Senior Export Operations Lead – Air & Ocean Freight

Senior Export Operations Lead – Air & Ocean Freight – Charlotte, NC

Base pay range: $50,000.00/yr - $75,000.00/yr

We’re representing a globally established freight forwarding provider with a strong reputation for operational excellence, compliance, and long-term customer partnerships. The company supports a broad international client base across air, ocean, and multimodal services, underpinned by defined processes, robust systems, and a disciplined operating model.

With an established U.S. presence and a well-developed global agent network, this organization offers a stable, structured environment for experienced export professionals looking to take ownership and operate with authority.

This Senior Export Operations Lead role is responsible for overseeing air and ocean export activity from the Charlotte market. The position acts as the central point of accountability for export execution, managing shipments end-to-end while setting the benchmark for accuracy, communication, and service quality.

The role is ideal for a seasoned export operator who enjoys autonomy, thrives on problem-solving, and naturally takes the lead within an operations function. You’ll handle complex, time-sensitive shipments, liaise directly with customers, and coordinate closely with internal teams and international partners to ensure compliant, on‑time export movements.

• Oversee daily air and ocean export operations from booking through final departure and delivery
• Coordinate shipments with airlines, ocean carriers, overseas agents, and ground handling partners
• Prepare, review, and manage export documentation including HAWBs, MAWBs, AES filings, commercial invoices, and packing lists
• Act as the primary escalation point for export‑related issues, delays, or service exceptions
• Deliver proactive shipment updates and maintain consistent client communication
• Ensure full adherence to export compliance regulations and internal SOPs
• Maintain accurate shipment data and records within the TMS
• Contribute to continuous improvement initiatives across export processes and workflows

• Minimum 2 years’ experience in export operations within a freight forwarding environment
• Hands‑on exposure to both air and ocean export shipments
• Strong working knowledge of export documentation, AES filings, and regulatory compliance
• Comfortable managing time‑critical shipments in a high‑volume setting
• Confident operating in a lead or senior capacity within operations
• Experience with Cargo Wise or similar forwarding systems preferred
• Based in, or able to commute to, Charlotte, NC

• A stable, process‑driven freight forwarder with strong operational leadership
• Lead‑level responsibility and autonomy within the export function
• Exposure to established global trade lanes and international customers
• Clear pathway toward senior or supervisory operations roles
• Ownership‑driven environment with minimal micromanagement

• Mid‑Senior level

• Full‑time

• Customer Service
• Freight and Package Transportation and Transportation, Logistics, Supply Chain and Storage