Country Manager

ABOUT THE JOB

We are looking for a strong, hands-on Country Manager to run and grow our established Barbados operation, covering daily courier, freight and customs operations. You will be accountable for operational continuity, service excellence, regulatory compliance, and staff performance across the entire operation.

This role suits a decisive leader who communicates proactively, follows through reliably, and holds the team accountable for results. You will report directly to the Managing Director and lead the Barbados team.

Key Responsibilities

• Operations Management

  • Organize daily operations, ensuring efficient cargo management, customer service, and regulatory compliance

  • Oversee cargo operations, customer service, human resources, and administration, driving efficiency, service quality, and profitability

  Cargo Clearance & Customs

  • Ensure timely clearance of all air and sea freight and accurate application of customs duties

  • Coordinate with the US warehouse and local cargo team, and oversee Clearing Lists and Customs Duties Reconciliation Reports

  • Direct and supervise Cargo Officers, Drivers, and Cargo Assistants

  Regulatory & Compliance

  • Maintain Customs & Excise and VAT compliance, along with all government regulations and company policies

  • Work closely with the Customs and Excise Department on cargo clearance

  Staff Leadership & Accountability

  • Lead recruitment, onboarding, training, coaching, and performance management

  • Manage scheduling, attendance, overtime, and Time off in Lieu

  • Address poor performance promptly and take disciplinary action when necessary, balancing team morale with firm accountability

  Financial Management & Cost Control

  • Control operational costs while maintaining service standards

  • Oversee payables, receivables, petty cash, duties payment verification, customer payment follow-ups, and inventory control

  Customer Service, Growth & Market Engagement

  • Ensure high service standards across all platforms and oversee complaint resolution

  • Grow the customer base and revenue of the Barbados operation, and engage local marketing professionals

  Safety, Facilities & Reporting

  • Ensure safe, professional cargo handling and a zero-tolerance culture for safety and security incidents

  • Oversee vehicles, equipment, and facilities

  • Keep ClickUp tasks updated on time and report consistently to the Managing Director

What We’re Looking For

• A minimum of five years of experience in operations or management in a heavy operational environment; Barbados market experience preferred

• Strong people management experience, including recruitment, performance management, and discipline

• Good knowledge of the courier industry and its rules and regulations

• Knowledge of cargo operations and customs clearance, including ASYCUDA-based systems, is an advantage

• Experience managing operational costs and basic financial controls

• Excellent communication, negotiation, and problem-solving skills

• Proven ability to work in fast-paced, evolving environments

• Initiative, with the ability to act on operational needs without waiting for instruction

• A hands-on style, comfortable working on the floor alongside the team

• A high standard of integrity in cash handling, customs compliance, and record keeping

• Proficiency with digital task and workflow tools, including ClickUp, and general office software

• Willingness to work hours that can include nights, evenings, weekends, and holidays as operations require

• BS/BA in Business Administration, Operations Management, or a related field, or equivalent hands-on operations experience; advanced degrees are a plus

TEAM PERKS

How Success Is Measured

• Operational continuity and adherence to company standards

• Timeliness and accuracy of cargo clearance and customs duty application

• Customer service quality, measured by complaint resolution times and customer feedback

• Cost control performance

• Team performance, attendance, and morale

• Timeliness of reporting