Director of Export Operations (Elgin)
Argents Express Group is a Family-Owned, US Based, International and Domestic Freight Forwarder/Customs House Broker, Fulfillment and e-Commerce Provider established in 1977 . We have operational offices located in Charleston, SC, Chicago, IL and Seattle, WA and our Corporate Office is located on Hilton Head Island SC. Argents has handling capabilities throughout the USA and worldwide. Our service to our partners & customers is second to none. We are seeking an experienced Director of Export Operations to lead our global freight forwarding export activities. This role will oversee air and ocean export teams, ensure regulatory compliance, drive operational excellence, and deliver exceptional customer service. Role is based out of our Elgin, IL location. Duties & Responsibilities ▪ Operations Lead the export operations function, ensuring efficiency, accuracy, and compliance in air, ocean, and multimodal shipments. Develop and implement operational strategies, KPIs, and process improvements that align with company goals. Manage vendor/carrier relationships with airlines, steamship lines, truckers, and third-party service providers. Oversee workload planning, staffing, and resource allocation across export teams. Drive operational excellence through automation, system utilization, and continuous improvement initiatives. Act as an escalation point for key customers, ensuring service quality and issue resolution. Partner with sales and account management teams to support business growth and customer retention. Ensure accurate and timely communication with clients regarding shipment status, documentation, and regulatory requirements. Support pricing, bids, and RFQs by providing operational input and carrier rate intelligence. ▪ Finance Negotiate rates and service contracts with carriers, freight forwarders, and vendors to optimize costs. Manage operational budgets and ensure profitability of the export business unit. Build ROI models for new projects and developments. Maintain clear understanding of budgetary numbers and impacts on P & L goals. ▪ Compliance & Legal Work directly with Compliance Officer(s) to ensure Export regulations and programs are exercised throughout the department. Ensure all export activities comply with U.S. and international trade regulations (EAR, ITAR, OFAC, CBP, TSA, FMC, etc.). Oversee restricted party screenings, export licensing, AES filings, and country-specific documentation requirements. Partner with the compliance team to manage audits, regulatory inquiries, and corrective actions. Promote a culture of compliance and security throughout the export operations function. ▪ Human Resources Establish and maintain job descriptions, associated pay scales and career path planning across the department. Lead, coach, and mentor managers, supervisors, and operations staff to build high-performing teams. Establish training programs to develop technical and regulatory knowledge across the export function. Foster a collaborative, customer-focused, and results-driven team culture. Complete yearly assessments utilizing the metric tools outlined by the Human Resource department. ▪ Projects and Development Collaborate with internal departments such as sales, customer service, and finance to support operational and revenue objectives. Standardize KPI and performance metrics across the operation teams. Build department structure and culture in accordance with company expectations. Invest time into reviewing new sales ventures or operational efficiencies by way of people, technology or processes. ▪ Performance Metrics On-time and accurate execution of export shipments. Compliance audit results and regulatory adherence. Customer satisfaction and retention scores. Cost control and margin performance of export operations. Employee engagement, training completion, and turnover rates. Competencies High level of customer service Self-Starter with attention to detail Strong knowledge of ocean freight operations, documentation, and U.S. export regulations. Proven ability to negotiate contracts and manage vendor/carrier relationships. Excellent leadership, communication, and problem-solving skills. Proficiency in logistics software and Microsoft Office Suite CargoWise certification or demonstrated hands-on experience required Experience & Education 7 years of international freight forwarding or logistics experience, with 5 years in a supervisory or managerial role. Proficient in Microsoft Office including strong knowledge of Excel tables and formulas Education: High School or equivalent plus industry experience years listed Bachelor's in int'l business, Supply Chain, Logistics, or related field preferred Senior / Management Level 7 - 10 years’ experience Employment Type: Full-Time | Exempt Salary Range: $83,000 - $102,000 Work Environment & Physical Requirements Typical office environment with occasional travel for industry meetings and vendor visits. Must be able to use a computer, and communicate effectively in English. Reasonable accommodations will be provided for qualified individuals with disabilities in accordance with the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) . Equal Employment Opportunity Statement Argents is an equal opportunity employer and complies with all applicable federal, state, and local laws. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, disability, or veteran status or any other characteristic protected by applicable federal, state, or local law, including the Illinois Human Rights Act . We are committed to compliance with the Illinois Equal Pay Act and ensure pay equity across our teams. We actively foster a workplace that promotes accessibility, and compliance with labor laws. At-Will Employment Employment with Argents Express Group is at-will unless otherwise specified in a written agreement. Background Checks & Drug Screening Employment is contingent upon successful completion of background checks and, where permitted, drug screening. All screenings will be conducted in accordance with federal guidelines and Illinois law , including the Illinois Right to Privacy in the Workplace Act .
