The US Trade Lane Manager will be responsible for managing, developing, and optimizing key trade lanes in the United States for both Ocean and Air products. This position requires identifying growth opportunities, fostering relationships with key stakeholders, and ensuring the smooth execution of operations across critical US trade routes. The manager will work closely with internal teams (sales, operations, finance) and external partners (carriers, port authorities, freight forwarders) to meet business objectives and enhance performance. Our established network capabilities will support the candidate in focusing on the development of targeted trade lanes. Key Responsibilities Trade Lane Development & Management: Optimize existing trade lanes to improve efficiency, reduce costs, and increase volume. Identify new business opportunities across key US trade routes, particularly in emerging or underserved markets. Collaborate with the global network team to expand volumes and onboard new business for the trade lanes. Market Analysis & Strategy Development: Conduct research to understand market trends, customer needs, competitor activities, and regulatory changes impacting trade lanes. Develop and execute strategies to boost profitability and enhance service offerings along US trade routes. Work with the Ocean Country Head to negotiate competitive ocean rates to the Americas. Operational Excellence: Oversee operational performance to ensure timely, cost-effective, and high-quality service for shipments along US trade routes. Collaborate with operations teams to optimize shipment scheduling, capacity management, and routing to minimize delays and cut costs. Ensure compliance with relevant regulatory requirements, including customs and trade regulations. Customer & Stakeholder Relationship Management: Build strong relationships with key customers, including large shippers and third-party logistics providers, to drive business growth along trade lanes. Act as the primary point of contact for customer inquiries related to trade lane performance, service levels, and issue resolution. Provide regular feedback to sales and customer service teams to ensure customer satisfaction and prompt issue resolution. Financial Management & Reporting: Work with finance teams to develop and manage budgets, forecasts, and financial KPIs for trade lanes. Provide regular performance reports to senior management, highlighting metrics like volume growth, cost efficiency, and operational performance. Identify process improvements within the trade lane network to reduce costs and enhance service speed and quality. Technological Integration & Process Improvement: Leverage technology to enhance visibility, tracking, and management of trade lanes. Collaborate across internal teams, including sales, marketing, operations, and IT, to ensure alignment on business objectives and strategy execution. Regulatory & Risk Management: Ensure compliance with US customs laws, import/export regulations, and environmental standards along trade routes. Monitor and mitigate risks that could impact trade lane operations, including capacity constraints, transportation disruptions, and geopolitical factors Key Requirements Extensive experience managing international shipping routes, port operations, and freight forwarding within the US market. Strong understanding of US customs regulations, import/export procedures, and the logistics network. Advanced analytical skills, with the ability to interpret performance data, financial metrics, and market trends. Exceptional project management capabilities, with a proven track record of leading initiatives and solving complex operational issues. Familiarity with tools for route planning, cargo tracking, and real-time shipment visibility. Strong verbal and written communication skills, capable of engaging with executives, customers, and vendors. Strategic thinking ability to identify challenges and develop innovative solutions to optimize trade lanes. Strong leadership skills, with the ability to motivate and manage cross-functional teams in a fast-paced environment. Skills & Competencies Excellent relationship-building skills with customers and service providers. Proficiency in managing and analyzing US Trade Lane performance, financial data, and market trends. Expertise in project management, with the ability to lead initiatives and resolve complex operational challenges. Familiarity with industry-specific tools for route planning, cargo tracking, and shipment visibility. Educational background / Work experience Bachelor's degree in Supply Chain Management, Logistics, Business Administration, International Trade, or a related field; a Master's degree or relevant certifications is a plus. 5-8 years of experience in logistics, US trade lane management, or supply chain operations with a focus on business development or trade lanes. Demonstrated experience managing international shipping routes, port operations, or freight forwarding within the US market. Strong knowledge of US customs regulations and the logistics network. Computer Literacy Proficient in Microsoft Office Suite (Excel, PowerPoint, Word) and logistics software (e.g., TMS, WMS, ERP systems).
