Sea Freight Jobs in California (NOW HIRING)

The Sea Freight Manager will oversee and manage all sea freight operations with a strong focus on perishable, temperature-controlled cargo and commercial cruise line provisioning. This role is responsible for leading the ocean freight team, ensuring the efficient planning, booking, monitoring, and delivery of refrigerated, sensitive, and time-critical marine cargo shipments. The manager will ensure strict compliance with cold chain requirements, carrier regulations, and international logistics standards while maintaining high service levels for customers.

The role also includes business development responsibilities, with an emphasis on expanding the company’s presence in the perishable logistics and cruise line supply chain sectors. The Sea Freight Manager will work closely with customers, shipping lines, port operators, ship chandlers, and internal operations teams to guarantee proper cargo handling, temperature integrity, and flawless on-time performance tied to vessel departure schedules.

• Manage and oversee all sea freight operations, ensuring shipments are executed accurately, efficiently, and on schedule in alignment with cruise port timelines.
• Supervise, train, and support the ocean freight team including operations staff, documentation specialists, and account managers.
• Ensure proper planning and coordination of reefer containers, temperature-controlled shipments, and vessel provisioning orders.
• Maintain strict cold chain compliance throughout the entire logistics process, including booking, transit, and final delivery at the port of call.
• Coordinate closely with carriers, terminals, maritime agents, and trucking providers to ensure correct handling of perishable cargo.
• Monitor vessel schedules, transit times, and shipment milestones to prevent delays, temperature deviations, and missed sailings.
• Ensure compliance with international shipping regulations, customs requirements, and industry standards related to ocean freight, refrigerated cargo, and maritime logistics.
• Develop and implement operational procedures to improve efficiency, reduce errors, and protect cargo integrity under tight just-in-time (JIT) schedules.
• Build, maintain, and leverage strong, existing relationships with shipping lines, port authorities, partners, and key clients within the cruise industry.
• Identify and pursue new business opportunities in industries such as seafood, fresh produce, frozen foods, pharmaceuticals, and commercial cruise provisioning.
• Support the commercial team with pricing strategies, carrier negotiations, and service solutions for temperature-controlled and marine cargo.
• Monitor key performance indicators including transit times, claims, service levels, and customer satisfaction.
• Prepare regular reports on operational performance, cargo volumes, and department results.

• Bachelor’s degree in Business, Logistics, Supply Chain Management, or a related field.
• 5–7 years of experience in freight forwarding or international logistics, with a proven track record and longevity within the commercial cruise line industry (e.g., cruise supply chain, marine procurement, or cruise logistics).
• Deep expertise in maritime freight and demonstrated experience managing perishable or temperature-controlled cargo logistics.
• Experience working with reefer containers, cold chain management, and carrier coordination under tight vessel departure constraints.
• Well-connected within the maritime sector, with established relationships among major shipping lines, port operators, and terminal networks.
• Proven leadership experience managing logistics or operations teams in high-pressure environments.
• Strong understanding of international shipping procedures, documentation, and customs processes.
• Proficiency in English (written and spoken). Spanish is considered a strong advantage to manage regional port operations.
• Excellent organizational, problem-solving, and decision-making skills.
• Strong communication and negotiation skills with both clients and carriers.
• Proficiency in logistics management systems and Microsoft Office applications.
  Benefits:
  Competitive salary and benefits package.
  Opportunities for professional growth within a dynamic and expanding logistics company.
  Work with a specialized team focused on perishable and temperature controlled supply chains.

This job description is not an inclusive or exhaustive list of responsibilities and may be updated or revised at the Company’s discretion to meet operational needs. Nothing in this job description alters the at-will nature of employment, which may be terminated by either the employee or the Company at any time, with or without cause or advance notice, in accordance with federal and state laws.

HPL Apollo LLC is an Equal Opportunity Employer. We are committed to creating an inclusive workplace and do not discriminate on the basis of race, color, religion, sex, gender identity or expression, sexual orientation, national origin, ancestry, citizenship, age, disability, medical condition, genetic information, marital status, military or veteran status, or any other protected status under applicable federal, state, or local law.