Manager Global Ocean Freight Operations

Job Purpose

As Manager Global Ocean Freight Operations, you are globally responsible for a defined process domain within Ocean Freight operations and lead global process governance and digital enablement to deliver measurable impact on EBIT, operational excellence and customer experience worldwide.

You own the Global Operating Model and champion standardization, data stewardship, automation and compliance-by-design across all workflows within your assigned domain. In addition, you spearhead initiatives that leverage process mining, advanced analytics and technology enhancements to support DHL Global Forwarding's vision of being the undisputed leader in logistics.

Key Responsibilities

You will take on assigned responsibilities within the team and deliver key initiatives in coordination with your manager, ensuring alignment with global objectives and standards. Examples include but are not limited to Auto-costing& Vendor Payments, Carrier Milestones & Supplier Integration, Export Operations, FMC Compliance, et cetera.

Process Governance, Enablement and Adoption

. Define and own the strategic vision for global operational excellence and digital enablement to improve service delivery, customer satisfaction, production unit costs, profit margins and Operating Cash Flow.

. Optimize EBIT through cost-to-serve reduction programs

. Own the Global Target Operating Model and global Standard Operating Procedures

. Set DHL Service Standards for operational processes and OKRs linking outcomes (efficiency, compliance, CX) to capabilities (automation, usability, scalability).

. Ensure 'Right 1stTime' shipment execution and use process mining tools, analytics and First Choice methodologies to identify process inefficiencies, remove waste/variability and automation opportunities to optimize workflows

. Translate customer insights into process improvements and system enhancements.

. Translate standards into configurable rules, data models and integrations with strong data governance

. Govern outsourcing transitions to- and performance of Global Service Centres (GSC)

. Drive global rollout of process and product enhancements ensuring high transaction coverage and adherence

. Develop role-based training paths, enablement content and in-app guidance to accelerate adoption.

. Monitor and improve performance against critical performance metrics

Solution Delivery

. Co-create and implement automation solutions and integrations to reduce cost-to-serve and improve Right1st Time performance.

. Maintain a prioritized backlog for all process improvements, digital product features, technical enablers and compliance requirements on epic-, feature- and story/task level

. Ensure continuous backlog grooming and priority alignment in collaboration with product owners, process leads and IT/BPO based on business value, technical feasibility and risk

. Perform sprint planning with clearly defined goals and acceptance criteria.

. Drive execution through daily stand-ups, ensuring progress and timely removal of blockers

. Provide end-of-sprint demos to stakeholders, validate KPI impact and identify improvement opportunities for velocity, quality and adoption through the retrospectives

Operational Accounting, GP and Cash Realization

. Optimize EBIT through GP maximization and cash realization initiatives

. Drive operational accounting discipline across auto-rating, auto-costing, billing timeliness/accuracy, accrual timeliness and dispute resolution to improve Operating Cash Flow and reduce DSO.

. Eliminate recurring revenue leakage and unjustified direct variable costs to protect margins.

. Ensure vendor invoices validation before file closure to ensure charges align with agreed rates.

. Monitor profitability by customer and trade lane, addressing low-margin lanes in collaboration with Growth and Trade Management.

. Support Procurement in cost optimization initiatives

. Ensure timely and effective dispute resolution to accelerate cash realization.

Data Governance

. Establish global data standards, controls, and validation rules to ensure completeness, accuracy and timeliness across all domains in collaboration with IT/BPO MDM

. Enforce global data standards and audit trails

. Detect and resolve data integrity issues promptly, providing monthly improvement heatmaps to senior management.

. Collaborate with IT/BPO to optimize policies on data quality, retention, regulatory compliance, integration standards, metadata and lineage.

. Drive accountability through data stewards for master data, rates/contracts, bookings, milestones, operational accounting and compliance.

. Leverage analytics to improve visibility and accuracy across global systems, driving transparency and continuous improvement against DHL Service Standards and operational KPIs.

. Maintain the metadata catalogue and lineage diagrams.

Risk Management &Regulatory Compliance

. Ensure compliance with DHL policies and international trade regulations, customs requirements, FMC rules and data privacy standards.

. Operate a proactive risk management and compliance framework covering operational and regulatory risks

. Identify operational and compliance risks across Ocean Freight operations and implement mitigation strategies.

. Implement compliance by design in all processes, systems and workflows

. Maintain audit ready evidence and embed ICS controls across execution, evidence and reporting cycles.

. Ensure timely remediation and closure on global audit findings and recommendations through documented corrective action plans and progress reports to stakeholders.

People & Culture

. Foster a culture of continuous improvement and operational agility.

. Lead and develop ahigh-performing, diverse global team of process excellence and operational accounting experts

. Support and drive initiatives to enhance employee engagement within Global Ocean Freight Operations

Qualifications & Experience

• Bachelor's degree in Supply Chain, Logistics, Business or Information Systems required.
• 8+ Years in global logistics/supply chain with 3+years in Ocean Freight operations leadership.
• Certifications in Lean Six Sigma, Agile, Data Governance, or Compliance desirable.
• Proven track record in global process ownership and digital enablement.
• Demonstrated delivery of EBIT, Operating Cash Flow, NPS and operational performance improvements.
• Experience leading hybrid organizations and enterprise level outsourcing models.
• Successful execution of large-scale transformations across multi-region environment.