Operations Manager – International Air & Ocean Freight

About us:

Zelh is a fast-growing, passionate outsourcing company.  Our mission is to be the most reliable company by offering and maintaining consistently high-quality services.  We achieve the mission by fostering long-term relationships with customers, employees, and vendors. Personal attention, timely communication, and respect for all people are the basis of our business philosophy!  

At this point, Zelh is looking for an

Operations Manager – International Air & Ocean Freight for the US logistics company.

The Operations Manager will oversee the International Air and Ocean Freight departments (Imports and Exports, with the exception of direct management of Air Export). This position requires both leadership and hands-on operational execution, balancing team management with direct shipment handling. The ideal candidate will bring strong freight forwarding experience, proficiency in CargoWise, and the ability to maintain operational excellence across multiple departments.

Responsibilities:

• Team & Department Management

• Directly manage a team of 5–6 operations staff across Ocean Import/Export and Air Import.

• Report directly to the VP of Operations, assisting in departmental growth and performance management.

• Conduct monthly operations reporting; assist with AR/AP review, WIP/accrual management, and monthly financial close.

• Ensure strong account control and profitability, with focus on maintaining healthy margins.

• Support sales and operations with new client onboarding, ensuring SOPs are created, implemented, and adhered to.

• Act as first point of escalation for client operational issues and maintain ongoing client communication.

• Collaborate with overseas agents on development programs and process improvement.

• Individual Operational Responsibilities

• Personally manage approximately 15–20 Air Export and 5 Ocean Export shipments simultaneously (20–25 active files in CargoWise grid).

• Ensure timely, accurate execution of all assigned shipments, including documentation, compliance, and financial reconciliation.

• Minimum 5 years’ experience managing freight forwarding operations teams (preferably with a mid - to large-sized forwarder).

• Proven leadership skills with ability to manage staff performance and departmental KPIs.

• Proficiency in CargoWise (mandatory).

• Strong command of English (verbal and written).

• Spanish language skills a strong plus.

• High proficiency with Microsoft Outlook/Teams/OneDrive, as well as Dropbox

• Exceptional organizational skills; able to manage large email volumes and multiple priorities with accuracy and professionalism.

  Desired Competencies:

• Strong financial acumen: ability to monitor margins, accruals, and profitability.

• Detail-oriented and process-driven with a focus on compliance and client satisfaction.

• Ability to thrive in a fast-paced, high-volume international logistics environment.

• Experience assisting senior leadership with operational strategy and continuous improvement.

Working conditions:

• Work schedule: Monday-Friday – 6 am – 2 pm EST

• Remote eligibility

• Competitive Salary in USD

• 10+ business days of paid time off

• Team building and corporate events

• Equipment provided

• Opportunity for career growth and cross-training in air imports or other roles within the company.

• Supportive and collaborative team environment.

If you have a passion for logistics and a proven track record in air export operations, we encourage you to apply for this exciting opportunity.