Position: Forwarding Operations Manager

Job Description:

As the Forwarding Operations Manager at Forward Air, you will lead a high-velocity logistics team dedicated to the seamless, damage-free movement of global freight. You are responsible for optimizing resources, mentoring the team, and ensuring that our operational execution aligns with our "customer-first" philosophy. You will act as a bridge between transportation excellence and corporate strategy, driving both P&L performance and employee engagement.

Core Responsibilities & Duties

• Operational Excellence: Oversee the end-to-end logistics lifecycle, including the movement, storage, and distribution of goods to ensure 100% on-time delivery and damage-free transit.

• Performance Leadership: Drive Key Performance Indicators (KPIs) as established by the Terminal Manager, utilizing data to identify bottlenecks and implement process improvements.

• Team Development: Lead employee development initiatives, including cross-training programs and conducting D.R.I.V.E. performance reviews to foster organic internal growth.

• Strategic Collaboration: Partner with the Sales team to ensure service levels meet client expectations and support the onboarding of new business opportunities.

• Issue Resolution: Act as the primary point of escalation for operational discrepancies, providing professional, timely, and transparent solutions for clients.

• Safety & Compliance: Ensure all activities adhere to Forward Air standards, including proper freight handling techniques and strict Hazardous Materials (HazMat) regulations.

Qualifications

• Experience: 3+ years of supervisory experience in a high-volume, fast-paced transportation or freight forwarding environment.

• Industry Knowledge: Prior Air Freight experience is required. Knowledge of international/import operations and HazMat handling is highly preferred.

• Financial Acumen: Proven ability to interpret P&L statements and analyze operational data to drive cost-savings and productivity.

• Technical Proficiency: Advanced skills in Microsoft Office (specifically Outlook, Teams, Excel, and Power BI) and familiarity with logistics management systems (TMS).

• Leadership: Demonstrated ability to lead teams in a lean environment, with a focus on accountability and professional coaching.

• Physical/Logistical: Proficiency in general freight handling (Forklift experience preferred) and the flexibility to work varied shifts, including nights and weekends, to meet operational demands.

Key Competencies

• Adaptability: Thrives in a dynamic, high-pressure environment while maintaining a "can-do" attitude.

• Communication: Ability to communicate complex logistical data clearly to all levels of the organization, from dock workers to executive leadership.

• Problem-Solving: A proactive approach to identifying risks before they impact the supply chain.

Forward Air is an Equal Opportunity employer.

Since 1990, Forward Air has been a leading provider of ground transportation and related logistics services to the North American air freight and expedited LTL market. We offer surface shipping on an accelerated “time-definite” basis, delivering cargo at a specific time, but under less time-sensitive situations – supplying you with a cost effective, reliable alternative to air transportation. We work with companies of all sizes to develop tangible advantages and build the best products to meet your specific needs. Forward Air presents to the wholesale transportation community (logistics companies, freight forwarders, integrated air cargo carriers, passenger/ cargo airlines, and non-traditional shippers), a single-source provider that can deliver more supply chain services and a superior menu of choices. Throughout the years we have added supplementary lines to our linehaul service, such as full truckload operations (Truckload Services), final-mile coverage (Complete® Cartage), and an Airline Logistics program, and we will continue to expand our services to meet the changing needs and growth of our customer base.

Forward Air is structured to optimize both savings and service to our customers. Direct partnerships with owner-operators and other surface transportation providers, enable us to remain cost-competitive. The Forward Air network is designed with over 90 facilities located at or near major U.S. and Canadian airports, 12 regional sort centers and over 300 beyond points (secondary airports provided through our Complete Cartage service), creating one of the most comprehensive linehaul networks in the industry.

Ranked 3rd in Newsweeks 2022 "Americas Most Trustworthy Companies" publication