Director of Ocean Freight & Operations

About Swell Containers

At Swell Containers, we orchestrate the flow of global trade through high-velocity intermodal logistics. Our core focus is positioning containers from manufacturing hubs across Southeast Asia and China into India's rapidly expanding economy.

As global supply chains evolve, Swell Containers connects origin efficiency with destination reliability. We combine regional expertise, strategic carrier partnerships, and disciplined financial execution to deliver dependable logistics solutions. We are seeking a leader capable of scaling our trade lanes across APAC and building the next phase of growth.

About the Role:

The Director of Commercial / Business Development will lead the creation and expansion of Swell Containers freight forwarding division. This executive role is responsible for developing a scalable forwarding platform supporting one-way container movements across Southeast Asia and international trade lanes. The Director will design the operating model, establish carrier and agency networks, implement compliance and operational frameworks, and build the systems required for a world-class freight forwarding organization.

This role requires a seasoned industry leader with a proven track record of launching or scaling complex logistics operations. The position carries full ownership of strategy, P&L performance, network development, pricing, compliance, customer experience, and regional team leadership.

Responsibilities:

• Build and scale the freight forwarding division, including service model, market positioning, and operational structure
• Oversee container positioning operations across domestic and international markets in Southeast Asia
• Develop and manage carrier, agent, and partner networks throughout Asia
• Lead freight brokerage activities including carrier onboarding, rate procurement, compliance, and execution
• Own divisional P&L; drive profitability, margin expansion, and cost optimization
• Design routing strategies and expand into new regional and global markets
• Oversee import/export operations, documentation, customs coordination, and regulatory compliance
• Implement scalable SOPs, workflow standards, and operational controls
• Establish performance metrics, reporting structures, and continuous improvement processes

Qualifications:

• Bachelor's degree in Supply Chain Management, Logistics, Business Administration, International Business, or Transportation Management
• 1015+ years of experience in intra-Asia freight forwarding and logistics operations
• Deep expertise in ocean freight, global supply chains, import/export operations, and trade compliance
• Minimum 5+ years in senior leadership roles (Director or Senior Director level)
• Demonstrated success launching, scaling, or transforming a freight forwarding organization

Core Skills:

• Supply chain and logistics strategy
• Market expansion and network development
• P&L ownership and financial management
• Freight routing and operational design
• Customs and international trade compliance
• Carrier pricing, procurement, and contract negotiation
• KPI management and performance analytics
• Vendor and strategic partner management