Airfreight Manager

Gulftainer; Sharjah; On-site; AED 300,000 - 540,000; Full time

Job summary

Gulftainer in the United Arab Emirates seeks an Air Freight Manager to drive end-to-end airfreight operations, develop product offerings, and enhance profitability.

You will lead Import & Export teams, negotiate with airlines, and build strong carrier partnerships while ensuring high service standards across key trade lanes. This role requires strategic thinking and hands-on execution to grow volumes and margins.

Qualifications

• 6–10 years in airfreight within freight forwarding.
• Experience handling both operations and commercial responsibilities.
• Strong background in airline negotiations and pricing.
• Experience managing airfreight import/export teams.

Responsibilities

• Develop and execute the airfreight strategy aligned with objectives.
• Lead and manage Airfreight Import & Export teams.
• Negotiate rates, contracts, capacity, and optimize yield.
• Provide pricing guidance and support RFQs.
• Monitor performance and drive continuous improvement.
• Collaborate with Ocean Freight and Customs Brokerage teams.
• Own airfreight P&L and ensure service standards.

Skills

Airfreight leadership

P&L ownership

Airline negotiations

Trade lane management

Team management

Strategic growth

Job description

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

• 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.
• 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.
• 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.
• 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.