Manager of Ocean Transportation

Manager of Ocean Transportation

Location: Fully Remote – United States
Employment Type: Full-Time
Salary Range: $60,000–$80,000 annually

About the Position

Luminary Logistics Solutions is seeking an experienced and proactive Manager of Ocean Transportation to coordinate and manage international ocean freight processes from customer award through final delivery.

This is a hands-on operational position focused on managing shipments, coordinating documentation, maintaining communication with Project Managers and transportation partners, and ensuring ocean freight movements are completed efficiently and on schedule.

The ideal candidate is highly organized, detail-oriented, and capable of independently managing ocean transportation activities without direct supervision.  This position does not include employee management responsibilities.

Key Responsibilities

Ocean Freight Operations
• Take ownership of ocean transportation processes from customer award through shipment execution and final delivery.
• Coordinate FCL, LCL, breakbulk, out-of-gauge, and specialized ocean cargo shipments.
• Arrange ocean freight bookings and coordinate vessel schedules, cargo readiness, and shipping deadlines.
• Monitor ocean shipments and proactively address delays, documentation issues, and operational challenges.
• Coordinate with ocean carriers, freight agents, terminals, customs brokers, and other transportation partners.
• Ensure transportation activities comply with applicable shipping regulations and company procedures.
Documentation & Process Management
• Become involved in ocean transportation requirements immediately following customer award.
• Receive, review, and coordinate ocean shipping documentation.
• Proactively follow up with Project Managers when required documentation or shipment information is missing.
• Prepare, review, and coordinate bills of lading, shipping instructions, packing lists, and other required documents.
• Track documentation deadlines, vessel cutoffs, and shipment milestones.
• Maintain accurate records and shipment information within company operating systems.
• Identify opportunities to improve documentation workflows and operational processes.
Project Coordination & Operations Support
• Work closely with Project Managers to ensure ocean transportation requirements are addressed throughout each project.
• Provide ocean freight expertise and operational guidance to internal teams.
• Coordinate shipment timelines and communicate changes affecting project execution.
• Serve as a secondary operational resource, assisting with other freight forwarding activities when needed.
• Maintain proactive communication with Operations, Sourcing, and other departments.
• Ensure assigned responsibilities are completed accurately and within established deadlines.
Cost Control & Risk Management
• Obtain and review ocean freight rates, carrier quotations, and transportation-related charges.
• Monitor shipment costs and identify potential financial risks.
• Proactively address potential demurrage, detention, storage, and other avoidable transportation expenses.
• Communicate shipment delays, missed deadlines, and potential cost exposure to Project Managers and leadership.
• Assist in resolving carrier invoice discrepancies and transportation-related billing issues.
Communication & Customer Service
• Maintain timely communication with internal stakeholders, carriers, vendors, and customers as appropriate.
• Provide accurate updates regarding vessel schedules, shipment progress, and documentation requirements.
• Respond promptly to operational requests and shipping-related questions.
• Demonstrate ownership, accountability, and effective problem-solving throughout the shipment process.

Required Qualifications

• Minimum of 5 years of experience in international ocean freight forwarding or ocean transportation operations.
• Strong understanding of ocean freight booking procedures, documentation, and shipping requirements.
• Experience coordinating ocean import and/or export shipments.
• Knowledge of vessel schedules, port operations, and international shipping deadlines.
• Experience working with ocean carriers, freight agents, and Project Managers.
• Ability to independently manage multiple shipments and competing deadlines.
• Strong attention to detail and organizational skills.
• Excellent written and verbal communication skills.
• Proficiency in Microsoft Office and freight forwarding or transportation management systems.
• Ability to work independently in a remote environment.

Preferred Qualifications

• Experience with project cargo, breakbulk, heavy-lift, or oversized shipments.
• Experience using CargoWise or similar freight forwarding software.
• Knowledge of Incoterms and international trade documentation.
• Experience coordinating customs clearance and working with international freight agents.
• Familiarity with freight cost management and carrier rate negotiations.

What We're Looking For

We are seeking someone who is proactive, dependable, and comfortable taking ownership of ocean freight processes from beginning to end.   The successful candidate will anticipate operational challenges, follow up on missing information without being prompted, communicate effectively, and ensure shipments move forward according to established timelines.   This role is ideal for an experienced ocean freight professional who enjoys hands-on operational work, process coordination, and problem-solving rather than employee supervision.

Compensation & Work Arrangement

Salary: $60,000–$80,000 annually
Location: Fully Remote – United States
Schedule: Full-Time

Equal Employment Opportunity

Luminary Logistics Solutions is an Equal Opportunity Employer. We consider qualified applicants without regard to any status protected by applicable law.