Ocean Logistics Supervisor at John S Connor Inc – Glen Burnie, Maryland

Get to Know Us

Join a well-established leader in our industry, where a career offers both personal and professional growth within the dynamic world of transporting goods and services around the world. With decades of experience, we support a diverse range of clients, ensuring their logistics and customs needs are met with excellence.

Our Culture

People and technology drive our success. We are committed to fostering a workplace that values integrity, celebrates achievements, and recognizes each employee’s role in our success. Our focus on customer satisfaction and innovation ensures that every team member’s contributions are both meaningful and rewarding. We embrace diversity, engagement, and inspiration, making this a place where employees can thrive and grow.

Position Summary

The Ocean Logistics Supervisor plays a key leadership role in managing day-to-day logistics operations, with responsibility for supervising freight quoting, routing, compliance, and client coordination. This role ensures operational efficiency and team effectiveness through oversight, coaching, and continuous process improvement. The Supervisor supports departmental goals by maximizing profitability, enforcing compliance standards, and serving as the acting manager in their absence. A collaborative team leader, this individual drives performance and client satisfaction by supporting and developing team members while upholding John S. Connor’s standards of excellence.

Essential Duties and Responsibilities

• Oversee logistics operations including quoting, routing, and freight compliance
  
• Assign new business to staff and ensure proper account handling
  
• Train and cross-train team members; maintain current SOPs for accounts
  
• Work with Sales to onboard new clients and attend client meetings
  
• Support IT or operational process improvements
  
• Coordinate warehouse and shipment module integration (e.g., SESCO)
  
• Communicate updates and procedures to the team clearly and consistently
  
• Monitor account profitability, WIPs, A/R, and A/P to support budget goals
  
• Ensure compliance with customer and regulatory requirements
  
• Lead performance reviews, scheduling, hiring, and disciplinary actions
  
• Foster a positive and productive team environment
  
• Serve as acting manager when needed
  
• Other related duties as assigned

Minimum Qualifications

Education: Bachelor’s degree in Transportation, Supply Chain, or a related field required, or an equivalent combination of skills, training and experience.

Experience: 3+ years of experience in international transportation (preferably Ocean)/domestic and U.S. Customs required. 1+ years of supervisory experience in a similar role required.

Certifications: Certified Export Specialist (CES) (preferred, but not required), Hazardous Materials or similar certifications is highly desired. Project Management Professional (PMP) or relevant project management certifications are beneficial, but not required, for managing complex shipping and logistics projects.

Compliance: Working knowledge of import/export regulations, including EAR, CCL, ITAR, ICC Incoterms, HazMat, ISF, HTSUS, Schedule B and FMC regulations among others.

Additional Qualifications

Technical Skills

• Experience working with Transportation Management Systems (TMS); familiarity with CargoWise is strongly preferred.
• Proficient in using Google Workspace and Microsoft Office applications in a PC environment. Ability to use spreadsheets and reporting tools (e.g., Excel, Google Sheets, Power BI) to support data tracking and reporting.
• Solid understanding of logistics and supply chain platforms to assist in optimizing shipping routes, transportation solutions, and cost effectiveness.
• Interest or experience in utilizing AI tools to streamline workflows is a plus.
  

Problem-Solving and Critical Thinking

• Strong analytical and problem-solving skills with the ability to troubleshoot shipment delays, documentation discrepancies, and compliance-related issues.
• Capable of supporting process improvements and participating in root cause analysis under the guidance of the Ocean Transportation Manager.
  

International Trade Knowledge

• Working knowledge of international trade processes, including basic understanding of tariffs, customs documentation, and key trade agreements impacting U.S. import/export operations.
• Familiarity with industry regulations and best practices in ocean freight logistics.
  

Vendor and Carrier Coordination

• Experience communicating with carriers, freight forwarders, and vendors to ensure efficient and compliant transportation solutions.
• Ability to support rate negotiations, vendor evaluations, and assist with procurement-related tasks in partnership with the Transportation Manager.
  

Customer Service and Relationship Management

• Proven ability to support key customer accounts and resolve escalated service issues professionally and promptly.
• Strong interpersonal skills to build collaborative relationships with internal teams, international partners, and logistics providers.
  

Team Leadership and Collaboration

• Demonstrated supervisory or team lead experience within a logistics or transportation environment.
• Ability to train, mentor, and support staff in day-to-day operations while promoting accountability and performance excellence.
• Clear and effective communicator who can convey expectations and provide timely feedback to team members.
  

Adaptability and Flexibility

• Comfortable working in a fast-paced, deadline-driven logistics environment.
• Willingness to adapt to evolving operational requirements, customer needs, and global logistics trends.
  

Financial Awareness

• Basic understanding of logistics cost components (e.g., freight charges, surcharges, demurrage) and ability to assist in tracking, analyzing, and reporting cost data.
• Exposure to budgeting and forecasting activities is helpful, but not required.

Why Join Us

We are a leader in global logistics, customs brokerage and vessel agency. As a vital player in the supply chain, we ensure our clients' shipments meet all requirements, facilitating smooth import/export operations. Join a collaborative and dynamic team in a role that offers exposure to various facets of logistics and maritime operations.

As a team member, you have access to the following benefits and compensation packages.

Benefits and Compensation

• Salary Range: $60,000 to $75,000 annually (depending on skills and experience)
• Potential for additional compensation such as discretionary bonuses, employee rewards and recognition programs
• Hybrid Work Environment
• Medical, Dental, Vision, HSA, FSA, HRA, and Employee Assistance Programs
• Company Paid Life and Short and Long Term Disability Insurance
• Voluntary Life and AD&D options for employees and qualified dependents
• 401(k) with employer matching and profit sharing
• Paid Vacation, Paid Time Off, and Holidays
• Educational Assistance

We are committed to providing an environment of mutual respect where equal employment opportunities are available to all applicants and team members. We are a smoke and drug-free workplace and ADA-compliant as applicable.

If you require reasonable accommodations during the application or interview process, please contact us to request assistance.