Operations

Director of Shipping

Looking to hire your next Director of Shipping? Here’s a full job description template to use as a guide.

About Vintti

Vintti is a staffing agency dedicated to boosting the economic efficiency of US companies. We provide access to a diverse range of skilled Latin American professionals, allowing businesses to build robust teams without the traditional high costs associated with domestic hiring. Our model supports companies in maximizing their resources, driving innovation, and achieving sustainable growth.

Description

The Director of Shipping oversees and manages all aspects of an organization's shipping operations to ensure the timely, efficient, and cost-effective delivery of products. This role involves developing strategic plans, coordinating with other departments, and optimizing logistics processes. The Director of Shipping is responsible for negotiating with carriers, maintaining compliance with shipping regulations, and managing budgets. A key part of the job is to continually seek improvements in the shipping process to enhance customer satisfaction and streamline operations. This role requires strong leadership, problem-solving skills, and extensive knowledge of logistics and supply chain management.

Requirements

- Bachelor’s degree in Logistics, Supply Chain Management, Business Administration, or related field.
- Minimum of 7-10 years of experience in shipping, logistics, or supply chain management, with at least 3-5 years in a leadership role.
- Strong knowledge of federal, state, and international shipping regulations and customs requirements.
- Proven experience in developing and implementing shipping policies and procedures.
- Excellent negotiation skills with experience in securing favorable shipping rates and contracts.
- Proficiency in using shipping and logistics software and technology solutions.
- Strong analytical skills with the ability to analyze shipping data and performance metrics.
- Exceptional organizational and multitasking abilities.
- Demonstrated ability to lead, supervise, train, and develop a team.
- Strong problem-solving skills and the ability to provide quick and effective solutions.
- Effective communication and interpersonal skills, with the ability to collaborate with internal departments and external partners.
- Experience in budgeting and cost management to ensure cost-effective shipping practices.
- Knowledge of inventory management and warehouse optimization.
- Ability to conduct regular audits and identify areas for process improvements.
- Commitment to workplace safety and experience in facilitating safety training.
- Strong attention to detail and accuracy in reviewing shipping documentation.
- Availability to work flexible hours, including weekends and holidays, if necessary.

Responsabilities

- Oversee entire shipping department operations to ensure timely and efficient delivery.
- Develop and implement shipping policies, procedures, and best practices.
- Coordinate with suppliers, distributors, and logistics companies to streamline shipping processes.
- Monitor performance metrics to ensure KPIs are met or exceeded.
- Ensure compliance with federal, state, and international shipping regulations and customs requirements.
- Review and approve shipping documentation, including bills of lading, invoices, and customs declarations.
- Manage the scheduling and tracking of shipments to ensure accurate and timely deliveries.
- Collaborate with warehouse team to optimize space utilization and inventory management.
- Resolve shipping or distribution issues, providing quick and effective solutions.
- Supervise, train, and develop shipping department staff.
- Conduct regular audits of shipping processes to identify areas for improvement.
- Negotiate shipping rates and contracts with carriers and vendors to reduce costs.
- Prepare and monitor the department’s budget, ensuring cost-effective practices.
- Communicate with internal departments to keep them informed about shipping statuses.
- Implement and utilize technology solutions to enhance shipping efficiency and accuracy.
- Analyze shipping data and reports to identify trends and develop strategies for continuous improvement.
- Ensure the maintenance and proper operation of shipping equipment and vehicles.
- Facilitate safety training and ensure compliance with workplace safety standards.

Ideal Candidate

The ideal candidate for the role of Director of Shipping is a seasoned professional with a Bachelor’s degree in Logistics, Supply Chain Management, Business Administration, or a related field and possesses 7-10 years of comprehensive experience in shipping, logistics, or supply chain management, including 3-5 years in a leadership capacity. They are deeply knowledgeable about federal, state, and international shipping regulations and customs requirements, and have a successful track record of developing and implementing effective shipping policies and procedures. This individual is a strategic thinker with exceptional problem-solving abilities, capable of analyzing shipping data and performance metrics to drive continuous improvement. They demonstrate excellence in negotiation, securing favorable shipping rates and contracts to optimize costs. Technologically adept, they are proficient in the latest shipping and logistics software and committed to leveraging technology to enhance operational efficiency. Exceptional communication and interpersonal skills enable them to collaborate seamlessly with internal departments and external partners, fostering strong, productive relationships. They lead by example, inspiring and motivating their team while ensuring top-level training and development. Highly organized with superior multitasking capabilities, they excel in a fast-paced, high-pressure environment, maintaining meticulous attention to detail and accuracy. Their proactive, self-motivated nature underscores a strong initiative and results-oriented focus, consistently exceeding targets. A commitment to workplace safety, coupled with experience in conducting safety training, showcases their dedication to maintaining a compliant and secure working environment. This candidate embodies a customer-focused mindset, high integrity, professionalism, and a relentless pursuit of operational excellence, making them the perfect fit for the Director of Shipping role.

On a typical day, you will...

- Oversee and manage entire shipping department operations to ensure timely and efficient delivery.
- Develop and implement shipping policies, procedures, and best practices.
- Coordinate with suppliers, distributors, and logistics companies to streamline shipping processes.
- Monitor performance metrics to ensure key performance indicators (KPIs) are met or exceeded.
- Ensure compliance with federal, state, and international shipping regulations and customs requirements.
- Review and approve shipping documentation, including bills of lading, invoices, and customs declarations.
- Manage the scheduling and tracking of shipments to ensure accurate and timely deliveries.
- Collaborate with the warehouse team to optimize space utilization and inventory management.
- Resolve any shipping or distribution issues that arise, providing quick and effective solutions.
- Supervise, train, and develop shipping department staff to maintain high performance levels.
- Conduct regular audits of shipping processes to identify areas for improvement.
- Negotiate shipping rates and contracts with carriers and vendors to reduce costs.
- Prepare and monitor the department’s budget, ensuring cost-effective practices.
- Communicate with internal departments, such as customer service and sales, to keep them informed about shipping statuses.
- Implement and utilize technology solutions to enhance shipping efficiency and accuracy.
- Analyze shipping data and reports to identify trends and develop strategies for continuous improvement.
- Ensure the maintenance and proper operation of shipping equipment and vehicles.
- Facilitate safety training and ensure compliance with workplace safety standards.

What we are looking for

- Leadership qualities with the ability to inspire and motivate a team
- Strategic thinker with strong problem-solving skills
- Ability to thrive in a fast-paced, high-pressure environment
- Exceptional attention to detail and accuracy
- Strong communication and interpersonal skills
- Adaptable and flexible with changing priorities and demands
- Proactive and self-motivated with a strong sense of initiative
- Results-oriented with a focus on achieving and exceeding targets
- Strong organizational and multitasking capabilities
- Customer-focused with a commitment to high service standards
- Ability to build and maintain effective relationships with stakeholders
- High degree of integrity and professionalism
- Strong analytical skills with data-driven decision-making capabilities
- Commitment to continuous improvement and operational excellence
- Technologically savvy with a willingness to embrace new tools and solutions
- Strong negotiation skills with a focus on cost savings and efficiency
- Commitment to fostering a safe and compliant working environment

What you can expect (benefits)

- Competitive salary ranging from $90,000 to $120,000 annually
- Comprehensive health, dental, and vision insurance plans
- 401(k) retirement plan with company match
- Paid time off (PTO) including vacation, sick days, and holidays
- Employee wellness programs
- Flexible work schedule opportunities
- Opportunities for professional development and continuing education
- Employee assistance program (EAP)
- Company-sponsored training and certifications
- Performance bonuses and incentives
- Company-provided equipment and tools
- Travel reimbursement for work-related travel
- Team building and company social events
- Access to industry conferences and networking events
- Life and disability insurance plans
- Childcare support and parental leave policies
- Employee discount programs
- Relocation assistance for out-of-state candidates
- Mentorship and career growth opportunities within the company
- Recognition programs for outstanding performance

Vintti logo

Do you want to find amazing talent?

See how we can help you find a perfect match in only 20 days.

Director of Shipping FAQs

Here are some common questions about our staffing services for startups across various industries.

More Job Descriptions

Browse all roles

Start Hiring Remote

Find the talent you need to grow your business

You can secure high-quality South American talent in just 20 days and for around $9,000 USD per year.

Start Hiring For Free