Vice President Ocean Freight Forwarding - Ocean Freight

Overview

Salary Range: $183,001-$307,543

The Vice President, Ocean Freight Forwarding (VP OFF) provides strategic leadership and oversight for Ocean Freight Forwarding operations across the United States within the International Freight Forwarding Group (IFF). This position is responsible for driving business growth, operational excellence, financial performance, regulatory compliance, carrier procurement strategies, and customer service initiatives. The VP OFF partners closely with domestic and global leadership teams to align Ocean Freight Forwarding strategies with organizational objectives, global policies, and long-term business goals while fostering a culture of continuous improvement, employee development, and customer satisfaction.

Responsibilities

Strategic Product Leadership

• Develop and execute the overall Ocean Freight Forwarding strategy, ensuring alignment with corporate objectives, global procurement policies, and trade lane initiatives.
• Lead carrier procurement strategies and monitor compliance with approved carrier policies, vendor selections, and pricing objectives.
• Collaborate with global and regional stakeholders to optimize trade lane performance, volume growth, and service quality.

Operational & Regulatory Oversight

• Oversee all Ocean Import operations and ensure compliance with applicable regulatory requirements, including FMC, Customs, Homeland Security, and other industry regulations.
• Monitor operational performance metrics and implement corrective actions to ensure service excellence and customer satisfaction.
• Ensure effective execution of freight forwarding processes and continuous improvement initiatives across all locations.

Financial & Commercial Management

• Develop and manage annual budgets, forecasts, and long-range business plans for the Ocean Freight Forwarding product line.
• Review financial performance, productivity, profitability, and market trends to identify opportunities for revenue growth and operational efficiencies.
• Partner with commercial and business development teams to support pricing strategies, new customer acquisition, and expansion opportunities.
• Maximize profitability through strategic management of carriers, vendors, customers, and operational resources.

Leadership & Talent Development

• Provide leadership, coaching, and development for Ocean Freight Forwarding management and staff.
• Establish performance goals and objectives for direct reports and conduct performance evaluations.
• Drive employee engagement, succession planning, workforce development, and organizational effectiveness.
• Promote a culture of accountability, collaboration, safety, ethics, and continuous improvement.

Executive & Stakeholder Partnership

• Serve as a key liaison between Yusen Logistics Americas and overseas affiliates, including global headquarters.
• Build and maintain strong relationships with executive leadership, customers, suppliers, and strategic business partners.
• Participate in strategic planning activities and contribute to the long-term growth and competitiveness of the organization.
• Ensure Ocean Freight Forwarding initiatives support the broader objectives of Yusen Logistics and the International Freight Forwarding organization.

The above statements are intended to describe the general nature of work being performed. They are not to be construed as an exhaustive list of all responsibilities, duties and skills required.

Qualifications

• Bachelor's degree in Business, Logistics, Supply Chain Management, or a related field; advanced degree preferred.
• Minimum 10-15 years of progressive logistics, freight forwarding, or supply chain experience.
• Minimum 5 years of leadership and people-management experience within OFF.
• Extensive knowledge of international freight forwarding, ocean import/export operations, carrier procurement, and trade lane management.
• Strong financial management, budgeting, forecasting, and strategic planning experience.
• Demonstrated experience leading large-scale operational and process improvement initiatives.
• Proven ability to influence and collaborate with executive leadership, customers, vendors, and global stakeholders.
• Excellent written, verbal, presentation, negotiation, and interpersonal communication skills.
• Strong analytical, problem-solving, decision-making, and critical-thinking abilities.
• Ability to manage multiple priorities and drive results in a dynamic business environment.
• Experience with freight forwarding systems (CargoWise preferred), transportation management systems, and Microsoft Office applications.
• Knowledge of regulatory compliance requirements applicable to international freight forwarding operations.
• Demonstrated commitment to integrity, ethical business conduct, and organizational values

Required Working Conditions: (Include below that apply)

The physical and environmental demands described here are representative of those that must be met by an employee to successfully perform the essential functions of this position. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the functions.

• Work is primarily performed in an office environment with moderate noise levels (phones, printers, conversations).
• Involves prolonged periods of sitting at a desk and frequent use of computers and office equipment
• Regular use of hands and fingers, including, but not limited to, typing, filing, frequent keyboarding, mouse clicking and handling documents.
• Occasional lifting or moving of office supplies or equipment up to 25 pounds.
• Requires strong analytical, decision-making, and critical-thinking skills.
• Must be able to read, interpret, and compose clear written and verbal communications.
• Visual acuity required for tasks including, but not limited to, computer work, document review, and data analysis.
• Must maintain strong organizational skills, confidentiality, and independent work habits.
• Adaptability to changing priorities and effective professional communication with colleagues and customers.
• Regular, punctual attendance and compliance with all company policies and procedures.
• On-Site Requirements: In-office presence required for meetings, team events, overnight travel and scheduled days.
• Must be able to work as part of a functional team including working in an office on a Hybrid Schedule as required by company policy

 The physical demands and work environment characteristics described here are representative of those an employee encounters while performing the essential functions of this job. This list is not exhaustive; environmental conditions and physical requirements may vary depending on the specific office location, workstation configuration, or business necessity.

Benefits

Yusen offers a generous Employee Benefits Package including:

• Medical, Dental, and Vision beginning the 1st of the month following start date
• 401k with a company match
• Standard 10 days PTO 
• Eligible for bonus plan
• 7 Paid Holidays 
• Eligble for OT pay if applicable 
• Flexible Spending Accounts, Life and Accidental Death & Dismemberment Insurance, Short & Long Term Disability, Tuition Assistance Program, Commuter Benefits, vacation, and much more

Any and all benefits offered are subject to the eligibility requirements, terms, and provisions set forth in the respective policies and plan documents, which you may request from Human Resources.

About Yusen Logistics (Americas)

Yusen Logistics is working to become the world’s preferred supply chain logistics company. Our complete offer is designed to forge better connections between businesses, customers and communities – through innovative supply chain management, freight forwarding, warehousing and distribution services. As a company we’re dedicated to a culture of continuous improvement, ensuring everyone who works with us is committed, connected and creative in making us the world’s preferred choice.

www.yusen-logistics.com/

Yusen Logistics (Americas) Inc. values each individual employee and is committed to a diverse and inclusive workforce by providing equal employment opportunities for all applicants without regard to race, religion, color, sex, national origin, citizenship status, uniform service member status, age, disability, sexual and gender orientation, genetic information, or any other protected status in accordance with all applicable federal, state and local laws.

Los Angeles County Only: Yusen Logistics (Americas) Inc. will consider qualified applicants with a criminal history pursuant to the California Fair Chance Act. You do not need to disclose your criminal history or participate in a background check until a conditional job offer is made to you. After making a conditional offer and running a background check, if Yusen Logistics (Americas) Inc. is concerned about conviction that is directly related to the job, you will be given the chance to explain the circumstances surrounding the conviction, provide mitigating evidence, or challenge the accuracy of the background report. Find out more about the Fair Chance Act by visiting the Civil Right’s Department Fair Chance Act webpage.