Ocean Product Manager

Join us at AIT, where we believe every day presents an opportunity to make a global impact!

We’re problem solvers, driven by our curiosity and creativity, in endless pursuit of solutions for our customers. Together, we champion the strength of our global teams. And, as trusted advisors, we go above and beyond, working together in a supportive and collaborative environment to ensure customer satisfaction. 

Through the company's continued growth, we challenge ourselves to be better, continuously learning and growing in our dynamic environment. Helping others is at the core of our culture, join us in finding fulfillment by giving back to our local communities as the united team that is AIT.  Find out what our people deliver.® means when you come move the world with us!  

Hear directly from our teammates at AIT Worldwide Logistics and make us the next stop on your career journey.

The Ocean Product Manager will be responsible for managing all ocean freight export and import related activities including staffing, training, maintaining compliance to established procedures and maintaining and supporting sales and customer relationships. In addition, responsibilities include negotiation with airlines and vendors, budgeting and P&L oversight and related accounting and operations activities.

• Able to travel to meet clients on joint sales calls
• Ocean bill of lading, IATA Normal & Dangerous goods knowledge is a must.
• Drive global compliance with internal and/or external regulation(s)
• Be responsible for employees overall training/cross training, and mentoring of ocean export & import operations staff(s)
• Coordinate monthly department meetings to verify goal attainment, to communicate department productivity, quality goals and others during monthly management meetings
• Create value propositions to assist with customers challenges and drive opportunities.
• Develops and maintains proper internal processes to maximize customer service, productivity, and profitability.
• Ensure all relevant/applicable customer and Corporate KPIs and guidelines are met
• Excellent computer proficiency (MS Office – Word, Excel, and Outlook)
• Lead new business implementations locally with the onboarding of new customers
• Maintain existing customers to support local/regional sales team, support bid submissions
• Must be able to work under pressure and meet deadlines, while maintaining a positive attitude and providing exemplary customer service while dealing with a variety of people.
• Negotiate rates and service agreements as needed
• Nurture working relationships with key overseas company colleagues – business partners
• Ability to manage own profit center and report on revenue generation, profit, and loss.
• Participate in ocean freight recruitment/selection
• Provide and stress the importance of quality including a policy of zero defects.
• Review billing status report and enhance customer account profitability and timeliness and accuracy of all billings
• Review monthly ocean/ drayage carrier performance
• Review P/L on monthly basis
• Staff productivity monitoring
• Support sales by providing competitive rates for new customers
• Targets and goal setting for the department by utilizing pre-shift meetings and performance boards
• Work with management on individual employee’s development plan
• Works with the Sales Team to build account bases and file counts, while maintaining the highest level of customer service.
• Establish, oversee, and continuously improve the process flows in conformance with applicable rules, procedures, and company policy.
• Other duties and responsibilities will be assigned as business demands deem necessary.

• A team player who works well with others – being respectful to our teammates is a Core Value!
• A strong work ethic with an appreciation for ownership, independence, accountability and autonomy in your role.
• Growth mindset – being passionate about your craft, always looking for ways to improve yourself and the company, being open to change and doing things differently.
• Customer service focus – we serve a wide variety of customers, both internal and external, and building relationships is a part of our culture!

Other Skills We Hope to See:

• 5+ years of freight forwarding experience
• Ocean import/export experience required
• 3+ years previous Management experience required
• Good understanding of geography, current affairs on a global-political level
• Strong customer service skills
• Strong attention for detail
• Ability to effectively communicate, both verbal and written
• Must be PC literate
• High level of initiative
• Strong problem-solving skills with ability to develop new ideas and innovative solutions
• Detail-oriented individual with great communication skills
• Enjoys working in a fast-paced environment
• Works well within a team and individually.

In addition to your base compensation, you may be eligible for a bonus based on achievement of business and/or individual performance metrics (dependent on position). Benefits offered include Medical, Prescription, Health Savings Account, Flexible Spending Accounts, Dental, Vision, Life, AD&D, Disability, Supplemental Health, Employee Support program, Paid Parental Leave, Pet Insurance, 401(k) and Tuition Reimbursement for your personal development. In addition, teammates may be eligible for up to 10 to 20 days of vacation (depending on tenure), 2 personal days, 5 sick days, 5 volunteer hours, and 6 company holidays (plus Veterans Day for Veterans) annually.  

AIT Worldwide Logistics is a global freight forwarder that helps companies grow by expanding access to markets all over the world where they can sell and/or procure their raw materials, components and finished goods. For more than 40 years, the Chicago-based supply chain solutions leader has relied on a consultative approach to build a global network and trusted partnerships in nearly every industry, including aerospace, automotive, consumer retail, energy, food, government, high-tech, industrial, life sciences and marine. Backed by scalable, user-friendly technology, AIT’s flexible business model customizes door-to-door deliveries via sea, air, ground and rail—on time and on budget. With expert teammates staffing more than 150 worldwide locations in Asia, Europe and North America, AIT’s full-service options also include customs clearance, warehouse management and white glove services. Learn more about AIT Worldwide Logistics, our culture and core values in action here.  

AIT Worldwide Logistics is an Equal Opportunity Employer – M/F/Veterans/Disabled.  If you are unable to apply online due to a disability, contact Human Resources at 630-766-8300 ext 5218.