Manager, Sea Freight Import (Supervisor)

Location: Shah Alam, Selangor

Job Overview

We are looking for an experienced and hands-on Manager, Sea Freight Import to lead the daily import operations team and ensure the smooth and timely execution of end-to-end sea freight import shipments.

Key Responsibilities

1. Sea Freight Import Operations

• Supervise and oversee daily Sea Freight Import operations, ensuring all shipments are processed accurately and in accordance with company SOPs and customer requirements.
• Manage shipments throughout the complete import cycle, from pre-alert, vessel arrival, documentation and customs clearance through delivery and shipment closure.
• Monitor vessel schedules, shipment milestones, port activities and delivery status to ensure timely execution.
• Ensure timely preparation and processing of Arrival Notices, Bills of Lading, Delivery Orders, Cargo Manifests, invoices and other import documentation.
• Identify, investigate and resolve shipment delays, documentation discrepancies and operational exceptions.
• Ensure all shipment information and milestones are accurately and promptly updated in the operating system.

2. Team Supervision & Leadership

• Lead, coach and support the Sea Freight Import team in achieving daily operational, productivity and service targets.
• Allocate workloads according to shipment volumes, operational priorities and team capacity.
• Monitor individual and team performance, productivity, quality and SLA achievement.
• Provide guidance and training to team members on import processes, documentation and operational procedures.
• Conduct regular performance discussions and identify opportunities for employee development.
• Provide hands-on support and guidance during peak periods, complex shipments and operational escalations.

3. Customer & Stakeholder Management

• Serve as the escalation point for customer and operational issues.
• Coordinate effectively with customers, shipping lines, overseas offices, agents, transporters, customs brokers and internal departments.
• Provide accurate and timely shipment updates to customers and stakeholders.
• Handle customer complaints and operational issues professionally, ensuring timely resolution.
• Build and maintain strong working relationships with both internal and external stakeholders.

4. Documentation & Compliance

• Ensure all import documentation is accurate, complete and processed within the required timeline.
• Review and validate key import documents, including:
• Bill of Lading (BL)
• Arrival Notice (AN)
• Delivery Order (DO)
• Cargo Manifest
• Commercial Invoice
• Packing List
• Customs documentation
• Other relevant shipping and supporting documents
• Ensure operations comply with company SOPs, customs requirements and applicable shipping regulations.
• Maintain accurate shipment records and documentation for operational and audit purposes.

5. KPI, SLA & Performance Management

• Monitor team performance against agreed KPI and SLA targets.
• Track shipment backlog, ageing, documentation accuracy, turnaround time and operational productivity.
• Prepare, review and analyse operational reports and performance dashboards.
• Identify recurring operational issues and implement appropriate corrective and preventive actions.
• Drive consistent achievement of productivity, service quality and customer satisfaction targets.

6. Process Improvement

• Identify operational bottlenecks and recommend improvements to increase efficiency and service quality.
• Support automation, system enhancement and digitalisation initiatives.
• Standardise operational processes and improve documentation workflows.
• Develop, review and maintain SOPs, work instructions and process guidelines.
• Promote a continuous improvement culture within the Sea Freight Import team.

7. Systems & Data Management

• Ensure accurate and timely shipment updates in the company's freight-forwarding operating system.
• Utilise CargoWise (CW1) or equivalent freight-forwarding systems to manage and monitor shipment activities.
• Monitor system exceptions and ensure operational data is complete and accurate.
• Utilise Microsoft Excel and operational reports to analyse workload, productivity, shipment ageing and service performance.

Requirements

• Diploma or Bachelor's Degree in Logistics, Supply Chain, Maritime Studies, International Business or a related discipline.
• Minimum 5 years of relevant experience in Sea Freight Import / Freight Forwarding Operations.
• At least 1–2 years of supervisory or team leadership experience.
• Strong hands-on knowledge of end-to-end Sea Freight Import Operations.
• Good understanding of shipping documentation, customs clearance, vessel schedules, port operations and delivery coordination.
• Experience working with multinational freight-forwarding, regional operations or shared service environments will be an advantage.
• Experience using CargoWise (CW1) or other freight-forwarding operating systems is preferred.
• Strong leadership, communication, problem-solving and stakeholder management skills.
• Able to work independently, manage multiple priorities and perform effectively in a fast-paced operational environment.

Pay: RM8,000.00 - RM9,000.00 per month

Experience:

• Sea Freight Import: 5 years (Preferred)

Work Location: In person