International Freight Operations Manager

International Freight Operations Manager who will be responsible for leading company's international freight division, developing partnerships with global shipping lines, airlines, consolidators, and on-forwarders. This role ensures the freight team receives competitive rates, prioritised service, and timely quote responses to support sales, operations, and customers.

This position oversees all day-to-day international air and sea freight activities, including quoting, bookings, customs clearance, and container deliveries—ensuring 100% accuracy, no delays, and a high level of service consistency. The role requires strong negotiation ability, deep understanding of international trade, and the capability to build long-term commercial relationships with carriers across major global trade lanes.

Key Responsibilities

Carrier & Partner Relationship Management

• Establish, negotiate, and maintain accounts and partnerships with major shipping lines, airlines, co-loaders, and global agents.
• Secure competitive rate agreements, space allocations, and favourable payment terms for both air and sea freight.
• Build strategic relationships across Asia, USA, Middle East, NZ, Europe, and emerging markets.
• Conduct regular rate reviews, market analysis, and contract negotiations.

Oversight of Day-to-Day International Freight Operations

• Lead and supervise the daily workflow of international freight activities (air, sea, LCL, FCL).
• Ensure the team delivers 100% accurate quotes, bookings, documentation, pre-alerts, and shipment management.
• Ensure zero delays in customs clearance, container collection, de-hire, and final delivery.
• Set operational standards, timelines, and escalation processes for the international freight team.
• Monitor performance of shipping lines, airlines, customs brokers, and on-forwarders.

Quoting & Support for Sales Reps

• Lead and supervise the daily workflow of international freight activities (air, sea, LCL, FCL).
• Ensure the team delivers 100% accurate quotes, bookings, documentation, pre-alerts, and shipment management.
• Ensure zero delays in customs clearance, container collection, de-hire, and final delivery.
• Set operational standards, timelines, and escalation processes for the international freight team.
• Monitor performance of shipping lines, airlines, customs brokers, and on-forwarders.

End-to-End Shipment Coordination

• Oversee bookings, routing decisions, and transit planning for all export/import shipments.
• Ensure accurate and timely issuance of AWBs, BLs, commercial invoices, packing lists, and other documents.
• Liaise with customs brokers for smooth clearance and compliance.
• Monitor milestone updates, track shipments, and communicate proactively with clients and internal teams.
• Oversee container delivery scheduling with transport providers and warehouses.

Compliance, Documentation & Continuous Improvement

• Ensure full compliance with international regulations, customs requirements, Incoterms, and carrier rules.
• Maintain accurate operational records, CRM entries, contracts, and rate files.
• Identify system, process, or carrier inefficiencies and recommend improvements.
• Implement procedures to reduce delays, variances, demurrage, and detention costs.

Skills & Requirements

Essential

• Minimum 3–5 years of senior experience in international freight forwarding (air & sea) in Australia.
• Strong, active relationships with airlines, shipping lines, co-loaders, and global agents.
• Proven experience negotiating rate agreements and establishing partner accounts.
• Deep understanding of INCOTERMS, international documentation, customs clearance, and freight operations.
• Strong leadership skills with experience overseeing day-to-day operations.
• Ability to work in a high-pressure environment with real-time decision-making.
• Strong analytical capability, negotiation skill, and problem-solving ability.
• Excellent written and verbal communication.
• Proficient in MS Office; experience with CargoWise or similar software is desirable.

Preferred

• Experience in managing carrier contracts and payment terms.
• Experience in overseeing import/export teams.
• Exposure to CRM systems and commercial pricing structures.
• Experience reducing operational delays and improving freight performance KPIs