Cargo Handling Team Lead

Finnair Plc; Helsinki; On-site; EUR 52,000 - 76,000; Full time

Job summary

Finnair Cargo is seeking a Cargo Handling Team Lead at the HEL Hub to act as operational lead for Cargo Service Agents, overseeing day-to-day cargo and mail handling and ensuring safe, efficient operations. You will lead a team of 5–15 Cargo Service Agents, coordinate resourcing, manage ULD inventories, and drive continuous improvement, reporting to the Director, HEL Hub Handling.

The role demands strong leadership, clear decision-making under pressure, and close collaboration with airline and

Qualifications

• 3+ years in cargo operations, ground handling, or similar operational roles, ideally in a lead position.
• Strong English language skills, both spoken and written.
• Finnish language skills are an asset.
• Strong leadership and team coordination.
• Calm under pressure with clear, confident communication.
• Good planning and prioritisation in fast-paced environments.
• Proficiency in Microsoft Office.
• Willingness to work in shifts.

Responsibilities

• Supervise Cargo Service Agents and manage daily resourcing.
• Lead day-to-day cargo and mail handling operations.
• Build and develop a strong One Crew team.
• Resolve escalations and complex service issues.
• Ensure training compliance and adherence to procedures.
• Spot disruptions early and drive recovery actions.
• Ensure required resources on daily handling operations.
• Keep airline and warehouse stakeholders aligned and informed.
• Track KPIs and drive continuous improvement.
• Manage ULD/shipment inventories and related messaging.
• Support recruitment and onboarding of new team members.

Skills

Leadership

Team coordination

Decision making

Problem solving

Communication

Planning

Microsoft Office

Shift work

English language

Finnish language (asset)

Education

Vocational or upper secondary education (high school diploma)

Job description

Finnair is a diverse community of professionals who work ambitiously with a big heart and commitment. A strong safety culture is our priority and at the core of our everyday work, never taking it for granted. We are committed to doing our share in solving the climate challenge by determinedly following our science-based pathway to decarbonise our operations. We find meaning in our purpose: With our heart in Finland, we make every journey better, today and tomorrow. Our values – Always Safe, Customer at Heart and Stronger Together – guide us in everything we do. Finnair Cargo is a modern air cargo carrier offering fast, high-quality transport between Asia, Europe, and North America, through its Helsinki hub. Finnair Cargo specialises in temperature-controlled cargo, such as pharmaceuticals, seafood, and other perishables. The operations at its state-of-the-art COOL Nordic Cargo Hub at Helsinki Airport are designed using modern technology and data monitoring systems to radically improve transparency and efficiency of air cargo shipping. In our daily work we challenge ourselves, each other, and our competences to provide the very best experience for our cargo customers.

We are now looking for a CARGO HANDLING TEAM LEAD to join our team! In this role, you will be the operational lead for Cargo Service Agents, acting as the main point of contact for day-to-day cargo and mail handling at the HEL Hub. This role is linked to all the operational handling functions: ensuring adequate resourcing, disruption recovery, ULD and shipment inventory management, terminal charge coordination, and communication with airline and warehouse stakeholders. This is a leadership position where your presence and decisions have a direct impact on your team's performance, service quality, safety, and the success of daily operations. You will lead a team of 5-15 Cargo Service Agents and report to the Director, HEL Hub Handling. The collective agreement for this position is FINTO 08. This role could be a great fit for you if you thrive in an operational environment, have the courage to step in and make decisions, and can combine people's leadership with business needs.

Key responsibilities

• Supervise Cargo Service Agents and manage daily resourcing.
• Lead day-to-day cargo and mail handling operations.
• Build and develop a strong One Crew team.
• Resolve escalations and complex service issues.
• Ensure training compliance and adherence to procedures.
• Spot disruptions early and drive recovery actions.
• Ensure required resources on daily handling Operations.
• Keep airline and warehouse stakeholders aligned and informed.
• Track KPIs and drive continuous improvement.
• Manage ULD/shipment inventories and related messaging.
• Support recruitment and onboarding of new team members.

Required qualifications

• Vocational or upper secondary education (high school diploma)
• Minimum 3 years of experience in cargo operations, ground handling, or a similar operational environment, ideally in a lead role.
• Strong English language skills, both spoken and written.
• Finnish language skills are considered an asset.
• Strong leadership and team-coordination skills.
• Sharp problem-solving skills and the ability to make sound decisions in a fast-paced environment.
• Clear and confident communication skills, with the ability to remain calm under pressure.
• Good planning and prioritisation skills.
• Adaptability and resilience in a fast-paced environment.
• Good proficiency in Microsoft Office.
• Ability and willingness to work in shifts.

Application deadline: Sunday, 11 October 2026.

Please note that the hiring process includes a pre-employment security clearance and a pre-employment medical examination including a drug test.

For more information, please contact Seppo Kallio (Director, HEL Hub Handling) by phone, email or via Teams.

Please note that we do not process applications submitted via email.

Our people are key to our success and the foundation that makes Finnair unique. We are committed to creating a safe work environment where all our people can thrive and succeed. We cherish diversity and strive to employ people with different backgrounds and experiences, to bring together multiple views to foster our business success. According to our employee survey, respecting diversity is at a high level in our work community. You are welcome to join Finnair as your authentic self. Finnair is a network airline, specialising in connecting passenger and cargo traffic between Asia, North America and Europe. Finnair is one of the oldest operating airlines in the world, celebrating its centenary in 2023. Sustainability is at the heart of everything we do – Finnair intends to reach carbon neutrality latest by the end of 2045. Customers have chosen Finnair as the Best Airline in Northern Europe in the Skytrax Awards for 12 times in a row. Finnair is a member of the oneworld alliance. Finnair Plc's shares are quoted on the Nasdaq Helsinki stock exchange.