About arenaflex
Welcome to arenaflex, a dynamic leader in global logistics and freight forwarding solutions. At arenaflex, we pride ourselves on delivering excellence across international supply chains, connecting businesses to markets worldwide through our comprehensive ocean, air, and ground transportation services. As part of our continued growth trajectory, we are seeking a talented and motivated professional to join our Ocean Freight team as an Ocean Freight Manager. This is a remarkable opportunity to become an integral part of a globally recognized organization that values innovation, teamwork, and customer-centricity above all else.
Our culture at arenaflex is built on a foundation of respect, diversity, and inclusion. We believe that when our people thrive, our business thrives. That's why we invest heavily in career development, continuous learning, and creating an environment where every employee feels valued and empowered to contribute their best work. If you are looking for a long-term career with a company that offers advancement opportunities, competitive rewards, and the chance to make a meaningful impact in the logistics industry, arenaflex is the place for you.
Position Overview
We are currently seeking an experienced and strategic-minded professional to fill the role of Ocean Freight Manager at arenaflex. In this position, you will play a pivotal role in driving the growth and development of our ocean freight volumes while enhancing our ocean product offerings in the global marketplace. You will work closely with the Managing Director of Ocean to develop and implement strategies that strengthen carrier relationships, optimize pricing structures, and ensure exceptional service delivery across all ocean freight operations.
This is a hybrid leadership and operational role that requires someone with deep expertise in international freight forwarding, particularly in the ocean shipping sector. The ideal candidate will be a natural collaborator who can effectively bridge the gap between sales, operations, and product teams while maintaining a keen focus on business development, yield enhancement, and customer satisfaction. If you have a proven track record in ocean freight management and are ready to take the next step in your career with an industry leader, we encourage you to apply today.
Key Responsibilities
As an Ocean Freight Manager at arenaflex, you will be responsible for a comprehensive range of strategic and tactical duties designed to expand our ocean freight business and maintain our competitive edge in the market. Your primary responsibilities will include:
- Strategic Growth Execution: Develop and execute strategies that support the growth of ocean volumes and enhance the development of the ocean product line, ensuring alignment with overall company objectives and market demands.
- Carrier Development & Management: Work closely with the Managing Director of Ocean to support carrier development initiatives, negotiate ocean rates, and build strong relationships with ocean carriers to ensure competitive pricing and reliable service.
- Pricing Strategy Implementation: Assist in implementing pricing programs, reviewing volume targets, and developing ocean strategies that maximize competitiveness while enhancing service quality and profitability.
- Performance Analysis: Conduct thorough analysis of carrier service, routings, and performance metrics. Monitor key performance indicators (KPIs) to ensure agreed-upon service levels are being met or exceeded.
- Sales & Operations Support: Serve as an ocean subject matter expert, providing guidance and support to sales and operations teams to drive account development, yield enhancement, and customer retention.
- Internal & External Communication: Communicate effectively with internal stakeholders and external partners to outline strategies, market conditions, and directional priorities. Collaborate with the global trade lane team, sales, and operations to ensure alignment.
- Risk Management & Compliance: Work closely with product, sales, and operations teams to ensure compliance with policies and procedures, minimizing the company's risk exposure while enhancing service quality and achieving volume targets.
- Market Intelligence: Gather, analyze, and report information regarding performance and competitive activity. Submit detailed reports as required to inform strategic decision-making.
- Budget Management: Manage the annual budget for ocean freight operations, controlling costs, monitoring performance, and reporting results on a regular basis to achieve budget targets.
- Marketing Collaboration: Partner with the marketing team to develop external and internal communications specific to the ocean product, including promotional materials, market updates, and customer communications.
- Customer Relationship Management: Maintain both direct and indirect customer contact, building strong relationships and ensuring customer needs are met with professionalism and expertise.
Essential Qualifications
To be considered for this position, candidates must meet the following essential requirements:
- Educational Background: Bachelor's degree or equivalent combination of education and experience is required.
- Industry Experience: Minimum of eight (8) years of progressive experience in the international freight forwarding industry, with direct hands-on experience in ocean freight operations.
- Technical Expertise: Demonstrated experience in working with ocean contracts, negotiating ocean rates, quoting ocean rates, and analyzing ocean rates and routing options.
- Carrier Experience: Prior experience working with ocean carriers is highly preferred and will be considered a significant asset.
- Technology Proficiency: Strong familiarity with Microsoft Office applications, including Excel, PowerPoint, Word, and Outlook. Advanced spreadsheet and data analysis capabilities are essential.
- Communication Skills: Excellent verbal and written communication skills, with the ability to present complex information clearly and persuasively to various audiences.
- Business Acumen: Strong business orientation with remarkable analytical and strategic thinking abilities. Must be able to understand market dynamics and translate insights into actionable strategies.
- Leadership & Interpersonal Skills: Exceptional interpersonal and leadership skills, with the ability to influence others, build consensus, and foster collaborative relationships across functional teams.
Preferred Qualifications
While not strictly required, the following qualifications will give candidates a competitive edge:
- Advanced degree in Business, Logistics, Supply Chain Management, or a related field
- Additional certifications in logistics or freight forwarding (such as FIATA or IATA qualifications)
- Experience working with global ocean carriers and understanding of carrier networks
- Knowledge of ocean freight pricing structures and contract negotiations
- Familiarity with transportation management systems and logistics technology platforms
- Multilingual capabilities, particularly in languages relevant to international trade lanes
Skills & Competencies
Success in this role requires a unique blend of technical knowledge, strategic thinking, and interpersonal abilities. The ideal candidate will possess:
- Strategic Vision: The ability to think strategically about market trends, competitive landscape, and long-term growth opportunities in ocean freight.
- Analytical Excellence: Strong analytical skills with the ability to interpret complex data, identify trends, and make data-driven decisions.
- Negotiation Mastery: Proven negotiation skills with the ability to secure favorable terms with carriers while maintaining profitable margins.
- Project Management: Strong organizational and project management skills to handle multiple priorities and meet tight deadlines.
- Customer Focus: A deep commitment to understanding and exceeding customer expectations while building long-term relationships.
- Adaptability: The flexibility to adapt to changing market conditions, customer needs, and organizational priorities.
- Team Player: A collaborative mindset with the ability to work effectively across departments and with external partners.
- Results-Oriented: A strong focus on achieving measurable results and meeting or exceeding performance targets.
Career Growth & Development Opportunities
At arenaflex, we are deeply committed to the professional development and career growth of our employees. We believe that investing in our people's growth is an investment in the future success of our organization. As an Ocean Freight Manager, you will have access to a wide range of development opportunities, including:
- Comprehensive onboarding and training programs designed to accelerate your integration into the arenaflex culture and business operations.
- Continuous learning opportunities through our internal training academy, which offers courses in logistics, leadership, negotiation, and business development.
- Mentorship from senior leaders, including the Managing Director of Ocean, who will provide guidance and support as you advance in your career.
- Exposure to cross-functional projects and initiatives that broaden your experience and build new skills.
- Clear career pathways for advancement into senior management roles within the ocean freight division or broader logistics organization.
- Participation in industry conferences, trade shows, and networking events to expand your professional connections and knowledge.
- Regular performance reviews and development conversations to help you set and achieve career goals.
Work Environment & Culture
At arenaflex, we foster a dynamic and inclusive work environment where diversity is celebrated, and innovation thrives. Our office culture is collaborative, supportive, and focused on results. We believe in maintaining a healthy work-life balance and offer flexible working arrangements where possible to accommodate the needs of our employees.
You will be joining a team of passionate logistics professionals who are committed to delivering excellence every day. Our workplace values include integrity, transparency, and a relentless pursuit of customer satisfaction. We encourage open communication, creative problem-solving, and taking ownership of your work. At arenaflex, your voice matters, and your contributions will be recognized and rewarded.
Compensation & Benefits
arenaflex offers a competitive and comprehensive compensation package designed to attract, retain, and reward top talent. We recognize that our employees are our most valuable asset, and we are committed to providing rewards that acknowledge individual effort, stimulate new ideas, encourage outstanding performance, and promote teamwork.
Compensation: The annual salary range for this position is $57,836.00 - $131,686.00. The actual salary offered will be determined based on factors such as your specific skills, relevant work location, years of experience, and comparison to other employees in similar roles. We are committed to equal pay for equal work and ensure fair and transparent compensation practices.
Benefits Package: Our attractive and comprehensive benefits package includes:
- Health, dental, and vision insurance coverage for employees and their families
- Life insurance and disability coverage
- 401(k) retirement plan with company matching contributions
- Paid time off (PTO) including vacation, sick leave, and personal days
- Holiday pay
- Employee assistance program (EAP) for mental health and wellness support
- Tuition reimbursement and professional development assistance
- Employee discount programs
- Recognition and rewards programs for outstanding performance
- Career development and advancement opportunities
Quality of Work/Life Programs: We understand that happy, healthy employees are more productive and engaged. That's why we offer a variety of work-life programs, including flexible scheduling options, remote work opportunities where appropriate, wellness programs, and employee resource groups.
Join the arenaflex Team
If you are ready to take the next step in your career and join a company that truly values its people, we invite you to apply for the Ocean Freight Manager position at arenaflex. This is your opportunity to grow with an industry leader, make a meaningful impact, and build a rewarding career in global logistics.
At arenaflex, you will find everything you'd expect from a people-first, global industry leader – a chance at a long, rewarding career within one of the world's top companies. From comprehensive benefits to special training programs and advancement opportunities, our offering is deep and wide to match our commitment to your career aspirations.
We are excited to review your application and learn how your skills and experience can contribute to the continued success of our ocean freight division. Apply today and become part of the arenaflex family!
arenaflex is an equal opportunity employer. We celebrate diversity and are committed to creating an inclusive environment for all employees.