Import Operations Manager (on-site)

The role of Import Operations Manager is to support the company’s growing import and global sourcing initiatives by coordinating daily flow of imports from international origins to U.S. distribution centers. This role is instrumental in serving as a key liaison between our logistics partners, internal transportation teams, distribution center operations, inventory management, and merchandising partners. The Import Operations Manager will drive operational efficiency by optimizing freight movement, monitoring key performance metrics, and providing insights to management for strategic planning and cost optimization. The position will also be responsible for leading a team of import logistics analysts to support the business.

Key Responsibilities:

• Oversee daily operations of import logistics, ensuring timely and efficient flow of goods from international origins to U.S. distribution centers.
• Serve as the primary liaison between logistics service providers (including 3PLs, drayage providers, ocean carriers), internal transportation teams, DC operations, inventory management, and merchandising.
• Provide strategic reporting and data-driven insights to support leadership decision-making on routing optimizations, freight spend and vendor management.
• Lead and develop a team of import logistics analysts to ensure high performance, operational alignment, and professional growth.
• Lead procurement and contract negotiations with transload providers and drayage carriers to optimize cost, capacity, and service performance.
• Ensure high performance standards are met through contract management, forecast management and routing optimization methods.
• Oversee freight payment and audit functions related to operations to ensure billing accuracy and timely payments.
• Compile, analyze, and present monthly financial performance and forecasted expenses to senior management.
• Monitor and analyze key performance indicators (KPIs) related to freight movement, transit times, cost, and vendor compliance.
• Drive continuous improvement initiatives aimed at increasing supply chain visibility, reducing lead times, and enhancing service reliability.
• Collaborate with cross-functional teams on inventory planning, product launches, and seasonal shipment forecasting to align logistics capacity with business needs.
• Stay current on global logistics trends and current events that impact international trade and supply chain operations.

Qualifications:

• Bachelor’s degree in supply chain, Business, Finance or related field.
• 5+ years of experience in import operations, international logistics, or supply chain management.
• 3–5 years of experience in a leadership or supervisory role
• Proven track record of managing teams, setting goals, and achieving performance outcomes
• Strong understanding of global transportation networks, ocean freight, drayage, and 3PL transload operations.
• Proven ability to lead cross-functional initiatives and manage vendor relationships.
• Excellent problem-solving, analytical, and communication skills.
• Advanced skills in Microsoft Excel and proficiency in all other Microsoft Office Suite applications.
• Proficiency in logistics systems, TMS platforms.
• Strong organizational; ability to operate in a fast-paced environment.

Preferred Qualifications:

• Prior experience managing large-scale retail, wholesale, or high-volume distribution operations.
• Previous experience in ocean shipping, drayage, port/rail operations, domestic transportation, or third-party logistics.