Freight Forwarding Manager - Renton, WA
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Compensation & Benefits:
- Competitive salary range: $130,000 - $165,000 annually
- Performance-based bonus structure
- Comprehensive benefits including medical, dental, and vision insurance
- 401(k) retirement plan with company match
- Paid time off and holidays
- Long-term career growth potential to Regional VP or VP-level positions
- Opportunity to build and lead in an entrepreneurial environment at company headquarters
Position Overview: A leading third-party logistics provider is seeking a dynamic General Manager to lead their Seattle/Renton branch operations. This high-impact role reports directly to the SVP of Forwarding and Freight Services and oversees all aspects of the branch including sales, domestic operations, international operations, and warehouse management. The ideal candidate is a commercially-driven leader with both domestic and international forwarding expertise who thrives in a lean, entrepreneurial environment.
Key Responsibilities:
- Provide strategic leadership and operational oversight for the Seattle/Renton branch
- Drive revenue growth through commercial strategy and sales team leadership
- Manage Product Manager of International Operations overseeing air and ocean import/export team (~11 staff)
- Oversee Product Manager of Domestic Operations managing domestic forwarding and service delivery (~5-6 staff including drivers)
- Lead and develop sales team to achieve revenue targets and expand market share
- Manage warehouse operations in Kent aligned with domestic services
- Assess team structure, identify efficiencies, and optimize staffing levels
- Balance P&L responsibility while maintaining service excellence
- Build strong relationships with customers, carriers, and internal stakeholders
- Foster a culture of accountability, performance, and continuous improvement
- Collaborate with executive leadership on strategic initiatives and growth opportunities
- Ensure operational excellence across all service lines and departments
Required Qualifications:
- 10+ years of progressive leadership experience in freight forwarding
- Proven track record in both sales/commercial leadership and operations management
- Strong background in both domestic and international forwarding (air and ocean)
- P&L management experience with demonstrated ability to drive profitability
- Experience managing multi-functional teams and direct reports at manager level
- Track record of revenue growth and operational optimization
- Strong business acumen with strategic thinking capabilities
- Excellent communication and interpersonal skills
- Ability to roll up sleeves and work hands-on when needed
- Bachelor's degree preferred
Ideal Candidate Profile:
- Sales-oriented with strong commercial instincts and revenue focus
- Operationally competent across multiple service lines
- Entrepreneurial mindset with "roll-up-your-sleeves" approach
- Background with U.S.-headquartered freight forwarders preferred
- Commercially sharp with ability to identify and capture market opportunities
- Strong leadership presence with ability to motivate and develop teams
- Adaptable and comfortable with change in a growth-focused organization
- Career-minded professional seeking 3-5 year runway with advancement potential
What Makes This Role Unique: This position offers the opportunity to lead with direct exposure to executive leadership and corporate strategy. The role provides a clear path for career advancement to Regional VP, VP of Domestic Product, or Head of International based on performance and individual strengths. You'll have the autonomy to build and optimize operations while being supported by a dynamic, entrepreneurial leadership team.
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PandoLogic. Keywords: General Manager, Location: Renton, WA - 98055 , PL: 602682148