Wego Chemical Group is a global distributor and sourcing partner of chemicals and ingredients. We are an established player in the global specialty chemical markets, providing end-use manufacturers across industries in North America, LATAM, & EMEA with end-to-end supply chain solutions from across the globe. Our team has been operating for over 45 years, serving customers in over 25 countries, with 200+ professionals in 9 offices strategically located across 4 continents. Proudly family-owned and operated, Wego is led by two generations of leadership who bring passion, vision, and a long-term commitment to our partners' success. 

Job Summary

Wego is seeking an Ocean Freight Manager to oversee and optimize its global ocean freight operations, ensuring efficient, cost-effective, and compliant movement of international shipments across all major trade lanes. You will lead the Ocean Freight Team and own carrier and forwarder management, freight procurement, contract negotiations, shipment execution, and operational performance, working closely with suppliers, carriers, procurement, commercial teams, and international offices.

Key Responsibilities

• Global ocean freight operations: Manage all FCL, LCL, ISO tank, hazardous, and non-hazardous shipments, primarily from China and India to North America, Latin America, Europe, Turkey, and other markets; monitor milestones and proactively handle blank sailings, rollovers, port congestion, and equipment shortages.
• Procurement and carrier management: Lead carrier, NVOCC, and forwarder negotiations, annual RFPs, and spot-rate procurement; evaluate carrier performance; manage allocations and contract utilization; track market trends (GRIs, PSS, BAF).
• Leadership and team development: Lead the Ocean Freight Team, set expectations, coach, cross-train, and conduct annual reviews.
• KPIs and performance reporting: Define and track KPIs (booking efficiency, schedule reliability, on-time performance, cost per container, contract-rate compliance, carrier performance, exceptions and claims); deliver monthly reports to senior management.
• Cost control: Monitor spend against budget, analyze costs by lane, carrier, and equipment, reduce detention, demurrage, and other accessorial charges, support annual budgets and forecasts, and work with Finance on cost allocation.
• Trade compliance and documentation: Ensure compliance with shipping regulations, Incoterms, and IMDG Code requirements for hazardous chemicals; oversee bills of lading and shipping documents; support claims resolution and audits.
• Process and systems improvement: Develop and improve SOPs, drive automation of tracking and reporting, ensure consistent use of Oracle Transportation Management (OTM), and standardize processes across regional offices.
• Stakeholder management: Serve as the primary ocean freight contact for the global organization, share market updates, escalate risks to senior management, and visit key carriers and forwarders as needed.

Key Qualifications

• Bachelor's degree in Supply Chain Management, Logistics, International Business, Transportation, or a related field preferred.
• 7–10 years of progressive international ocean freight experience, including 3–5 years in a supervisory or management role preferred.
• Experience managing significant ocean freight spend, preferably $50 million or more in annual international transportation expenditures.
• Strong knowledge of global ocean freight markets, carriers, NVOCCs, forwarding, and trade lanes, including China, India, North America, Latin America, and Europe.
• Strongly preferred: experience with hazardous chemical and ISO tank shipments and regulated international cargo.
• Proven record negotiating ocean freight contracts, managing RFPs, and building carrier procurement strategies.
• Working knowledge of international trade regulations, Incoterms, IMDG Code, and ocean shipping documentation.
• Experience with a Transportation Management System (OTM strongly preferred); advanced Excel skills for analysis, cost modeling, and KPI dashboards.
• Leadership experience with geographically dispersed or international teams; strong analytical, negotiation, vendor management, and communication skills.
• Ability to prioritize competing demands, work independently, exercise sound judgment, and take ownership of results, with strong attention to detail.
• Fluent English and the ability to communicate clearly to global stakeholders.