Regional Director of Operations

CANDIDATE CAN BE BASED IN THE FOLLOWING: Cleveland, OH; Buffalo, NY; Rochester, NY; Syracuse, NY

Company Overview

We are a leading logistics and trade specialist organization with a team of over 300 professionals. We specialize in fulfilling complex supply chain needs with a focus on customs brokerage, domestic and international transportation, trade compliance, and consulting. Our culture is driven by a commitment to employee centricity and professional excellence. We have been recognized as a premier employer in the industry for over a decade, consistently earning "Great Place to Work" certifications based on employee feedback.

Position Summary

The Regional Director of Operations provides strategic leadership for our Northern regional branches. This role is responsible for fostering an innovative, solutions-oriented environment that promotes high employee engagement and exceptional customer service.

In addition to driving the growth of international operations and cross-border brokerage teams, the Regional Director ensures alignment with corporate "Centers of Excellence," including Sales, Technology, Finance, and People & Culture. The successful candidate will be a champion of our corporate values and a mentor to leadership teams across multiple sites.

Essential Duties & Responsibilities

● Strategic Leadership: Provide overall guidance for operational performance, P&L management, customer relations, and staff development.

● Team Management: Deliver clear expectations for Import/Export teams and instill a positive, challenging, and engaging work environment.

● Business Development: Support sales teams in identifying and developing prospective clients within the region.

● Relationship Management: Nurture ongoing relationships with global agents and suppliers.

● Goal Setting: Establish regional performance goals, tracking metrics, and streamlining procedures for maximum efficiency.

● Regulatory Compliance: Ensure total adherence to all regulatory government entities (CBP, Dept. of Commerce, TSA, FDA, etc.) for all import and export activities.

● Operational Oversight: Provide support and guidance for specialized cross-border brokerage operations.

● Mentorship: Conduct regular 1:1 meetings with direct reports focusing on career development, operational challenges, and staff needs.

Desired Skills & Experience

● Industry Expertise: 10 years of experience in international freight forwarding and customs brokerage.

● Leadership: 5 years in a management or supervisory role overseeing multi-departmental operations with 20 employees.

● Education: Bachelor’s degree in Supply Chain Management, Logistics, Business, or a related field preferred.

● Technical Knowledge: Deep understanding of cross-border brokerage and global logistics initiatives.

● Analytical Skills: Ability to gather and summarize complex data for strategic reporting.

● Soft Skills: Excellent interpersonal communication and the ability to maintain sound judgment in high-pressure situations.

Candidate Characteristics

● Strategic Thinker: Ability to view business decisions both holistically and strategically.

● Effective Delegator: Skilled at prioritizing and balancing staff workloads while maintaining accountability.

● Solutions-Oriented: Proactive approach to problem-solving and process execution.

● People-First Mentor: Committed to fairly evaluating staff progress and providing dedicated career development support.