Air Freight Manager

Job Summary

We are hiring an experienced Air Freight Manager to lead end-to-end air freight operations across import/export/transshipment, with strong exposure to DG cargo, Free Zone movements, and Sea–Air / Air–Sea solutions. The role requires hands-on leadership, airline/handler relationships, process control, cost discipline, and key customer ownership.

Key ResponsibilitiesOperations Leadership (Core)

• Lead day-to-day air freight operations team and ensure smooth execution across all files
• Own operational performance: on-time uplift, milestones, exception handling, POD closure
• Allocate workloads, set priorities, and ensure strong follow-up and response time (TAT)

Transshipment + Free Zone Execution

• Oversee Air–Air, Sea–Air, Air–Sea transshipment movements and handovers
• Manage bonded transfers, re-export / transit movements, and coordination with Free Zone requirements
• Ensure minimum dwell time and avoid storage/penalty exposure

DG Compliance & Governance

• Ensure full compliance with IATA DGR and airline acceptance policies
• Review/approve DG workflows: DGD, MSDS, UN classification, packing, labeling
• Train/guide team on DG SOPs and coordinate with DG-approved handlers

Carrier, GSA & Handler Management

• Maintain working relationships with airlines, GSAs, ground handlers, warehouses
• Support space protection, service recovery, and escalation closures
• Coordinate with pricing team for rate validity, routing feasibility, and capacity planning

Customer & Key Account Ownership

• Act as escalation point for key customers and ensure service consistency
• Support Sales with operational input for RFQs, SOP creation, and new customer onboarding
• Drive customer satisfaction through proactive communication and issue prevention

Cost Control, Billing & Process Improvement

• Ensure correct job costing, operational charge capture, and timely handover for invoicing
• Control vendor costs, minimize avoidable charges (demurrage/storage/standby)
• Improve SOPs, checklists, and documentation quality; maintain audit readiness

Reporting & KPIs

• Track and report weekly/monthly KPIs: TAT, OTIF, claims, costs vs margin, exceptions
• Identify recurring operational gaps and implement corrective actions

Mandatory Requirements

• 5+ years air freight experience in freight forwarding (UAE preferred)
• 2+ years in a supervisory/managerial role leading an ops team
• Strong hands-on expertise in Dubai air freight operations (DXB/DWC ecosystem)
• Proven exposure to transshipment operations, preferably via JAFZA/DAFZA/DWC
• Working knowledge of Sea–Air / Air–Sea movements
• DG competence (IATA DG certification preferred; must be confident handling DG workflows)
• Strong stakeholder management with airlines/handlers and customers
• Able to work under pressure in a high-volume, time-critical environment

Preferred / Advantage

• Experience in AOG, ship spares, oil & gas, pharma, time-critical cargo
• Strong process mindset: SOPs, training, audits, and quality control
• Knowledge of UAE customs transfer practices and bonded movements

Job Type: Full-time

Pay: AED8,000.00 - AED18,000.00 per month

Education:

• Bachelor's (Required)

Experience:

• Air Freight Pricing & Operations: 3 years (Required)
• Dubai: 3 years (Required)
• Freight Forwarding: 5 years (Required)
• Dubai Logistics Industry: 5 years (Required)

License/Certification:

• DG License (Preferred)

Location:

• Dubai (Required)