solutions with a strong focus on customer service, operational excellence, and long-term partnerships.

With offices and partners across key global markets, Rulewave specializes in freight forwarding, bulk logistics, project cargo, and complex supply chain solutions supporting industries including Oil & Gas, Chemicals, Energy, Industrial Manufacturing, and Project Logistics.

Our Houston operation serves as a strategic hub supporting domestic and international freight movements throughout the Gulf Coast region, North America, Latin America, Asia, West Africa, the Middle East, and beyond.

Role Description

We are seeking an experienced and highly driven Senior Ocean Freight Supervisor to join our growing Houston team.

This is a hands-on operational leadership role responsible for overseeing international ocean freight activities across FCL, LCL, Breakbulk, and ideally Project Cargo shipments. The ideal candidate will have strong experience supporting customers within the Oil & Gas, Energy, Industrial, or Chemical sectors and understand the unique demands of Gulf Coast logistics operations.

The role requires someone capable of managing complex international shipments, leading daily operational execution, mentoring team members, and maintaining high levels of customer satisfaction in a fast-paced environment.

This position will work closely with customers, ocean carriers, truckers, terminals, customs brokers, overseas offices, and internal stakeholders to ensure efficient and compliant freight execution globally.

Key Responsibilities:

• Oversee day-to-day Ocean Freight operations for import and export shipments
• Manage FCL, LCL, Breakbulk, and Project Cargo movements across international trade lanes
• Coordinate shipments involving the Oil & Gas, Energy, Chemical, and Industrial sectors
• Ensure compliance with FMC regulations, carrier requirements, and international shipping standards
• Handle complex documentation requirements including Bills of Lading, AES filings, hazardous cargo documentation, and Letters of Credit when applicable
• Support cargo movements to and from the Middle East, Latin America, West Africa, Canada, Mexico, and other global regions
• Build and maintain strong relationships with customers, carriers, terminals, truckers, and overseas agents
• Assist in managing operational escalations, shipment delays, transshipments, and problem resolution
• Support pricing, procurement, routing decisions, and operational strategy when needed
• Supervise and mentor Ocean Freight personnel while helping drive operational excellence and accountability
• Maintain strong communication with customers and provide proactive shipment updates and solutions
• Work closely with management to improve workflows, SOP compliance, service quality, and operational efficiency

Qualifications

• Minimum 5 years of Ocean Freight operational experience within freight forwarding or global logistics
• Strong knowledge of FCL, LCL, Breakbulk, and preferably Project Cargo operations
• Experience handling cargo related to Oil & Gas, Energy, Industrial, or Chemical industries strongly preferred
• Understanding of Gulf Coast logistics operations and international shipping practices
• Knowledge of FMC regulations, carrier practices, and U.S. import/export compliance requirements
• Experience managing shipments involving the Middle East, Latin America, and/or West Africa preferred
• Familiarity with hazardous cargo and oversized cargo handling is a plus
• Strong problem-solving skills and ability to operate under pressure in a fast-paced environment
• Excellent customer service and communication skills
• Leadership experience supervising or mentoring operational personnel preferred
• Proficiency with freight forwarding systems, logistics platforms, and Microsoft Office applications
• Ability to prioritize multiple shipments and deadlines simultaneously
• Bachelor’s degree in Logistics, Supply Chain Management, or related field preferred but not required based on experience

What We’re Looking For:

We are looking for someone who is operationally strong, proactive, detail-oriented, and comfortable handling high-pressure international logistics environments. The ideal candidate understands that customer service, communication, and execution are equally critical to success in freight forwarding.

This is an opportunity to join a growing international logistics organization where you can make a direct impact on operational performance and customer success.

Please note: Direct applicants only. We are not accepting unsolicited resumes or candidate submissions from staffing agencies or third-party recruiters for this position.