Senior Operations Agent

This is a fully remote position, open to applicants in Maryland.

📋 Description

• Deliver an exceptional customer experience by managing import shipments efficiently.

• Handle commercial and some contractor cargo processing.

• Provide rate quotes and make informed decisions about vendors, invoice amounts, and profit margins.

• Develop Standard Operating Procedures (SOPs) and coordinate, execute, and monitor both domestic and international shipments.

• Prioritize, schedule, and route shipments across the U.S., incorporating spot bidding and GFM knowledge for government clients when relevant.

• Oversee the entire shipment lifecycle management, ensuring operational data accuracy, exception handling, issue resolution, and effective decision-making.

• Organize pickups and deliveries and secure carrier space.

• Negotiate rates with trucking companies, carriers, and cartage agents.

• Complete necessary documentation and prepare client quotations.

• Monitor freight tracking, provide estimated time of arrivals (ETAs), and verify piece counts.

• Collect proof of delivery and input it into the operating system.

• Request and log vendor costs and prepare invoices in accordance with ICAT policy timelines.

• Maintain precise TMS information, including tracking, service, and vendor notes.

• Ensure compliance with industry standards and ICAT requirements.

• Independently select vendors, set pricing, and develop shipment execution strategies.

• Assess operational and financial factors impacting cost, service, transit time, customer needs, and business outcomes.

• Design, implement, and enhance SOPs and workflows to boost efficiency, scalability, and profit margins.

• Manage financial performance at the shipment level, focusing on cost control, pricing accuracy, and margin optimization.

• Collaborate with management and team members on both short- and long-term objectives.

• Support Key Account Managers and station leadership in fostering customer and vendor relationships.

• Participate in sales discussions with key accounts.

• Negotiate vendor rates and address discrepancies and service issues.

• Engage in team meetings and contribute towards team growth and development.

• Lead by example through actions, communication, and mentorship.

• May be required to work after hours on call as directed by management.

• Perform other assigned tasks as necessary.

• Work in an office environment.

⛳️ Requirements

• Bachelor’s degree or equivalent professional experience.

• Minimum of 4 years in transportation and/or freight forwarding.

• Proficient understanding of spot quotes and routing for LTL, TL, and expedited ground services.

• In-depth knowledge of NMFC and density rating.

• Practical experience with rating and routing freight.

• Industry experience with spot quotes, partial TL, and volume LTL.

• Familiarity with major carriers serving Canada and Mexico.

• Proven ability to build relationships and establish credibility with customers and vendors.

• Advanced expertise in managing government freight operations.

• Knowledgeable about FMC, IMCO, ITA, TSA, C-TPAT, HAZMAT, and US Customs Border Protection (CBP).

• Functional understanding of international regulations and compliance processes in air/ocean freight.

• Experience sourcing spot rates from trucking companies, carriers, and overseas partners.

• Knowledge of both international and domestic geography, including countries and major cities.

• Intermediate proficiency in Microsoft Office applications.

• Capable of meeting deadlines while demonstrating excellent time management skills.

• Ability to multitask effectively in a fast-paced environment with strong attention to detail.

• Proven analytical and problem-solving abilities within a logistics context.

• Capacity to operate in a time-sensitive environment.

• Highly motivated team player with a positive and proactive attitude.

• Competent in planning and prioritizing tasks effectively.

• Ability to adapt as priorities evolve.

• Demonstrated experience in a client-focused environment.

• Exceptional verbal and written communication skills, with a strong emphasis on listening.

• Understanding and responsiveness to urgent situations.

• Consistent in follow-up and follow-through.

• Credible and possessing high personal integrity.

• Adaptability to align with ICAT’s core values.

• Ability to utilize close, distance, color, and peripheral vision, depth perception, and focus.

• Clear and comprehensible oral communication skills.

• Capability to push, pull, lift, carry, or maneuver items weighing up to 20 pounds.

• Ability to sit for extended periods and occasionally stoop, climb, or squat.

🏝️ Benefits

• Option for fully remote work; preference given to candidates located onsite in Elkridge, MD.

• Flexible work arrangements to accommodate client needs and project support requirements.