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 Responsibilities
1. 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