Job Description

Ocean Freight Manager – Perishables & Cruise Logistics

Location: North Miami, FL | Onsite
Schedule: Monday–Friday
Compensation: $85,000–$110,000
Benefits: Full Benefits
Industry: International Logistics | Maritime | Cruise Supply Chain

When the Ship Doesn't Wait, Neither Can the Supply Chain.

Moving ocean freight is one thing.

Moving temperature-sensitive, time-critical cargo that must arrive before a vessel leaves port is another.

We're partnering with an international logistics organization in the North Miami area seeking an experienced Ocean Freight Manager who understands the precision, relationships, and urgency behind maritime and cruise supply chain logistics.

This isn't simply a desk managing bookings.

You'll lead ocean freight operations, manage a team, work directly with carriers and maritime partners, protect cold-chain integrity, and help expand the company's presence within the perishable and commercial cruise logistics markets.

What You'll Own

• Lead day-to-day ocean freight operations and the team responsible for execution.
• Coordinate international sea freight from booking through final delivery.
• Manage refrigerated, perishable, temperature-controlled, and time-critical shipments.
• Coordinate reefer containers and maintain cold-chain requirements throughout transit.
• Work directly with shipping lines, ports, terminals, ship chandlers, customers, and internal operations teams.
• Troubleshoot disruptions before they jeopardize vessel departure schedules.
• Ensure accurate international shipping documentation and customs coordination.
• Maintain strong carrier relationships while negotiating and resolving operational issues.
• Drive high service levels and on-time performance.
• Help develop new business within the perishable logistics and cruise line supply chain sectors.

Who We're Looking For

We're interested in someone who already understands this world.

The strongest candidate will bring:

• 5–7+ years of freight forwarding or international logistics experience.
• Established experience within the commercial cruise line industry, including cruise logistics, cruise supply chain, or marine procurement.
• Deep knowledge of maritime/ocean freight operations.
• Hands-on experience with perishable and temperature-controlled cargo.
• Reefer container and cold-chain management experience.
• Experience coordinating freight around strict vessel departure schedules.
• Existing relationships within the maritime ecosystem, including shipping lines, ports, and terminal networks.
• Previous leadership experience managing logistics or operations teams.
• Strong understanding of customs, international shipping documentation, and carrier requirements.
• Strong client and carrier negotiation skills.
• Bachelor's degree in Business, Logistics, Supply Chain Management, or a related field.
• English proficiency; Spanish is a strong advantage.

Why This Opportunity Stands Out

This position sits at the intersection of operations, leadership, customer relationships, and business development.

You'll have the opportunity to influence more than shipment execution. The company is looking for someone who can strengthen its ocean freight operation while helping expand its footprint in specialized markets where relationships, expertise, and execution matter.

If you've built your career around ocean freight and understand what it takes to deliver when the vessel departure time isn't negotiable, I'd like to speak with you.

You can apply directly by emailing Ted Taylor at: ted.taylor@gogpac.com

All qualified applicants will receive consideration without regard to race, age, color, sex (including pregnancy), religion, national origin, disability, sexual orientation, gender identity, marital status, military status, genetic information, or any other status protected by applicable laws or regulations. GPAC (Growing People and Companies) is an award-winning search firm specializing in placing quality professionals within multiple industries across the United States since 1990. We are extremely competitive, client-focused and realize that our value is in our ability to deliver the right solutions at the right time.