GENERAL PURPOSE: 
The Manager, Import Operations will lead, direct and manage the international transportation operations function, ensuring efficient and cost-effective movement of goods from origin to final port of discharge. This role is accountable for overseeing international Ocean Freight operations, driving performance across third-party providers (Ocean Liners), and aligning import transportation operations with broader supply chain and business goals. The Manager will play a key role in operational execution, planning, performance management, and continuous improvement initiatives to support inventory flow.

ESSENTIAL FUNCTIONS:
•    Responsible to manage and oversee international transportation (Import) operations. This includes development of processes, development and execution of procedures, performance management activities, and expense controls, to ensure on time and on budget international deliveries.
•    Aid in development, and implementation of transportation strategies that optimize cost, service, and operational efficiency. 
•    Ensure accurate and timely reporting of international transportation operations activities, metrics, and KPIs.
•    Manage relationships and performance of multiple third-party logistics providers and ocean carriers, ensuring compliance with SLAs and performance expectations.
•    Support cross functional planning for seasonal and strategic initiatives (e.g. Peak, Lunar New Year, Diversion, New Markets, Growth)
•    Lead and develop a team of exempt and non-exempt associates (1-4), fostering a culture of integrity, accountability, respect, humility, learning, and operational excellence.
•    Collaborate with internal and external stakeholders (e.g., Merchants, Planning, Transportation Procurement, IT, Ocean Liners, Forwarders, etc.) to align transportation plans with business needs.
•    Serve as a key escalation point and decision maker for transportation issues. 
•    Drive continuous improvement initiatives and support innovation in international logistics.
•    Perform all projects requested by Leadership

COMPETENCIES:
•    Lead by Example     
•    Plan, Align, Prioritize 
•    Communicate Effectively     
•    Organizational Agility
•    Accountability     
•    Collaboration 
•    Execution     
•    Develop Talent 
•    Business Acumen     
•    Build Effective Teams

QUALIFICATIONS AND SPECIAL SKILLS REQUIRED:
•    Bachelor’s degree in supply chain, Logistics, or related field (or equivalent experience)
•    5+ years international transportation experience, with 3+ years in managerial role 
•    Strong understanding of Transportation Management Systems (TMS), and Global Logistics practices
•    Proven Ability to lead teams, manage vendor relationships, and drive operational improvements
•    Excellent communication skills across all levels of the organization and with external partners. 
•    Strong analytical and problem-solving capabilities.

PHYSICAL REQUIREMENTS/ADA:
Job requires ability to work in an office environment, primarily on a computer. 
Requires sitting, standing, walking, hearing, talking on the telephone, attending in-person meetings, typing, and working with paper/files, etc. 
Consistent timeliness and regular attendance.  
Vision requirements: Ability to see information in print and/or electronically.
No unusual physical requirements. Requires no heavy lifting, and nearly all work is performed in a comfortable indoor facility.
Job occasionally requires lifting up to 10 pounds.
Routine deadlines; usually sufficient lead time; variance in work volume seasonal and predictable; priorities can be anticipated; some interruptions are present; travel or other inconveniences have advance notice; involves occasional exposure to demands and external pressures
This role requires regular in-office presence, including to engage in in-person team interaction, meetings and collaboration, client support, mentoring, coaching, and/or feedback. However, this role can perform duties effectively using a combination of in-office and remote work. #LI-Hybrid

SUPERVISORY RESPONSIBILITIES:
1-4 exempt and non-exempt level associates: Coordinators, Planners, Contractors

DISCLAIMER
This job description is a summary of the primary duties and responsibilities of the job and position. It is not intended to be a comprehensive or all-inclusive listing of duties and responsibilities. Contents are subject to change at management’s discretion.

Ross is an equal employment opportunity employer. We consider individuals for employment or promotion according to their skills, abilities and experience. We believe that it is an essential part of the Company’s overall commitment to attract, hire and develop a strong, talented and diverse workforce. Ross is committed to complying with all applicable laws prohibiting discrimination based on race, color, religious creed, age, national origin, ancestry, physical, mental or developmental disability, sex (which includes pregnancy, childbirth, breastfeeding and medical conditions related to pregnancy, childbirth or breastfeeding), veteran status, military status, marital or registered domestic partnership status, medical condition (including cancer or genetic characteristics), genetic information, gender, gender identity, gender expression, sexual orientation, as well as any other category protected by federal, state or local laws.