• Schaumburg, Illinois
• Transportation/ Logistics
• Base salary: $100,000+ (commensurate with experience)
• Full Time regular employee
•  Flexible schedule (no fixed core hours)
•  New

Job Description

Position

Vice President – Ocean Freight Forwarding Operations (Full-Time Regular Employee)

---

Summary

We are seeking an experienced and proactive Vice President to oversee our international ocean freight forwarding operations in a non-asset-based NVOCC environment. This role is designed as a succession plan for the current VP and will serve as the Qualifying Individual (QI) for the company’s FMC OTI license. The successful candidate will balance hands-on operations with strategic leadership and team management, supporting both day-to-day logistics and broader compliance and organizational functions.

---

Essential Duties

Operational & Sales Responsibilities

• Manage end-to-end U.S. import freight forwarding operations under NVOCC scope

• Coordinate ocean shipments (primarily booked by the Japan office) through customs clearance to final delivery

• Interface with ocean carriers, customs brokers, and third-party vendors

• Resolve shipment issues, delays, and documentation discrepancies

• Initiate and grow new business opportunities through lead generation and client engagement

• Develop accurate quotations and proposals based on customer needs and vendor coordination

Administrative & Managerial Responsibilities

• Act as Qualifying Individual (QI) under the FMC license, ensuring regulatory compliance

• Lead and supervise a small, agile operations team (currently 3 staff members)

• Oversee daily workflows, assign responsibilities, and monitor team performance

• Identify and implement process improvements to increase operational efficiency and service quality

• Maintain compliance with U.S. customs and FMC regulations through internal controls and documentation

• Liaise with the Japan headquarters and global partners to ensure smooth cross-border communication and alignment

• Prepare and present operational reports and metrics to executive leadership

• Support hiring and onboarding of new team members when needed, and develop staff capabilities through training and mentorship

---

Working Hours / Working Style

• Full-time (approx. 40 hours/week)

• Standard hours: 9:00 AM – 6:00 PM (flexible)

• Hybrid model: 1–2 days/week in office (Schaumburg, IL), remainder remote

---

Working Location

Schaumburg, Illinois

---

Salary / Benefits

• Base Salary: From $100,000 (commensurate with experience)

• Health Insurance: ~90% employer-paid

• Dental and Vision Insurance included

• 401(k) retirement plan with company matching

• No annual bonus program currently offered

---

Holidays

• Weekends and U.S. public holidays (according to company calendar)

• Paid Time Off (PTO)

• Year-end and summer holiday periods

---

Qualifications

• Must be eligible and qualified to serve as Qualifying Individual (QI) under FMC regulations, including:

  • At least 3 years of OTI experience in the U.S.

  • Eligibility to serve as a corporate officer (Vice President level)

  • Clean legal, compliance, and financial history

  • Able to provide 3 non-related references from separate companies confirming OTI experience

• Deep knowledge of international freight forwarding, NVOCC operations, and U.S. customs compliance

• Strong leadership skills and proven ability to manage small teams in a lean organizational structure

• Excellent communication, documentation, and vendor coordination capabilities

Apply Now