Branch Manager / General Manager – Freight Forwarding Operations
Houston, TX (In-Person) | $120,000 – $160,000+ DOE
Reports to: President
Works closely with: Licensed Customs Broker
Direct reports: Operations, administrative, and accounting support staff
The Opportunity
Our client is a growing Houston-based customs brokerage and freight forwarding company serving importers across multiple industries. They are hiring their first senior operational leader to run the business day to day, reporting directly to the President. The Licensed Customs Broker retains customs compliance and CBP matters; you own everything else: operations, people, process, and branch P&L.
This is a builder's role. You will set the standards, install the systems, and hold the team accountable as the company scales.
What You Will Own
- Ocean, air, and domestic freight forwarding operations, from shipment initiation through billing and file closure
- Hiring, onboarding, coaching, and performance management of the operations and administrative team
- SOP development and process standardization across operations and admin functions
- Branch profitability, gross profit performance, and billing cycle discipline, in coordination with accounting
- KPI reporting to leadership, plus participation in budgeting, staffing, and growth planning
- Key customer relationships, escalations, retention, and business reviews
- Effective use of operational systems and technology platforms
What Success Looks Like
Faster file closure and billing cycles, measurably higher customer responsiveness, SOPs that are followed, and a team that owns its results.
What You Bring
Required
- 7+ years of leadership experience in freight forwarding, logistics, or supply chain operations
- Hands-on experience leading ocean freight operations and strong command of forwarding documentation and workflows
- Proven track record building processes, KPIs, and accountability systems that improved team performance
- Demonstrated success leading operational improvements, turnarounds, or organizational change
Preferred
- Experience working alongside customs brokerage operations
- CargoWise, Descartes, or similar logistics platforms
- Background in small to mid-sized logistics organizations
Compensation & Benefits
- $120,000 – $160,000+ DOE
- Paid time off and paid holidays
- Seat on the leadership team of a growing company
- In-person role based in Houston, TX
Who Thrives Here
Decisive leaders who take ownership, are comfortable enforcing accountability, prefer entrepreneurial environments over corporate ones, and build processes rather than dependence.
