Company Description

Continental develops pioneering technologies and services for sustainable and connected mobility of people and their goods. Founded in 1871, the technology company offers safe, efficient, intelligent and affordable solutions for vehicles, machines, traffic and transportation. In 2024, Continental generated preliminary sales of €39.7 billion and currently employs around 190,000 people in 55 countries and markets. 

Tire solutions from the Tires group sector make mobility safer, smarter, and more sustainable. Its premium portfolio encompasses car, truck, bus, two-wheel, and specialty tires as well as smart solutions and services for fleets and tire retailers. Continental delivers top performance for more than 150 years and is one of the world’s largest tire manufacturers. In fiscal 2023, the Tires group sector generated sales of 14 billion euros. Continental's tire sector employs more than 56,000 people worldwide and has 20 production and 16 development sites. Are you ready to shape the future with us? 

Job Description

HOW YOU WILL MAKE AN IMPACT

We are seeking a highly motivated and detail-oriented Ocean Freight Specialist to manage and optimize export operations for sea and air freight. This key role oversees end-to-end export execution from our Americas-based plants to global markets. You will handle everything from day-to-day operations to performance tracking and strategic carrier partnerships, playing a vital role in ensuring smooth and efficient international logistics.

Key Responsibilities

🔹 Export Load Planning and Execution

Build and manage export loads in SAP for both sea and air shipments based on inventory levels and market demand.Coordinate transportation with contracted carriers and logistics partners, factoring in forecasts, production schedules, equipment availability, and customer requirements.Monitor cost performance and service level adherence, driving resolution of issues with internal and external stakeholders

🔹 Export Documentation & Customs Compliance

Generate proper export documentation to support customs clearance and destination compliance.Ensure documentation meets regulatory standards and is properly stored and managed.Collaborate with trade compliance and freight forwarders to ensure there are no delays in the shipment process.

🔹 Invoice Auditing & Contract Management

Audit freight invoices for accuracy against contract terms, resolving discrepancies and ensuring cost control.Manage carrier allocations and ensure performance aligns with contractual terms and rate structures.

🔹 Global Ocean Freight Tender Participation

Actively participate in the annual global ocean freight tender by providing knowledge and feedback on forecast information, operational requirements, service conditions, and carrier awarding.Coordinate with both plant and markets to ensure carrier awarding aligns with origin and destination requirements.Lead implementation of awarded carriers, ensuring seamless integration and compliance with new contracts.

🔹 Carrier & Forwarder Relationship Management

Oversee day-to-day coordination with freight forwarders and ocean carriers to ensure smooth execution of export shipments.Resolve transportation issues proactively, ensuring service levels and contractual obligations are met.Lead weekly operations meetings and quarterly business reviews to track performance and drive strategic improvements.Monitor and report global, regional, and local KPIs.

🔹 Internal Stakeholder Collaboration

Act as the primary contact for complex, urgent, or non-standard export shipments, including one-off destinations and special routing needs.Facilitate knowledge sharing and best practices across export-related functions.Collaborate closely with the ocean freight team to ensure goals and objectives related to both imports and export operations are met.

🔹 Systems & Process Leadership

Serve as the expert for Gnosis, SAP, TMS, Score, and Tango platforms.Lead the development of export KPIs and reporting tools to improve decision-making and operational transparency.

🔹 Americas Region Responsibilities

Oversee export operations across all Americas plants, acting as the primary escalation point for local challenges.Apply strong knowledge of freight forwarder/ocean carrier contracts and local processes to effectively develop solutions.Lead and support implementation of new business or ad-hoc changes, including workshops, process improvement initiatives, and system integration.Maintain close collaboration with local, regional, and global sea freight teams to ensure alignment and execution of strategic goals and initiatives.

🔹 Performance Analysis & Continuous Improvement

 Develop reports analyzing shipment performance, volume trends, and current operational status.Leverage data from SAP, TMS, Score, and other systems to support forecasting, production planning, and transportation optimization.Identify and implement process improvements that enhance efficiency and mitigate financial and operational risks.

Qualifications

WHAT YOU BRING TO THE ROLE 

Bachelors Degree in Transportation, Business Management, Supply Chain, Engineering, or a relevant field2-5+ years of professional experience in LogisticsProven knowledge and experience in global export logistics, including both sea and air freight operations.Strong understanding of customs regulations, freight contracts, and carrier performance management.Analytical mindset with strong proficiency in ExcelSome Power BI and/or Tableau experienceExperience using SAP and logistics platforms (e.g., TMS, Score, Gnosis, Tango).Excellent communication, problem-solving, ownership and cross-functional collaboration skillsPrior experience working with and managing the relationships with 3rd party vendorsAbility to lead strategic initiatives while effectively managing daily export operationsLegal Authorization to work in the US is required. We will not sponsor individuals for employment visas now or in the future for this job opening.Can offer a domestic relocation package if needed

 

ADDITIONAL WAYS TO STAND OUT 

5-7+ years of professional experience in LogisticsExperience using GnosisAdvanced skills in Excel

Additional Information

THE PERKS 

Immediate Benefits Robust Total Rewards PackagePaid Time OffVolunteer Time OffTuition AssistanceEmployee Discounts, including tire discountsCompetitive Bonus ProgramsEmployee 401k Match ­Diverse & Inclusive Work Environment with 20+ Employee Resource groups.Hybrid WorkEmployee Assistance Program ­Future Growth Opportunities, including personal and professionalAnd many more benefits that come with working for a global industry leader!

 

All your information will be kept confidential according to EEO guidelines.

EEO-Statement:

EEO / Disabled / Protected Veteran Employer. Continental offers equal employment opportunities to all qualified individuals, without regard to unlawful consideration to race, color, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, age, religion, national origin, disability, veteran status, or any other status protected by applicable law. In addition, as a federal contractor, Continental complies with government regulations, including affirmative action responsibilities for qualified individuals with a disability and protected veterans, where they apply. To be considered, you must apply for a specific position for which Continental has a current posted job opening. Qualifying applications will be considered only for the specific opening(s) to which you apply. If you would like to be considered for additional or future job openings, we encourage you to reapply for other opportunities as they become available. Further, Continental provides reasonable accommodations to qualified individuals with a disability. If you need assistance in the application process, please reply to [email protected] or contact US Recruiting at 800-821-2727. This telephone line and email address are reserved solely for job seekers with disabilities requesting accessibility assistance or an accommodation in the job application process. Please do not call about the status of your job application, if you do not require accessibility assistance or an accommodation. Messages left for other purposes, such as following up on an application or non-disability related technical issues, will not receive a call back.

 

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