Air Export Lead: Optimize Freight, Manage Carriers

Freightserve recruitment; Sunbury-on-Thames; On-site; GBP 45,000 - 65,000; Full time

Job summary

Freightserve recruitment in the Heathrow area is seeking an experienced Air Export Manager to lead a hands-on team and oversee airline liaison. You will guide export logistics, allocations, forecasting, customs procedures and international shipping documentation with a focus on accuracy and efficiency.

The role requires strong leadership, organisational skills, and the ability to coordinate across departments to ensure timely export operations and optimal carrier space utilization.

Qualifications

• Experience in export logistics, freight forwarding, or similar logistics environment.
• Strong knowledge of export documentation, customs procedures, and international shipping regulations.
• Experience forecasting and allocation management.
• Experience using the CDS customs entry system.
• Experience supervising staff would be advantageous.
• Excellent organisational skills with strong attention to detail.
• Strong communication with internal teams, customers, carriers, and customs authorities.
• Proficient in Microsoft Office and logistics management systems.

Responsibilities

• Supervise daily tasks and ensure on-time completion.
• Audit and check documentation for accuracy and compliance.
• Airline management and allocation bookings.
• Arrange freight movements via transportation methods for profitability.
• Manage capacity and negotiate with carriers.
• Identify capacity shortages and secure alternative routes.
• Coordinate transport and distribution schedules to meet delivery times.
• Forecast daily volume and plan airline/transport needs.
• Complete and audit CDS customs entries.
• Liaise with freight forwarders, airlines, shipping lines, and customs authorities.
• Maintain export records and documentation.
• Resolve customs or shipment issues promptly.
• Coordinate with internal teams for smooth export activities.
• Ensure export documentation is completed and submitted on time.
• Support continuous improvement in accuracy, compliance, and service.

Skills

Export logistics

Airline management

Forecasting

Customs procedures

International shipping

Staff supervision

MS Office

Logistics systems

Detail orientation

Problem solving

Tools

CDS

Logistics software

Job description

Freightserve recruitment in the Heathrow area is seeking an experienced Air Export Manager to lead a hands-on team and oversee airline liaison. You will guide export logistics, allocations, forecasting, customs procedures and international shipping documentation with a focus on accuracy and efficiency.

The role requires strong leadership, organisational skills, and the ability to coordinate across departments to ensure timely export operations and optimal carrier space utilization.