Ocean Import Supervisor

Open Position

$70,000 - $75,000

We are seeking an experienced, hands-on Ocean Import Supervisor to oversee the daily operations of a busy international freight forwarding department. The successful candidate will lead and support the Ocean Import team, ensuring efficient shipment execution, regulatory compliance, operational profitability, and exceptional customer service.

This role requires a strong understanding of FCL and LCL ocean imports, Canadian customs procedures, and CargoWise, combined with proven leadership skills and the ability to manage complex shipments in a fast-paced environment.

The ideal candidate is a proactive, solutions-focused leader who can effectively balance team supervision with hands-on operational responsibilities.

Key Responsibilities

Ocean Import Operations

• Oversee daily ocean import operations, ensuring the timely and accurate movement of FCL and LCL shipments from origin through final delivery.
• Supervise shipment bookings, documentation, arrival notices, customs coordination, cargo releases, and inland transportation arrangements.
• Monitor vessel schedules, shipment milestones, container availability, and delivery commitments.
• Coordinate with steamship lines, overseas agents, customs brokers, rail providers, and trucking companies to maintain efficient cargo movement.
• Provide hands-on support with complex shipments, escalations, and operational challenges.
• Monitor demurrage, detention, storage charges, and container free time to minimize unnecessary costs.
• Ensure compliance with CBSA regulations, ACI E-Manifest requirements, bonded cargo procedures, and international shipping standards.
• Identify opportunities to streamline workflows, improve shipment visibility, and enhance operational efficiency.
  
  

Team Leadership & Supervision

• Lead, mentor, and support a team of Ocean Import Coordinators, ensuring consistent performance and service delivery.
• Oversee daily workload distribution, shipment assignments, and operational priorities.
• Establish clear expectations for productivity, accuracy, customer service, and regulatory compliance.
• Provide coaching, training, and guidance on freight forwarding procedures, documentation, and CargoWise processes.
• Monitor team performance, address operational challenges, and support employee development.
• Promote a collaborative, accountable, and customer-focused work environment.
• Serve as the primary escalation point for complex shipment issues and customer concerns.
  
  

CargoWise & Operational Administration

• Utilize CargoWise (CargoWise One) to oversee shipment processing, documentation, tracking, invoicing, and operational reporting.
• Ensure accurate and timely data entry, shipment milestones, cost allocations, and billing information.
• Monitor team adherence to established CargoWise workflows and operational procedures.
• Identify system-related inefficiencies and support process improvements to enhance accuracy and productivity.
• Generate and review operational reports to monitor shipment activity, service performance, and departmental efficiency.
  
  

Financial Performance & Process Improvement

• Monitor shipment profitability, freight costs, and operational expenses to support departmental financial objectives.
• Review customer quotations, carrier rates, vendor invoices, and shipment billing for accuracy.
• Negotiate competitive rates with carriers and transportation providers when required.
• Identify opportunities to reduce operational costs, improve margins, and minimize financial exposure.
• Support the development and implementation of standard operating procedures (SOPs).
• Collaborate with management to improve operational processes, productivity, and overall service quality.
  
  

Customer Service & Business Support

• Maintain strong relationships with key customers, overseas agents, carriers, and logistics partners.
• Ensure customers receive timely shipment updates and proactive communication regarding delays or service issues.
• Resolve escalated customer concerns, documentation discrepancies, and transportation challenges professionally and efficiently.
• Collaborate with Sales, Pricing, Accounting, and Management to support customer retention and business growth.
• Participate in operational meetings and provide recommendations to improve service delivery and customer satisfaction.
  
  

Qualifications & Experience

• Minimum 5 years of ocean import experience within an international freight forwarding environment.
• Previous supervisory or team leadership experience in freight forwarding operations.
• Mandatory hands-on proficiency with CargoWise including shipment processing, documentation, and operational workflows.
• Comprehensive knowledge of FCL/LCL ocean imports, international shipping procedures, and Canadian customs regulations.
• Strong understanding of CBSA requirements, ACI E-Manifests, cargo control documentation, re-manifesting, and bonded shipments.
• Experience coordinating with ocean carriers, CN/CP rail providers, trucking companies, customs brokers, and overseas agents.
• Solid understanding of Incoterms, freight pricing, shipment profitability, and import documentation.
• Experience managing customer accounts, resolving escalations, and maintaining high service standards.
• Proven ability to lead, coach, and develop operational teams.
• Strong organizational, communication, decision-making, and problem-solving skills.
• Ability to manage competing priorities and meet deadlines in a high-volume freight forwarding environment.
• Proficiency with Microsoft Office, particularly Excel and Outlook.
• CIFFA certification or post-secondary education in Logistics, Supply Chain Management, or International Trade is an asset.