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 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