Freight Forwarding Manager Jobs in Riverside, CA

Who We Are:

Archipelago Companies, a portfolio of highly successful consumer lifestyle brands, is seeking a talented and passionate individual with an entrepreneurial mindset to join our team. Our brands, including OluKai, Melin, Roark, and Tradewind Services are leaders in their respective markets, offering high-quality products and authentic marketing stories direct to consumers. At Archipelago Companies, we pride ourselves on our commitment to integrity, and we strive to create a culture of excellence in everything we do. If you are a driven and innovative individual with a passion for consumer brands, we invite you to apply for our open position and become a part of our dynamic and growing team.

About the Role:

As a new key role within the Tradewind Services shared services team, the Logistics & Freight Manager is responsible for managing and optimizing all aspects of international and domestic freight and logistics across the Archipelagos portfolio of brands. This role ensures timely, cost-effective, and compliant movement of goods, supports cross-border activities, and collaborates with internal and external partners to drive operational excellence and continuous improvement across the supply chain all the way to consumer doorstep.

Key responsibilities include but are not limited to:

Freight & Carrier Management:

• Oversee inbound and outbound freight budgets and carrier relationships, providing monthly insights and actionable recommendations to brands.
• Manage and consolidate inbound logistics across the portfolio to ensure efficiency and cost control.
• Optimize freight selections for all channels by providing freight strategy recommendations to businesses units and actively managing service providers.

• In collaboration with internal accounting and finance partners, work with freight forwarders, carriers and 3PL providers to track trends and maintain key metrics (CPO, CPU, Time-in-Transit, On-time Delivery).
• Understand and manage freight contracts and billing methodologies for all modes including small parcel.

Stakeholder Communication:

• Collaborate with vendors, shipping companies, brand production teams, 3PL/Warehousing providers, and internal departments to maintain accurate landed dates for inbound supply.

• Provide standardized reports for landed dates on all inbound shipments to ensure ETA dates can be accurately tracked and systems updated accordingly.

Shipment Coordination:

• Prepare and review shipping documents, maintain accurate records, and monitor shipment status to resolve issues during transit.

International Logistics (inbound from Factory to US; outbound to International distribution points in UK and Europe):

• Coordinate and manage international shipments, ensuring compliance with global trade regulations and customs requirements.
• Understand required in-market dates and work collaboratively with Brands to make the best routing decisions balancing supply-chain costs with calendar requirements.

• Support global customs and cross-border activities, liaising with trade counsel and brands to navigate policy changes.
• Manage inbound logistics end to end for the Roark brand (apparel).
• Manage customs broker relationships and support internal teams with landed cost inputs.
• Audit, approve and input brokerage and freight bills working with Accounting to ensure appropriate accounting controls and accurate costing.

Reverse Logistics/Returns:

• Coordinate and manage the carrier/transportation aspects of returns process flows.

Process Optimization:

• Optimize air, ocean, and over-the-road lanes, supporting expedited requests to maximize sales opportunities. Analyze logistics data to identify and implement improvements in the supply chain.

Transportation Systems, Integrations and Reporting:

• Ensure transportation systems are deployed efficiently across the organization.

• Work collaboratively with technical resources and logistics partners to leverage systems to enhance information flow, real-time status views, and digital records for the supply chain.

Inventory & Origin Management:

• Support origin consolidation and provide visibility to goods held for consolidation.
• Work with procurement to manage inventory levels and help coordinate inventory replenishment across the organizations supply chain, including warehouse and retail transfers.

Requirements & Qualifications:

• Bachelors degree in Logistics, Supply Chain Management, Business, or related field.
• 5+ years of experience in logistics or supply chain management, with a focus on international shipping and freight forwarding preferred.
• Familiarity with international shipping regulations, customs procedures, and logistics software.
• Strong organizational, multitasking, and analytical skills.
• Excellent communication and problem-solving abilities.
• Proficiency in Microsoft Office Suite (Excel) and familiarity with enterprise resource planning and transportation/logistics management systems.

Skills & Competencies

• Logistics management and supply chain optimization
• International trade compliance, including US and Europe
• Shipping documentation and commercial trade documentation
• Transportation supplier management
• Data analysis and process improvement
• Stakeholder collaboration and communication

Location & Office Structure:This is an in-office hybrid position, mandatory 4 days per week in office in Irvine, CA with the option to work from home 1 day per week. Subject to change without notice as per company guidelines.

Compensation: The salary range for this position is $80,000 to $110,000 plus opportunity for annual bonus; salary is based on the experience that you bring to the position.

Benefits and Perks:

• • Complimentary chef prepared breakfast and lunch provided Monday - Thursday
  • Generous product gift program and all brand discounts
    
  • Company bonus program
  • 5 year and 10 year Milestone Anniversary travel gifts
  • Medical, Dental, Vision insurance in accordance with plan guidelines
  • Company paid life insurance in accordance with plan guidelines
  • 401k with employer match in accordance with plan guidelines
  • 15 Days of PTO accrued annually, plus one additional day of PTO every year on your anniversary, and 3 Floating Holidays per year
  • Paid beach and giveback days, bi-annual team building events and other in-person celebrations
  • Work with talented and great people who share a love of lifestyle brands

Archipelago Companies values a diverse, inclusive, and entrepreneurial workforce and culture, and we provide equal employment opportunity for all applicants and employees. All qualified applicants for employment will be considered without regard to an individuals race, color, sex, gender identity, gender expression, religion, age, national origin or ancestry, citizenship, physical or mental disability, medical condition, family care status, marital status, domestic partner status, sexual orientation, genetic information, military or veteran status, or any other basis protected by federal, state or local laws. If you are unable to submit your application because of incompatible assistive technology or a disability, please contact us at hr@arch-cos.com. Archipelago will reasonably accommodate qualified individuals with disabilities to the extent required by applicable law.