Senior Manager, Ocean Gateway

About the Company

At Flexport, we believe global trade can move the human race forward. We’re shaping the future of a $10T industry with solutions powered by innovative technology and exceptional people.

Responsibilities

• Establish and strengthen relationships with local vendors in Japan, including CFS, drayage providers, ocean carriers, and customs partners
• Lead the sourcing, screening, and hiring of the local Tokyo operations team
• Design end-to-end operational processes for Japan, including booking management, documentation, and customs interaction
• Drive operational execution readiness by ensuring SOPs, SLAs, and KPIs are in place
• Lead the transition from external partners to in-house execution
• Act as the senior operational voice in client-facing meetings
• Collaborate cross-functionally with APAC operations, Procurement, and Pricing
• Coach and mentor newly hired Japanese operations staff

Requirements

• Bachelor's degree or equivalent
• Minimum 10+ years of experience in freight forwarding, NVOCC, or supply chain operations
• Deep knowledge of Japan's freight forwarding ecosystem (ports, terminals, CFS, customs, etc.)
• Established professional network with Japanese carriers and partners
• Experience designing or improving freight forwarding SOPs and operational KPIs
• Proven ability to hire and build operations teams
• Native or near-native Japanese and professional working English
• Builder mindset comfortable with ambiguity

Preferred Qualifications

• Prior experience leading a country launch or gateway opening in Japan or APAC
• Experience with technology-enabled or platform-based freight forwarding operations