Airfreight Manager

About the Role

The Air Freight Manager is responsible for the end-to-end management of the airfreight function, including product development, commercial performance, and operational execution. This role drives the growth and profitability of the airfreight business while ensuring seamless shipment handling, strong carrier partnerships, and high service standards.

Responsibilities

Product & Strategy

• Develop and execute the airfreight strategy aligned with overall freight forwarding objectives.
• Build competitive service offerings across key trade lanes and industry verticals.
• Identify and develop specialized services (e.g., pharma, perishables, e-commerce, DG).
• Monitor market trends, rates, and capacity to proactively adjust strategy.

Operational Management

• Lead and manage the Airfreight Import & Export teams.
• Ensure smooth end-to-end shipment execution in line with SOPs and service standards.
• Drive operational efficiency, productivity, and quality performance.
• Manage escalations and implement corrective actions where required.

Carrier & Supplier Management

• Develop and maintain strong relationships with airlines, GSAs, and partners.
• Negotiate competitive rates, contracts, and capacity agreements.
• Secure space allocation, especially during peak seasons.
• Monitor carrier performance and ensure service reliability.

Commercial & Financial Performance

• Own airfreight P&L, including revenue, GP, and cost control.
• Develop pricing strategies and maintain rate structures.
• Support RFQs, tenders, and key customer solutions.
• Drive yield improvement and profitability across shipments.

Sales Support & Business Growth

• Partner with sales teams to grow volumes and strategic accounts.
• Provide pricing guidance, market insights, and solution design.
• Support customer acquisition and retention efforts.

Cross-Functional Collaboration

• Work closely with Ocean Freight and Customs Brokerage teams to ensure integrated service delivery.
• Ensure alignment across departments for seamless customer experience.
• Contribute to overall freight forwarding performance and growth.

Performance & Reporting

• Monitor OKRs including volume, revenue, margins, and service levels.
• Provide regular reports and forecasts to the Head of Freight Forwarding.
• Analyze trade lane performance and drive continuous improvement.

Qualifications

• 6–10 years of experience in airfreight within a freight forwarding environment.
• Proven experience handling both operations and commercial/product responsibilities.
• Strong background in airline negotiations, pricing, and trade lane management.
• Experience managing airfreight import/export teams.

Required Skills

• Strong leadership and team management skills.
• Commercial acumen with P&L ownership mindset.
• Excellent negotiation and stakeholder management capability.
• Deep understanding of airfreight operations and global market dynamics.
• Ability to balance operational execution with strategic growth.
• Strong analytical and problem-solving skills.

Preferred Skills

• IATA certification.
• Experience in the Middle East market.
• Exposure to specialized cargo segments.