Ocean Operations Associate

About the role

Join the founding team in Manila to help scale Flexport operations in the region. You will manage end-to-end logistics processes while designing automated workflows to improve efficiency and client outcomes. In this capacity, you will take ownership of complex ocean movements from initial booking through final delivery, ensuring that every shipment aligns with client expectations and internal standards. You will be responsible for designing and maintaining automated processes that remove manual friction and enhance the accuracy of global trade operations. The role requires you to act as a bridge between technology, operations, and commercial stakeholders to drive measurable improvements in service and speed. You will leverage direct experience with logistics workflows to identify bottlenecks and deploy solutions that scale across regions. Additionally, you will integrate artificial intelligence tools into daily routines to support data analysis, communication, and decision-making in a fast-paced environment. This position offers the opportunity to build operations from the ground up in a growing hub, directly influencing the future of Flexport's presence in the Philippines.

Key facts

What you'll do

• Manage full-cycle ocean shipments including FCL and LCL, handling bookings, documentation, and milestone tracking from origin to final delivery.
• Coordinate with carriers, trucking companies, warehouses, and customs brokers to ensure alignment on timelines, requirements, and handoffs.
• Resolve shipment exceptions and provide clear, actionable updates to internal teams and external clients to maintain trust and transparency.
• Maintain high data accuracy in internal systems to meet performance targets, reduce errors, and support reliable client reporting.
• Build and refine internal tools, dashboards, and automated workflows to reduce manual tasks and improve scalability of operations.
• Integrate AI tools into daily operations for data analysis, pattern recognition, and communication to enhance speed and decision quality.
• Collaborate with sales and leadership teams to influence regional strategy and commercial decisions based on operational realities and constraints.
• Monitor carrier performance, transit times, and cost metrics to identify opportunities for optimization and continuous improvement.
• Support the implementation of new technologies and process changes with minimal disruption to existing workflows and client services.
• Act as the primary point of contact for internal cross-functional teams seeking clarity on shipment status or operational risks.
• Proactively flag potential delays, regulatory changes, or capacity constraints and recommend contingency actions to stakeholders.
• Own key performance indicators related to on-time performance, data integrity, and client satisfaction within the ocean operations scope.
• Contribute to the development of standard operating procedures that ensure consistency as the Manila team scales and handles higher volumes.
• Drive initiatives that improve the end-to-end experience for clients by combining logistics expertise with technology-enabled visibility.

Requirements

• 3+ years of professional experience in supply chain or logistics operations within a global trade context.
• Direct experience managing ocean freight, specifically for US, Canada, or EMEA trade lanes, with a strong understanding of related documentation and regulations.
• Proven ability to use data to drive decision-making and operational strategy, including the interpretation of metrics and the identification of trends.
• Demonstrated understanding of how to implement and scale AI tools to improve productivity, including the evaluation and testing of new solutions.
• Strong communication and organizational skills, with the capacity to manage multiple priorities and conflicting demands effectively.
• Ability to act with agency, adapt to ambiguity, and make sound judgments with incomplete information in a fast-moving environment.
• Experience working with freight forwarding systems, transportation management systems, or similar logistics platforms is essential.
• A high level of integrity and attention to detail, ensuring that all processes are followed accurately and that errors are caught early.

Skills & tools

• Freight forwarding and logistics operations, including the management of FCL and LCL cargo across international lanes.
• Data analysis and reporting, using tools and dashboards to track performance, forecast capacity needs, and guide operational decisions.
• AI tool implementation and automation, focusing on practical applications that enhance productivity and reduce manual work.
• Workflow design and process improvement, with the ability to map current processes and build optimized future-state workflows.
• Proficiency in collaboration platforms and internal systems to maintain accurate records and enable seamless communication across teams.

Practical notes

Flexport is an equal opportunity employer. By applying, you consent to the processing of your personal data as outlined in the company privacy notice. The role is based full-time in Manila and requires consistent availability during standard business hours. There is no current requirement for international travel, and candidates must be eligible to work in the Philippines without sponsorship. Employment is contingent on successful completion of background checks and verification of provided information.