Overview

The Operations Manager – Event & Entertainment Freight Forwarder

Our client a growing boutique freight forwarding company specializing in the event and entertainment industry. Providing unrivaled expertise for live tours, music festivals, major sporting events, broadcasting, and fine art exhibitions. Our team handles logistics for some of the world's biggest shows and highest-profile clients, making unforgettable global events possible.

This is a senior operations management position leading a team of freight forwarding professionals who specialize in Event and Entertainment Logistics. You will play an integral role in developing and executing overall logistics strategies to meet the diverse needs of our high-profile clients.

This role requires strong team leadership, mentoring, and personnel management, as well as serving as the primary escalation contact for the operations department. You will coordinate and manage end-to-end import/export processes, ensuring the seamless cross-border movement of goods while delivering exceptional customer service. Additionally, you will manage relationships with international carriers, negotiate competitive rates, secure optimal shipping solutions, and collaborate cross-functionally with departments like finance and customer service to drive operational excellence.

Join us in creating unforgettable experiences and driving success in a fast-paced industry. Apply today and become part of a team that values teamwork, innovation, diversity, and excellence

Responsibilities

- Project Leadership: Plan, execute, and manage major projects and live event logistics from inception to completion.
- Team Management: Oversee daily workloads, delegate tasks, and actively manage employee performance and mentorship.
- Import/Export Compliance: Prepare and process complex shipping documentation—including Carnet clearances, commercial invoices, packing lists, certificates of origin, and customs declarations.



Coordinate closely with customs authorities to ensure full regulatory compliance.
- Carrier & Client Relations: Build and maintain strong relationships with clients to drive long-term loyalty, while negotiating optimal rates and service agreements with international carriers.
- Process Optimization: Proactively identify cost-saving opportunities, efficiency improvements, and industry trends while resolving any transportation or customs bottlenecks (delays, damages, losses, or disputes).
- Performance Tracking: Manage daily activities and tracking systems, optimize delivery schedules, and report on overall event and project performance.
- Client Consultation: Consult with clients and vendors to thoroughly understand shipping requirements and deliver tailored solutions. Prepare client quotations.

Your impact: Accurate coordination helps colleagues deliver event materials where and when they are needed.

Requirements

- Minimum 10 years of freight forwarding experience, with specialized events or entertainment logistics experience preferred.
- Previous management or team-lead experience.
- Customer-centric mindset with a strong dedication to service excellence.
- Advanced computer literacy, including proficiency in Microsoft Excel and Outlook.
- Exceptional organizational skills with the ability to multitask, problem-solve, and work independently.
- Ability to thrive in a high-pressure, fast-paced, and dynamic project management setting.
- Excellent verbal and written communication skills.
- Results-oriented, highly accountable, and possessing a positive, team-first attitude.

Role Details

- Location: Remote (Anywhere in Canada; Vancouver, Toronto, or Montreal preferred)
- Job Type: Independent Contractor (Work from Home)
- Work Schedule: Monday – Friday, with after-hours and weekend responsibilities dictated by shipment requirements.
- Experience: 10+ years of freight forwarding experience (Events/Entertainment experience strongly preferred)
- Compensation: Competitive, plus company profit share

Pay: $130,000.00-$145,000.00 per year

Benefits:

- Profit sharing
- Work from home

Work Location: Remote

📌 Freight Forwarder- Operations Manager (Canada)
🏢 Arza Employment Services
📍 Canada