Deputy General Manager-Ocean Freight

Job description: Role Purpose Lead and oversee the overall Ocean Freight business, with full accountability for sales growth, achievement of an annual sales target of SGD 5 million, operational excellence, financial performance, customer satisfaction, and regulatory compliance . Develop and execute strategic initiatives to expand market share, strengthen customer relationships, and drive sustainable business growth while ensuring efficient import and export operations across global trade lanes. Key Responsibilities Sales & Business Development • Develop and execute strategic sales initiatives to grow the Ocean Freight business and achieve the annual sales target of SGD 5 million , while meeting revenue and profitability objectives. • Take full ownership of the SGD 5 million annual sales target , including sales planning, pipeline development, new customer acquisition, existing account growth, and overall revenue performance. • Identify, pursue, and secure new business opportunities while expanding existing customer accounts. • Build and maintain strong relationships with customers, shipping lines, overseas agents, NVOCCs, freight forwarders, and strategic logistics partners. • Lead negotiations on contracts, pricing, tenders, and commercial agreements to maximise revenue and profitability. • Review and approve major quotations, tenders, contracts, and new customer accounts. • Monitor market trends, freight rates, carrier capacity, competitor activities, and customer requirements to identify new business opportunities. • Work closely with regional and overseas offices to develop integrated and competitive logistics solutions. Operations Management • Oversee end-to-end ocean freight import and export operations, ensuring operational efficiency, service excellence, and customer satisfaction. • Establish, review, and continuously improve operational procedures, service standards, and SOPs. • Ensure compliance with international shipping regulations, customs requirements, TradeNet procedures, hazardous cargo regulations, and applicable trade compliance requirements. • Monitor shipment performance, transit times, carrier performance, service quality, and operational KPIs. • Build and maintain strategic relationships with shipping lines, port operators, customs authorities, transport providers, and overseas agents. • Develop and implement contingency plans to address vessel delays, port congestion, equipment shortages, and other supply chain disruptions. • Lead the resolution of operational issues, customer escalations, cargo claims, and service disputes promptly and effectively. • Collaborate with air freight, warehousing, customs brokerage, transport, and customer service teams to deliver seamless end-to-end logistics solutions. Financial & Commercial Management • Manage departmental budgets, cost control, and overall financial performance. • Ensure accurate billing, freight cost management, revenue recognition, and profitability analysis. • Work closely with Corporate Finance on financial reporting, audits, internal controls, and financial performance monitoring. • Monitor freight procurement costs and negotiate competitive rates and commercial terms with carriers and service providers. Leadership & People Management • Lead, mentor, and develop the Ocean Freight Sales and Operations teams to achieve business and performance objectives. • Work closely with Corporate HR on recruitment, manpower planning, succession planning, performance management, and employee development. • Foster a high-performance culture focused on sales growth, customer satisfaction, operational excellence, accountability, and continuous improvement. Requirements • Bachelor's Degree in Logistics, Supply Chain Management, Business Administration, Maritime Studies, or a related discipline. • Minimum 10 years of relevant experience in ocean freight forwarding, shipping, or international logistics, including at least 5 years in a senior management or leadership position. • Proven track record in driving business growth, sales performance, customer acquisition, and profitability within the ocean freight industry. • Strong knowledge of international shipping, Incoterms, customs regulations, import/export documentation, freight procurement, and global trade compliance. • Established network and strong relationships with shipping lines, freight forwarders, NVOCCs, overseas agents, and other key industry stakeholders. • Strong commercial, financial, operational, and strategic management capabilities. • Excellent leadership, negotiation, communication, and stakeholder management skills. • Proficient in freight forwarding systems, Microsoft Office applications, and logistics management software. • Strong analytical and problem-solving abilities with a results-oriented approach. • Ability to lead cross-functional teams and perform effectively in a fast-paced, customer-focused environment. • Singaporean only • Grow your career with a role that provides stability, development, and opportunities for advancement. Note: Direct Hire Only. Recruitment agencies will not be entertained.