Assistant Manager - Trade Shipping

Job Summary

The Assistant Manager Trade – NVOCC Shipping is responsible for managing trade operations, optimizing cargo movement, coordinating with agents and shipping partners, monitoring freight performance, and supporting commercial growth within the NVOCC business. The role involves rate management, space planning, market analysis, customer coordination, operational support, and ensuring smooth execution of import/export trade activities while maximizing profitability and service efficiency.

Key Responsibilities

Trade Operations Management

• Manage day-to-day trade operations for import and export shipments.
• Coordinate vessel schedules, cargo planning, and shipment execution.
• Monitor trade lane performance and cargo movement efficiency.
• Ensure smooth coordination between operations, sales, customer service, and overseas agents.
• Handle shipment planning according to trade requirements and customer commitments.
• Monitor container utilization and optimize operational capacity.
• Ensure timely release of shipment schedules and operational updates.

Freight & Pricing Management

• Negotiate freight rates with shipping lines, agents, and business partners.
• Prepare competitive freight quotations for customers and internal sales teams.
• Monitor market freight trends and competitor pricing.
• Maintain and update tariff structures, rate sheets, and trade-related pricing records.
• Coordinate rate approvals and pricing strategies with management.
• Analyze profitability of trade lanes and recommend pricing improvements.

NVOCC Trade Coordination

• Coordinate with overseas agents and partners regarding cargo movement and space availability.
• Maintain strong relationships with shipping lines, freight partners, and international agents.
• Monitor container inventory and equipment availability.
• Ensure proper coordination for SOC/COC container movement.
• Handle trade-related operational escalations and customer concerns.
• Coordinate transshipment and feeder vessel planning where required.

Customer & Sales Support

• Support sales teams with freight solutions and trade-related information.
• Assist key customers regarding shipment planning and cargo movement.
• Provide operational and trade updates to clients professionally.
• Coordinate with customers regarding booking confirmations and shipment schedules.
• Ensure high service standards and customer satisfaction.

Documentation & Compliance

• Ensure accuracy of shipping instructions, manifests, BLs, and trade documentation.
• Coordinate with documentation teams for timely processing of shipment documents.
• Ensure compliance with international shipping regulations and company SOPs.
• Monitor trade-related records and reporting requirements.
• Support audit and compliance activities related to trade operations.

Trade Analysis & Reporting

• Prepare trade performance reports and shipment analysis for management.
• Monitor volume performance, profitability, and market trends.
• Analyze cargo flow and identify opportunities for business growth.
• Maintain trade statistics and operational dashboards.
• Provide market intelligence and competitor analysis to management.

Coordination & Stakeholder Management

• Coordinate with:
• Shipping Lines
• Overseas Agents
• Operations Department
• Sales Team
• Customer Service
• Finance Department
• Port & Terminal Representatives
• Ensure effective communication among all stakeholders for smooth shipment execution.

Problem Resolution & Operational Support

• Resolve operational issues related to shipments, containers, delays, and scheduling.
• Handle customer escalations and trade disputes professionally.
• Coordinate recovery plans during shipment disruptions or operational challenges.
• Ensure proactive communication regarding delays and operational changes.

Required Skills & Competencies

• Strong knowledge of NVOCC operations and shipping procedures.
• Understanding of import/export trade documentation.
• Knowledge of freight forwarding and container operations.
• Freight negotiation and pricing skills.
• Strong coordination and communication abilities.
• Analytical and problem-solving skills.
• Time management and multitasking capabilities.
• Customer relationship management skills.
• Proficiency in MS Office and shipping/ERP software.

Preferred Qualifications

• Bachelor’s degree in Supply Chain, Maritime Studies, Business Administration, Logistics, or related field.
• 5–8 years of experience in NVOCC, shipping line, freight forwarding, or logistics industry.
• Experience in trade operations, pricing, or commercial shipping activities preferred.

Work Location: In person