Branch Operations Manager

Position Summary

Dedicated to the development of our employees and our client relations, we have become worldwide leaders in full-service customs brokerage, supply chain management, worldwide logistics, compliance, port security, foreign freight forwarding, international trade, importing, exporting, and trucking. 

The Branch Operations Manager oversees and manages the day-to-day operations of logistics services and import/export transactions for their assigned branch, reporting directly to their Regional Operations Manager. The Branch Operations Manager also provides guidance on trade regulations and implements policies and regulations procedures to both internal and external clients. They handle tasks like leading and training their team members, managing schedules and budgets, setting monthly goals and objectives, liaising with clients, and resolving issues.  

Responsibilities

• Act as subject matter expert and advisor regarding compliant import/export of goods, stay abreast of new import/export regulations and programs that may impact the business
• Manage relationships with business partners including clients, CBP, government agencies, freight forwarders, drayage carriers and other parties involved in the import/export and international process – especially priority shipments
• Oversee the daily management of the branch’s import/export activities
• Meet at least monthly with their team to ensure timely discussions around new industry issues, CBP programs, workflow and process, and other branch matters and maintain notes 
• Work directly with the Contract Manager, Regional Ops Mgr, VP Ops, SVP Ops, or EVP Ops to negotiate contracts with ocean carriers, freight forwarders and other international agents
• Oversee HTS classification and maintenance of the company database, working directly with the Customs Compliance department to ensure compliance
• Work directly with the Business Management Department to review and improve processes
• Stay abreast of market conditions (ocean freight, domestic drayage/trucking, international airfreight) and best practices to develop and execute strategies to move goods in the most efficient manner
• Ensure proper visibility and training with respect to logistics and trade compliance with internal teams
• Review opportunities for cost reductions and recommend to senior management
• Develop and manage process for transactional review/audit of all import/export records.
• Assist with the management of special programs such as FTA, Consolidated Entry Summary, duty drawback program and other cost-saving initiatives
• Prepare reporting for the Finance Department
• Partner with JF Moran’s freight forwarders on shipment quotes
• Oversee team maintaining CargoWise with timely and accurate information to ensure up-to-date transit information, including updating with timely notes throughout all phases of shipment, entry processing and delivery 
• Oversee development and maintenance of parts dictionaries for each client by item
• Manage internal functional areas of operation to ensure policies and procedures are properly and efficiently implemented
• Keep apprised of special tariff treatment programs, including USMCA and GSP and new rulings or programs that may provide cost savings to the client and ensure the team is aware of such programs
• Stay current with US Customs and various global customs requirements, reviewing industry-related resources and ensuring the team is aware of such programs
• Attend training/seminars to ensure branch compliance with all Customs regulations and alert team to any changes and /or issues
• Coordinate aspects of the routing and clearance of freight at the US border, working with international and/or domestic agents, approving carrier invoices for payment, handling pick-ups and deliveries. 
• Implement best methods for shipping to ensure customer satisfaction; thereby retaining existing business and attracting new business.
• Provide Accounts Receivable assistance/communication when needed.
• Supervise the offer of HoundTrax to all clients.
• Oversee updates existing SOPs as needed/creating new ones. 
• Maintain logistic team members’ attendance records and PTO records.  
• Evaluate and complete performance reviews on each team member yearly. 
• Work with HR Team for salary adjustments, learning paths, and professional development.  

Skills and Abilities

• Strong interpersonal and communication skills (oral, telephonic and written).
• Well-developed analytical and time management skills.
• High work standards and high level of accuracy.
• Must be able to work well as part of a team.
• Sense of urgency necessary to support ever changing environment. 

Education and Experience Requirements:

• High school diploma required; Bachelor’s degree preferred; LCB or CCS or CES preferred
• Advanced knowledge of HTS and CFR 19, Customs Regulations and PGA clearances.
• Familiarity with special tariff treatment programs, including USMCA and GSP and new rulings of programs that may provide cost savings to the client.
• 5 plus years of supervisory experience
• Must be proficient in Windows and Microsoft Office Suite, with a special focus on Excel.

Physical Requirements:

• Standing for up to three hours at a time.
• Lifting and carrying a minimum of five pounds. 
• Sitting for up to seven hours per day. 
• Going up and down stairs approximately two times per day. 
• Working on a computer with multiple monitors for seven hours per day 
• Speaking and listening clearly during telephone conversations. 
• Ability to travel to branch offices and/or other locations if requested and when necessary.