Freight Forwarder GM (Chinese Biligual)

Our client is a comprehensive international logistics enterprise, with specialties in international transportation, domestic freight, warehousing and distribution, packaging, foreign trade, and insurance agent. They are a licensed NVOCC, as well as the member of IATA, CTPAT, WCA. Headquartered in Los Angeles, they have a a branch office in New York, and partner offices in Chicago, Atlanta, Miami, Canada, and agents in 116 countries. They are searching for a General Manager fluent in Chinese.

The GM is responsible for overseeing the overall operations, strategy, and profitability of the freight forwarding business. This leadership role involves managing departments including air, sea, and land freight, customs clearance, sales, and customer service. The GM ensures that all services are delivered efficiently, compliantly, and to the highest customer satisfaction standards, while also driving growth and operational excellence.

Key Responsibilities:

Strategic Leadership:

• Develop and implement business strategies to grow revenue and market share in international freight forwarding (air, sea, and road).
• Set performance goals and KPIs for all departments and monitor progress toward objectives.
• Identify new business opportunities and establish partnerships to expand service offerings and reach.

Operations Management:

• Oversee day-to-day freight operations, ensuring timely and cost-effective cargo movement.
• Ensure compliance with international shipping laws, customs regulations, and trade compliance.
• Implement best practices and continuous improvement initiatives in operations and customer service.

Financial Management:

• Prepare and manage budgets, forecasts, and financial reports.
• Monitor profit margins, cost controls, and overall financial performance.
• Identify opportunities to reduce costs and improve profitability without compromising service quality.

Team Leadership:

• Lead, motivate, and manage cross-functional teams including operations, sales, customer service, documentation, and finance.
• Recruit, train, and develop staff to maintain a high-performance culture.
• Foster a collaborative and results-oriented work environment.

Customer & Vendor Relations:

• Build and maintain strong relationships with clients, carriers, agents, and service providers.
• Ensure client satisfaction through timely communication, problem resolution, and high-quality service delivery.
• Negotiate contracts and service agreements with vendors and partners.

Compliance & Risk Management:

• Ensure adherence to legal, safety, and quality standards in freight forwarding.
• Develop and enforce policies for risk management and business continuity.
• Stay current with industry regulations, including IATA, FIATA, FMC, and local customs laws.

Requirements:

• Proven experience (7-10+ years) in freight forwarding/logistics, with at least 3-5 years in a senior management role.
• Strong knowledge of international shipping processes, Incoterms, customs clearance, and global trade practices.
• Demonstrated leadership and team management skills.
• Excellent organizational, negotiation, and communication abilities.
• Strategic thinker with a strong commercial and operational mindset.
• Proficient in logistics software and freight management systems.

Education & Qualifications:

• Bachelor's degree in Logistics, Supply Chain Management, Business Administration, or a related field.
• Professional certifications in logistics or freight forwarding (e.g., FIATA Diploma, CILT, CSCP) are advantageous.

Compensation: Commensurate with Experience, Benefits, PTO, 401(k).