Role overviewthe global transport & trade manager is a high-impact role responsible for end-to-end management of international (first mile - ocean) and u.s. domestic (last mile - parcel) logistics operations, trade compliance.this individual will lead a team of logistics and trade professionals, build scalable transportation and customs frameworks, and partner cross-functionally to support the company's global growth ambitions.key responsibilities1.global container & freight management- oversee and optimize global container movements across ocean, air, and land freight modes.- manage booking, allocation, and routing of containers to ensure on-time delivery and cost efficiency.- monitor shipment exceptions, proactively resolve delays, and maintain high service levels globally.- build and manage relationships with shipping lines, freight forwarders, and nvoccs.2.trade compliance & hts classification- own the classification of all goods under harmonized tariff schedule (hts) codes globally.- ensure full compliance with import/export regulations across all operating jurisdictions.- manage denied party screening, export control (ear/itar where applicable), and sanctions compliance.- conduct periodic compliance audits and maintain thorough trade compliance documentation.- stay current with changes in customs regulations, tariff structures, and trade policy.3.documentation & customs clearance- oversee end-to-end customs clearance processes across all import and export lanes.- manage preparation and accuracy of all trade documentation: commercial invoices, packing lists, bills of lading, certificates of origin, and customs entries.- liaise with customs brokers, government authorities, and freight agents to resolve classification or valuation queries.- implement documentation management systems to improve accuracy and reduce clearance delays.4.final mile delivery management- manage last mile delivery operations from global warehouse locations to end customers or distribution/retail destinations.- evaluate and onboard last mile carriers and delivery partners.- monitor delivery performance kpis including on-time delivery, delivery success rate, and cost per delivery.- collaborate with warehouse and operations teams to improve outbound efficiency.5.rate management & cost optimization- negotiate and manage competitive shipping rates across first mile, middle mile, and last mile logistics.- run structured rfq/rfp processes with carriers, forwarders, and 3pls globally.- identify and deliver measurable cost savings targets on an annual basis.- benchmark carrier performance and rates against market standards on an ongoing basis.- explore and implement free trade agreement (fta) benefits and duty drawback programs to reduce landed costs.6.carrier & vendor management- develop, maintain, and evaluate a global panel of logistics service providers (3pls, freight forwarders, carriers, customs brokers).- conduct regular business reviews with key logistics partners and manage slas and kpis contractually.- manage vendor scorecards and drive continuous performance improvement.7.technology- implement and manage transportation management systems (tms) and shipment visibility platforms.- develop real-time tracking and reporting capabilities for all shipment lanes.- leverage data and analytics to identify trends, inefficiencies, and optimization opportunities.8.risk management & business continuity- identify and assess geopolitical, regulatory, and operational supply chain risks globally.- develop alternative routing and contingency plans for key trade lanes.- manage disruption responses (port strikes, customs holds, natural events) swiftly and effectively.9.cross-functional collaboration- partner with procurement, finance, legal, product, and operations teams on trade-related decisions.- report logistics performance, cost, and compliance metrics to senior leadership regularly.- own the global freight and trade budget, including forecasting and variance reporting.10.sustainability & compliance reporting- drive initiatives to reduce logistics carbon footprint through carrier selection and mode optimization.- ensure compliance with dangerous goods regulations (iata, imdg) where applicable.- support esg reporting requirements related to freight emissions and logistics operations.required qualifications- bachelor's degree in supply chain management, international business, logistics, or a related field.- 4-6 years of progressive experience in global logistics (first mile and final mile) and trade compliance.- proven track record of managing multi-modal international freight (ocean, air, road).- deep knowledge of customs regulations, hts classification, and trade compliance frameworks.- demonstrated ability to negotiate freight contracts and deliver cost savings at scale.- experience managing and developing teams across multiple geographies.- strong analytical skills with the ability to interpret logistics data and present to senior stakeholders.- proficiency with tms platforms, erp systems, and microsoft excel.- excellent communication, negotiation, and stakeholder management skills.preferred qualifications- master's degree or mba with a supply chain or operations focus.- certified customs broker (ccb) or equivalent trade compliance certification.- certifications such as cscmp, cclp, or apics cscp.- experience with dangerous goods handling and iata/imdg compliance.- familiarity with duty drawback programs and free trade agreement (fta) utilization.- experience with sustainability initiatives and logistics carbon footprint measurement.core competencies- strategic thinking and global supply chain vision- strong commercial acumen and cost ownership mindset- high attention to detail in compliance and documentation- problem-solving and resilience under pressure- leadership and people development- collaborative, cross-functional partnership- data-driven decision making#j-*-ljbffr