Key skills
Communication
About this role
About Flexport:
At Flexport, we believe global trade can move the human race forward. That’s why it’s our mission to make global commerce so easy there will be more of it. We’re shaping the future of a $10T industry with solutions powered by innovative technology and exceptional people. Today, companies of all sizes—from emerging brands to Fortune 500s—use Flexport technology to move more than $19B of merchandise across 112 countries a year.
The recent global supply chain crisis has put Flexport center stage as we continue to play a pivotal role in how goods move around the world. We are proud to have the support of the best investors in the game who believe in our mission, solutions and people. Ready to tackle global challenges that impact business, society, and the environment? Come join us.
The Opportunity:
The 4PL Area Manager is a traditional Area Manager role with one structural difference: your operations are run by external 3PL/4PL partners, not a Flexport-owned facility. You are Flexport's representative at those sites — holding partners to our SLA standards, system requirements, and SOPs. Beyond core Area Manager responsibilities, this role owns forecasting coordination with partners, 3PL/4PL invoice approval, and building out how the 4PL operating model works at Flexport. The role is intentionally dynamic — you'll help define it as the program scales.
You will:
- Operational Execution:
- Be Flexport's primary POC for assigned 3PL/4PL partners; travel to sites to inspect operations and hold partners accountable to SLAs across receiving, shipping, inventory accuracy, and packing quality
- Coach and support teams of 30–100 at partner facilities; enforce Flexport policies, SOPs, and compliance requirements and drive corrective action when needed
- Own performance reporting and serve as escalation point for operational issues and cross-functional troubleshooting
- Forecasting & Capacity Planning: Receive SNOP forecasts and own the process of sharing them with partners; confirm labor plans and capacity align to projected demand and surface risks before they impact merchant SLAs
- Process & Systems Compliance: Ensure partners follow Flexport SOPs, use our WMS correctly, and maintain safety and loss prevention standards; capture learnings to evolve the 4PL operating model
- Billing & Invoice Management: Review and approve 3PL/4PL invoices for accuracy and resolve discrepancies with partner teams
- Build the Function: Document and define how Flexport works with 4PL partners — processes, escalation paths, coverage models, and performance standards — and drive long-term network improvements
You Should Have:
- 2+ years managing a team of 5 or more in a fulfillment, warehouse, or 3PL environment
- Valid passport and willingness to travel to partner sites, including internationally
- Proven ability to hold external partners accountable without direct authority
- Strong communication skills — you are Flexport's voice to these partners
- Experience building structure and process in ambiguous, fast-paced environments
- Strong problem-solving, data analysis, and prioritization skills; proficiency in Google Sheets / Excel
Nice-to-Haves:
- Experience with Warehouse Management Systems (WMS)
- 3PL/4PL vendor management or multi-site operations oversight
- Experience building SOPs or operational processes from scratch
- International logistics or supply chain experience
This Role Requires:
- Travel: You will visit partner sites regularly, including international locations. A valid passport is required.
- Availability: 4PL partners run 7 days a week. You'll need to be reachable outside standard business hours and manage your own time to match.
Commitment to Equal Opportunity
At Flexport, our ability to fulfill our mission of making global commerce easy and accessible relies on having a diverse, dedicated and engaged workforce. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment regardless of race, color, religion, sex, national origin, age, physical and mental disability, health status, marital and family status, sexual orientation, gender identity and expression, military and veteran status, and any other characteristic protected by applicable law.
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