Job Overview:This role is aligned to the Coffee Operating Unit.
The Manager, International Transportation is responsible for leading the global movement of raw materials and finished goods for the Coffee Operating Unit. This role oversees the execution, optimization, and strategic direction of international transportation operations across ocean, air, cross-border, drayage, and parcel networks while ensuring compliance with global trade regulations and company policies.
Working cross-functionally with Procurement, Planning, Manufacturing, Customer Service, Finance, Quality, Regulatory, and external logistics providers, this position develops transportation strategies that improve service, reduce cost, increase visibility, and strengthen supply chain resiliency.
The Manager, International Transportation serves as the primary owner of international freight operations, customs compliance, freight forwarding partnerships, transportation analytics, and continuous improvement initiatives supporting the global supply chain. As a member of the team you will be responsible for our inbound and outbound logistics strategy overseeing shipments from Asia, Europe, Central/South America and Africa to North America.
International Transportation Operations• Lead end-to-end international transportation operations supporting global imports and exports.
• Manage ocean, air, truck, rail, parcel, and cross-border transportation activities.
• Coordinate inbound raw materials, packaging components, and outbound finished goods across global markets.
• Ensure transportation capacity aligns with production schedules and customer demand.
• Monitor shipment execution and proactively resolve transportation disruptions, customs delays, and service failures.
• Develop contingency plans for carrier disruptions, port congestion, and geopolitical risks.
Carrier & Freight Forwarder Management
• Develop strategic partnerships with freight forwarders, customs brokers, ocean carriers, airlines, drayage providers, and transportation partners.
• Lead carrier performance reviews through scorecards measuring cost, service, transit performance, compliance, and claims.
• Support transportation sourcing initiatives, carrier negotiations, and freight procurement activities.
• Identify opportunities to improve transportation service while reducing overall logistics costs.
Customs & Trade Compliance• Ensure compliance with all U.S. and international trade regulations governing imports and exports.
• Oversee customs brokers and ensure timely, accurate customs declarations.
• Maintain compliance with FDA, CBP, USDA, FSMA, ISF, AES, and other regulatory requirements.
• Govern HTS classifications, country of origin documentation, Incoterms, commercial invoices, certificates of origin, phytosanitary certificates, and other international shipping documentation.
• Partner with Regulatory, Legal, and Quality teams to ensure compliance with changing trade requirements.
Financial Management• Own the international transportation budget and support monthly forecasting activities.
• Analyze freight spend across ocean, air, customs brokerage, drayage, duties, storage, detention, demurrage, and other accessorial charges.
• Identify transportation cost reduction opportunities through network optimization, carrier management, and process improvements.
• Support monthly financial reviews with transportation reporting and performance analysis.
Transportation Systems & Visibility• Serve as subject matter expert for international transportation systems and shipment visibility platforms.
• Partner with IT to improve ERP, transportation management systems, and reporting capabilities.
• Ensure accurate transportation data, shipment status visibility, and system integrity.
• Drive automation and standardization of international transportation processes.
Continuous Improvement• Develop and maintain standard operating procedures supporting international logistics operations.
• Lead continuous improvement initiatives focused on transportation efficiency, service, compliance, and cost optimization.
• Perform root cause analysis on transportation issues and implement corrective actions.
• Standardize processes across the Coffee Operating Unit to improve consistency and operational excellence.
Cross Functional Leadership• Partner with Procurement, Supply Planning, Manufacturing Operations, Customer Service, Finance, Regulatory Affairs, Quality Assurance, International Suppliers, Freight Forwarders, Customs Brokers, and Transportation Providers to ensure seamless movement of products.
Reporting & Analytics• Develop and maintain KPIs for On-Time Delivery, Transportation Spend vs Budget, Freight Cost, Carrier Performance, Customs Compliance, ISF/AES Compliance, Port Dwell Time, Container Utilization, Demurrage & Detention, Claims Performance, and Inventory Flow Reliability.
• Provide executive transportation reporting and shipment visibility.
Leadership Responsibilities• Build a culture of trust, accountability, and continuous improvement.
• Coach and develop transportation team members.
• Drive clear goals and performance expectations.
• Foster collaboration across internal and external partners.
• Maintain a safe, compliant, customer-focused work environment.
Total Rewards:- Salary Range: $130,000 - $160,000
- Actual placement within the compensation range may vary depending on experience, skills, and other factors
- Work Modality: Ideally this person will work a hybrid schedule if located near one of our main offices located in Emeryville, CA. Team open to fully remote for the right skillset and circumstance if not located near one of our offices.
- Travel: Roughly 10%
- Schedule: Monday - Friday with potential for overtime as needed
Where Applicable: - Benefits, subject to election and eligibility: Medical, Dental, Vision, Disability, Paid Time Off (including paid parental leave, vacation, and sick time), 401k with company match, Tuition Reimbursement, and Mileage Reimbursement
- Annual bonus based on performance and eligibility
- Benefits eligible Day 1!
Requirements:Qualifications:- Bachelor's Degree in Supply Chain, Logistics, Business, Transportation, or related field.
- 7+ years of international transportation, logistics, or supply chain experience.
- Experience managing global import and export operations.
- Strong understanding of ocean, air, drayage, parcel, and cross-border transportation.
- Knowledge of customs regulations, Incoterms, HTS, FDA, CBP, ISF, and AES.
- Experience managing freight forwarders and customs brokers.
- Strong financial, analytical, and project management skills.
- Service and customer-focused approach, monitor customer expectations and adapt as needed
- Ability to prioritize and plan work in an organized manner while exhibiting efficient time management against key deadlines
- Experience with ERP and transportation management systems.
- Preferred: CPG/Food & Beverage experience; SAP, Power BI; APICS, CSCMP, Lean Six Sigma, or PMP certifications. HUGE plus if experience with coffee logistics.
