Job Title: Manager Air Freight Operations
Salary: ₹30.00 Lac - ₹35.00 Lac
Experience: 12 - 18 years
Location: Mumbai
Education: Bachelor's Logistics or Supply Chain Management
Industry: Freight Forwarding
Skills Required: Good Communication Skills, Freight Forwarding, Logistics Operation's, Stakeholder Management, Air Freight, IMPORT-EXPORT
Job Summary
The Manager – Air Freight Operations is responsible for leading and managing the end-to-end air freight operations function across imports and exports, ensuring service excellence, operational efficiency, regulatory compliance, and profitability. The role will drive process standardization, team development, customer satisfaction, and strategic operational improvements while supporting business growth objectives.
Key Responsibilities
Operational Leadership
•Lead and oversee end-to-end Air Import and Air Export operations.
•Ensure smooth execution of shipment bookings, documentation, customs clearance coordination, cargo movement, and final delivery.
•Monitor shipment lifecycle and proactively address operational exceptions.
•Ensure compliance with customer SOPs, service agreements, and operational standards.
•Drive operational excellence through standardized processes and best practices.
Customer & Stakeholder Management
•Manage relationships with key customers and serve as the escalation point for operational issues.
•Ensure timely communication and visibility of shipment status.
•Collaborate closely with Commercial, Customer Service, Finance, and Supply Chain teams.
•Develop strong partnerships with airlines, GSAs, transporters, customs brokers, and overseas agents.
Team Management & Development
•Lead, mentor, and develop a high-performing Air Freight Operations team.
•Establish performance objectives and conduct regular performance reviews.
•Identify training and development opportunities to enhance team capability.
•Ensure effective workforce planning and resource allocation.
Compliance & Risk Management
•Ensure adherence to IATA, DGCA, Customs, Dangerous Goods, and other regulatory requirements.
•Maintain operational compliance and readiness for internal and external audits.
•Implement corrective and preventive actions to mitigate operational risks.
•Drive compliance with company policies and quality management systems.
Financial & Performance Management
•Manage operational costs and improve profitability.
•Monitor shipment-level profitability and operational productivity.
•Support billing accuracy, vendor payment validation, and receivable management.
•Identify opportunities for cost optimization and process efficiencies.
Continuous Improvement
•Analyse operational performance metrics and implement improvement initiatives.
•Drive automation and digital transformation projects within operations.
•Implement best-in-class logistics and freight forwarding practices.
•Support strategic initiatives aimed at improving customer experience and operational scalability.
Education & Qualifications
•Bachelor's Degree in Logistics, Supply Chain, Commerce, Business Administration, or related field.
•IATA Certification preferred.
•Professional certifications in Freight Forwarding, Logistics, or Supply Chain Management will be an advantage.
Experience
•12+ years of experience in Freight Forwarding and Logistics Operations, with significant exposure to Air Freight Operations.
•Minimum 5 years in a managerial or leadership role managing Air Import and Export operations.
•Experience handling large-volume operations, key accounts, and multi-stakeholder environments.
•Strong understanding of international trade regulations, customs procedures, and airline operations.
Key Performance Indicators (KPIs)
•On-Time Shipment Execution (%)
•Customer Satisfaction Score (CSAT)
•Operational Productivity & Efficiency
•Documentation Accuracy Rate
•Gross Profit per Shipment
•Cost Savings & Process Improvement Initiatives
•Compliance & Audit Performance
•Customer Retention & Service Levels
•Team Engagement & Retention
Success Tips
Please mention figures for below experience :
Total monthly shipments handled (Import/Export):
Monthly volume: Approx.
Monthly tonnage handled (Import/Export):
On-Time Delivery (OTD):
Key Accounts handled:
Maximum team size handled:
GP/Margin: Approx.
Year-on-Year productivity improvement: Approx.
TAT reduction: Approx.
SLA adherence: Approx.
CSAT: Approx.
Total vendors / shipping lines / airlines / GSA handled at a single time:
Customer retention: Approx.
Monthly volume: Approx.
Monthly tonnage handled (Import/Export):
On-Time Delivery (OTD):
Key Accounts handled:
Maximum team size handled:
GP/Margin: Approx.
Year-on-Year productivity improvement: Approx.
TAT reduction: Approx.
SLA adherence: Approx.
CSAT: Approx.
Total vendors / shipping lines / airlines / GSA handled at a single time:
Customer retention: Approx.
