Global Transportation Manager

Role Overview
The Global Transport & Trade Manager is a high-impact role responsible for end-to-end management of international (first mile - ocean) and U.S. domestic (last mile - parcel) logistics operations, trade compliance. This individual will lead a team of logistics and trade professionals, build scalable transportation and customs frameworks, and partner cross-functionally to support the company's global growth ambitions.
Key Responsibilities1. Global Container & Freight Management• Oversee and optimize global container movements across ocean, air, and land freight modes.• Manage booking, allocation, and routing of containers to ensure on-time delivery and cost efficiency.• Monitor shipment exceptions, proactively resolve delays, and maintain high service levels globally.• Build and manage relationships with shipping lines, freight forwarders, and NVOCCs. 2. Trade Compliance & HTS Classification• Own the classification of all goods under Harmonized Tariff Schedule (HTS) codes globally.• Ensure full compliance with import/export regulations across all operating jurisdictions.• Manage denied party screening, export control (EAR/ITAR where applicable), and sanctions compliance.• Conduct periodic compliance audits and maintain thorough trade compliance documentation.• Stay current with changes in customs regulations, tariff structures, and trade policy. 3. Documentation & Customs Clearance• Oversee end-to-end customs clearance processes across all import and export lanes.• Manage preparation and accuracy of all trade documentation: commercial invoices, packing lists, bills of lading, certificates of origin, and customs entries.• Liaise with customs brokers, government authorities, and freight agents to resolve classification or valuation queries.• Implement documentation management systems to improve accuracy and reduce clearance delays. 4. Final Mile Delivery Management• Manage last mile delivery operations from global warehouse locations to end customers or distribution/retail destinations.• Evaluate and onboard last mile carriers and delivery partners.• Monitor delivery performance KPIs including on-time delivery, delivery success rate, and cost per delivery.• Collaborate with warehouse and operations teams to improve outbound efficiency. 5. Rate Management & Cost Optimization• Negotiate and manage competitive shipping rates across first mile, middle mile, and last mile logistics.• Run structured RFQ/RFP processes with carriers, forwarders, and 3PLs globally.• Identify and deliver measurable cost savings targets on an annual basis.• Benchmark carrier performance and rates against market standards on an ongoing basis.• Explore and implement Free Trade Agreement (FTA) benefits and duty drawback programs to reduce landed costs. 6. Carrier & Vendor Management• Develop, maintain, and evaluate a global panel of logistics service providers (3PLs, freight forwarders, carriers, customs brokers).• Conduct regular business reviews with key logistics partners and manage SLAs and KPIs contractually.• Manage vendor scorecards and drive continuous performance improvement. 7. Technology• Implement and manage Transportation Management Systems (TMS) and shipment visibility platforms.• Develop real-time tracking and reporting capabilities for all shipment lanes.• Leverage data and analytics to identify trends, inefficiencies, and optimization opportunities. 8. Risk Management & Business Continuity• Identify and assess geopolitical, regulatory, and operational supply chain risks globally.• Develop alternative routing and contingency plans for key trade lanes.• Manage disruption responses (port strikes, customs holds, natural events) swiftly and effectively. 9. Cross-Functional Collaboration• Partner with procurement, finance, legal, product, and operations teams on trade-related decisions.• Report logistics performance, cost, and compliance metrics to senior leadership regularly.• Own the global freight and trade budget, including forecasting and variance reporting. 10. Sustainability & Compliance Reporting• Drive initiatives to reduce logistics carbon footprint through carrier selection and mode optimization.• Ensure compliance with dangerous goods regulations (IATA, IMDG) where applicable.• Support ESG reporting requirements related to freight emissions and logistics operations. Required Qualifications• Bachelor’s degree in supply chain management, International Business, Logistics, or a related field.• 4-6 years of progressive experience in global logistics (First Mile and Final Mile) and trade compliance• Proven track record of managing multi-modal international freight (ocean, air, road).• Deep knowledge of customs regulations, HTS classification, and trade compliance frameworks.• Demonstrated ability to negotiate freight contracts and deliver cost savings at scale.• Experience managing and developing teams across multiple geographies.• Strong analytical skills with the ability to interpret logistics data and present to senior stakeholders.• Proficiency with TMS platforms, ERP systems, and Microsoft Excel.• Excellent communication, negotiation, and stakeholder management skills. Preferred Qualifications• Master’s degree or MBA with a supply chain or operations focus.• Certified Customs Broker (CCB) or equivalent trade compliance certification.• Certifications such as CSCMP, CCLP, or APICS CSCP.• Experience with dangerous goods handling and IATA/IMDG compliance.• Familiarity with duty drawback programs and Free Trade Agreement (FTA) utilization.• Experience with sustainability initiatives and logistics carbon footprint measurement. Core Competencies• Strategic thinking and global supply chain vision• Strong commercial acumen and cost ownership mindset• High attention to detail in compliance and documentation• Problem-solving and resilience under pressure• Leadership and people development• Collaborative, cross-functional partnership• Data-driven decision making

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