Ocean Export Team Lead
About the role
Role: Operations Leadership, Ocean Export Division
Role Overview
The client is currently specializing its operations into dedicated mode-based divisions to better serve our high-value client base. We are seeking a proactive Ocean Export Team Lead to step into this newly created role.
This is not a traditional back-office operations role. We are looking for an "architect" of ocean exports—someone who is not content to simply move files from A to B, but who has the drive to challenge the status quo, streamline our processes, and serve as the primary bridge to our carrier network. You will lead our ocean export team, acting as an escalation point for complex files while actively driving service standards and profitability.
Role Goals & Milestones
3 Months: Stabilization & Integration Operational Mastery: Achieve full proficiency in operational processes, taking ownership of the current ocean export desk and handling complex high-value accounts. Relationship Building: Establish a rapport with the existing team and initiate contact with our primary ocean carrier representatives, transitioning these from transactional links to active partnerships. Process Assessment: Complete a thorough audit of current workflows to identify at least one "low-hanging fruit" opportunity to reduce errors or manual work.
6 Months: Process Improvement & Strategic Bridging
Vendor Strategy: Solidify our carrier partnerships. You will be the go-to person for troubleshooting issues and negotiating special rates/service levels when bottlenecks arise. Workflow Optimization: Execute the process improvement plan identified in your first quarter, focusing on streamlining internal communication between Operations and Pricing/Procurement. Proactive Margin Management: Demonstrate active involvement in file profitability by identifying cost, rate, and billing discrepancies before they impact the bottom line.
12 Months: Scaling & Tech Adoption Leadership & Culture: Establish clear team standards and foster a culture of professional growth, mentoring team members to increase their operational discipline. Tech Integration: Lead the adoption of new system tools and AI-driven procedures to reduce administrative overhead and increase file-handling capacity. Divisional Growth: Contribute to the scalability of the division by documenting workflows and establishing a standard for ocean export excellence that can support future team growth.
Candidate Profile Need-to-Haves
Freight Forwarding DNA: 5+ years of experience specifically within an international freight forwarding environment. We need someone who understands the "full-cycle" of the forwarder role—carrier-only or shipper-only experience is not a fit for our operations. The "Go-Getter" Mindset: You are not just looking for a routine job. You have a track record of identifying better ways to do things and taking the initiative to implement those changes. Operational Troubleshooting: Comfort in high-pressure environments where you must troubleshoot complex issues, coordinate across international time zones, and step in immediately when shipments go off-course. Active Communication: You are comfortable picking up the phone to resolve issues rather than relying solely on emails. You enjoy building rapport with external partners and vendors. Technical Proficiency: Strong understanding of export documentation, compliance, and international logistics workflows.
Nice-to-Haves
Tech & AI Enthusiasm: Direct experience implementing workflow improvements, CRM/TMS system upgrades, or AI tools to increase efficiency. Cross-Modal Knowledge: Exposure to import or air export operations, or experience working closely with procurement/pricing teams. Complex Cargo Exposure: Experience dealing with high-value, sensitive, or over-dimensional shipments.
Not the right fit? Search for Ocean Export Team Lead jobs in Toronto, Ontario, Canada
About Ari Agency Executive Search & Digital Recruitment
We are not just your typical Executive Search firm and Recruitment Agency; we are a North American boutique tailored for the digital age, boasting nearly two decades of successful strategic placements. Our roots lie in the digital product, e-commerce, creative design, marketing, and emerging tech realms, where we represent and collaborate with digital disruptors, transformers, and innovators from across North America serving 🇨🇦 🇺🇸 clients from global brands to high growth startups.
Partnering with us means aligning with a team deeply entrenched in the intricacies of the digital landscape. We specialize in working with global brands, technology startups, and independent digital marketing and design agencies that are not just pushing boundaries, but are also driving innovation and digital transformation, aiming to scale rapidly.
Our in-depth understanding of our clients' businesses sets us apart. Operating in specialized pods within key sectors such as Retail, CPG, SaaS, B2B, Pharma, Fintech and Technology, we focus on leaders across Marketing, Operations, Finance, eCommerce, Product Development, Creative Design, AI, Emerging Tech, Machine Learning, Data & Analytics. From the C-Suite to the Digital Suite, we cover the spectrum of leaders and innovators who will propel your business, products, marketing, organization, and culture forward.
If you are looking for an Executive Search and Recruitment agency that dominates the digital innovation and transformation space, look no further. We possess the knowledge, expertise, and know-how to guide our clients toward making superior hiring decisions, achieving exceptional results, and constructing high-performance teams that will transform their industries and redefine business categories. Connect with us, and let's embark on a journey of unprecedented success together!
Similar Jobs
Ocean Export Team Lead
About the role
Role: Operations Leadership, Ocean Export Division
Role Overview
The client is currently specializing its operations into dedicated mode-based divisions to better serve our high-value client base. We are seeking a proactive Ocean Export Team Lead to step into this newly created role.
This is not a traditional back-office operations role. We are looking for an "architect" of ocean exports—someone who is not content to simply move files from A to B, but who has the drive to challenge the status quo, streamline our processes, and serve as the primary bridge to our carrier network. You will lead our ocean export team, acting as an escalation point for complex files while actively driving service standards and profitability.
Role Goals & Milestones
3 Months: Stabilization & Integration Operational Mastery: Achieve full proficiency in operational processes, taking ownership of the current ocean export desk and handling complex high-value accounts. Relationship Building: Establish a rapport with the existing team and initiate contact with our primary ocean carrier representatives, transitioning these from transactional links to active partnerships. Process Assessment: Complete a thorough audit of current workflows to identify at least one "low-hanging fruit" opportunity to reduce errors or manual work.
6 Months: Process Improvement & Strategic Bridging
Vendor Strategy: Solidify our carrier partnerships. You will be the go-to person for troubleshooting issues and negotiating special rates/service levels when bottlenecks arise. Workflow Optimization: Execute the process improvement plan identified in your first quarter, focusing on streamlining internal communication between Operations and Pricing/Procurement. Proactive Margin Management: Demonstrate active involvement in file profitability by identifying cost, rate, and billing discrepancies before they impact the bottom line.
12 Months: Scaling & Tech Adoption Leadership & Culture: Establish clear team standards and foster a culture of professional growth, mentoring team members to increase their operational discipline. Tech Integration: Lead the adoption of new system tools and AI-driven procedures to reduce administrative overhead and increase file-handling capacity. Divisional Growth: Contribute to the scalability of the division by documenting workflows and establishing a standard for ocean export excellence that can support future team growth.
Candidate Profile Need-to-Haves
Freight Forwarding DNA: 5+ years of experience specifically within an international freight forwarding environment. We need someone who understands the "full-cycle" of the forwarder role—carrier-only or shipper-only experience is not a fit for our operations. The "Go-Getter" Mindset: You are not just looking for a routine job. You have a track record of identifying better ways to do things and taking the initiative to implement those changes. Operational Troubleshooting: Comfort in high-pressure environments where you must troubleshoot complex issues, coordinate across international time zones, and step in immediately when shipments go off-course. Active Communication: You are comfortable picking up the phone to resolve issues rather than relying solely on emails. You enjoy building rapport with external partners and vendors. Technical Proficiency: Strong understanding of export documentation, compliance, and international logistics workflows.
Nice-to-Haves
Tech & AI Enthusiasm: Direct experience implementing workflow improvements, CRM/TMS system upgrades, or AI tools to increase efficiency. Cross-Modal Knowledge: Exposure to import or air export operations, or experience working closely with procurement/pricing teams. Complex Cargo Exposure: Experience dealing with high-value, sensitive, or over-dimensional shipments.
Not the right fit? Search for Ocean Export Team Lead jobs in Toronto, Ontario, Canada
About Ari Agency Executive Search & Digital Recruitment
We are not just your typical Executive Search firm and Recruitment Agency; we are a North American boutique tailored for the digital age, boasting nearly two decades of successful strategic placements. Our roots lie in the digital product, e-commerce, creative design, marketing, and emerging tech realms, where we represent and collaborate with digital disruptors, transformers, and innovators from across North America serving 🇨🇦 🇺🇸 clients from global brands to high growth startups.
Partnering with us means aligning with a team deeply entrenched in the intricacies of the digital landscape. We specialize in working with global brands, technology startups, and independent digital marketing and design agencies that are not just pushing boundaries, but are also driving innovation and digital transformation, aiming to scale rapidly.
Our in-depth understanding of our clients' businesses sets us apart. Operating in specialized pods within key sectors such as Retail, CPG, SaaS, B2B, Pharma, Fintech and Technology, we focus on leaders across Marketing, Operations, Finance, eCommerce, Product Development, Creative Design, AI, Emerging Tech, Machine Learning, Data & Analytics. From the C-Suite to the Digital Suite, we cover the spectrum of leaders and innovators who will propel your business, products, marketing, organization, and culture forward.
If you are looking for an Executive Search and Recruitment agency that dominates the digital innovation and transformation space, look no further. We possess the knowledge, expertise, and know-how to guide our clients toward making superior hiring decisions, achieving exceptional results, and constructing high-performance teams that will transform their industries and redefine business categories. Connect with us, and let's embark on a journey of unprecedented success together!