Team Lead, Operations - Air & Sea

DSV - Global Transport and Logistics; Dubai; On-site; AED 120,000 - 200,000; Full time

Job summary

A leading logistics company is seeking an Operations Team Lead to manage logistics and operational processes for offshore shipments. The position requires strong leadership skills and experience in freight forwarding, with a Bachelor’s degree being mandatory. The role is based in Dubai with potential travel to Iraq, aimed at delivering high-quality service and operational success.

Benefits

Opportunities for career development

Dynamic work environment

Qualifications

• 3 years of experience in a customer service role in the freight forwarding industry.
• Experience of working with CW1 is an advantage.
• Knowledge of heavy lift movements including customs transfers.
• Experience in AIR and SEA transport.
• Familiarity with customs requirements for inspections in Jebel Ali and DWC.

Responsibilities

• Lead, mentor, and manage a small to mid-size operations team.
• Negotiate and manage relationships with carriers and freight forwarders.
• Plan inbound and outbound shipments and ensure documentation accuracy.
• Ensure compliance with international trade regulations.

Skills

Customer service skills

Communication skills

Negotiation

Problem-solving

Team leadership

Education

Bachelor’s degree

Job description

Overview

Job Req Number: 100740
Time Type: Full Time

DSV is truly a global player offering services worldwide and operating in more than 90 countries and over 75,000 employees, we thrive within an international network of partners and agents. Every day, we aim to open many opportunities for you to develop your career on an international scale, promoting customers first, best performance & true collaboration – we are One DSV!

We are offering you the opportunity to join DSV UAE‘s team as an Operations Team Lead, Air & Sea. The role is responsible for the execution of offshore shipments in accordance with the outlined SOPs for an Iraq based Project. You will be able to work with direction given, raise concerns and adhere to all deadlines provided. The person should have strong customer service and communication skills and take ownership of issues and provide resolution to clients. The role is based in Dubai with occasional travel to Iraq as required.

Reporting Line:
Reports to : Project Manager
Role : Managing the logistics and operational processes associated with Airfreight, Ocean freight, and breakbulk shipments

Responsibilities

• Team leadership and management – Lead, mentor, and performance-manage a small to mid-size operations team (helpers, coordinators, supervisors).
• Allocate work, set priorities, and monitor progress against daily/weekly targets.
• Foster a safety-, quality-, and customer-service–oriented culture.
• Conduct regular check-ins, training, and skill development.
• Carrier and vendor coordination – Negotiate, select, and manage relationships with carriers (air, ocean, road) and freight forwarders.
• Arrange and optimize routing, consolidation, and mode selection to meet transit-time and cost targets.
• Track carrier performance (on-time delivery, damage, claims) and drive improvements.
• Shipment planning and execution – Plan inbound and outbound shipments, including documentation, scheduling, and resource allocation. Book freight, issue necessary instructions, and ensure accuracy of bills of lading, airway bills, SI, and other paperwork.
• Monitor live shipments, update ETAs, and proactively address deviations.
• Documentation and regulatory compliance – Ensure accurate preparation and submission of all required documents (commercial invoices, packing lists, certificates of origin, licenses, export/import declarations).
• Maintain compliance with international trade regulations (customs rules, incoterms, trade sanctions).
• Manage duties/taxes, customs clearance, and brokerage coordination as needed.

Qualifications

• Experience of 3 years working in a customer service role in freight forwarding industry.
• Experience of working with CW1 is an advantage.
• Has a Bachelor’s degree.
• Knowledge of heavy lift movements including customs transfers.
• Experience in AIR and SEA transport.
• Experience of handling break bulk shipments movements within Port and local movements.
• Knowledge of customs requirements for inspections in Jebel Ali and DWC.
• Good communication, influencing and organization skills.
• Must be able to take ownership of problems and provide solutions to clients in a timely manner.
• Ability to handle customer complaints effectively and professionally within a timely manner.
• Excellent team player and support team as and when required.
• Ability to define requirements, analyse facts, and determine relevant solutions/actions to be taken.
• Ability to meet deadlines and work under pressure.

DSV – Global Transport and Logistics

Working at DSV means playing in a different league.

As a global leader in transport and logistics, we have been on an extraordinary journey of growth. Let’s grow together as we continue to innovate, digitalise and build on our achievements.

With close to 160,000 colleagues in over 90 countries, we work every day to offer solid services and meet our customers’ needs and help them achieve their goals. We know that the best way to achieve this is by bringing in new talent, fresh perspectives and ambitious individuals like you.

At DSV, performance is in our DNA. We don’t just work – we aim to shape the future of logistics. This ambition fuels a dynamic environment built on collaboration with world-class team players, accountability and action. We value inclusivity, embrace different cultures and respect the dignity and rights of every individual. If you want to make an impact, be trusted by customers and grow your career in a forward-thinking company – this is the place to be.

Start here. Go anywhere

Visit dsv.com and follow us on LinkedIn and Facebook.