Air Export Operator

Right Now Recruitment; Colnbrook; On-site; GBP 36,000 - 44,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Salary up to £40,000

Mon-Fri work pattern

Working hours 09:00–17:30

Career progression opportunities

Collaborative team environment

Job summary

Right Now Group is seeking an experienced Air Export Operator in Colnbrook to manage international air export shipments from start to finish. You will handle airline bookings, documentation, and customs entries while communicating clearly with customers and partners.

The role offers potential progression into a supervisory position within a close-knit team, with typical hours and a stable freight-forwarding environment. A hands-on operator with strong knowledge of export procedures is ideal.

Qualifications

• 5+ years' experience within Air Freight Exports.
• End-to-end management of export shipments.
• Proficient with export documentation and customs compliance.
• Strong communication with customers, airlines, and agents.
• UK Driving Licence required; own transport due to location.

Responsibilities

• Manage international air export shipments from start to finish.
• Contact customers to arrange collections and coordinate export movements.
• Prepare and process export documentation (MAWBs, HAWBs, invoices, declarations).
• Complete export customs entries using CDS.
• Book freight with airlines and negotiate rates.
• Liaise with airlines, agents, transport providers and customers.
• Provide pre-alerts and post- flight information to overseas agents.

Skills

Air Freight Exports

Customer communication

Documentation

Problem solving

Microsoft Office

Driving licence

Tools

CDS System

Job description

Right Now Group are recruiting for an experienced Air Export Operator on behalf of a well-established freight forwarding business based in Colnbrook.

This is an excellent opportunity to join a close-knit, highly experienced export team, where you'll take ownership of international air export shipments from start to finish. The business is looking for a technically strong Air Export professional who can hit the ground running, manage complex export movements, and deliver the high operational standards their customers expect.

Working alongside experienced freight professionals, you'll be responsible for everything from airline bookings and customs entries through to documentation, customer communication, and post-flight updates. This is a varied operational role where no two days are the same.

Whilst the immediate requirement is for a hands‑on Air Export Operator, the business continues to grow, creating genuine opportunities for progression into a future Supervisory position, leading a team of 5-6 Export Operators.

Key Responsibilities of an Air Export Operator

• Manage international air export shipments from start to finish
• Contact customers to arrange collections and coordinate export movements
• Prepare and process all export documentation including MAWBs, HAWBs, commercial invoices, and export customs declarations
• Complete export customs entries using Descartes CDS
• Demonstrate knowledge of more complex customs procedures including IPR, bonded shipments, export licensing, and other specialist export movements
• Book freight directly with airlines and negotiate rates to maximise profitability
• Liaise with airlines, overseas agents, transport providers, and customers to ensure shipments move efficiently
• Provide overseas agents with pre-alerts, post‑flight information, and departure advice
• Prepare quotations and maintain a strong understanding of current airline and market rates
• Monitor export shipments and proactively resolve operational issues
• Maintain accurate shipment records using internal freight forwarding systems
• Deliver exceptional customer service throughout the shipment lifecycle
• Ensure all export activities comply with HMRC regulations, airline requirements, and aviation security procedures

Skills & Experience Required for an Air Export Operator

• Minimum of 5 years' experience within Air Freight Exports
• Ability to manage export shipments from start to finish
• Full working knowledge of CDS Export Customs Entries
• Strong understanding of export documentation and customs compliance
• Experience negotiating directly with airlines and securing freight capacity
• Excellent communication skills with the ability to build strong relationships with customers, airlines, overseas agents, and internal departments
• Strong organisational skills with the ability to manage multiple priorities in a fast‑paced environment
• Excellent attention to detail and a proactive approach to problem‑solving
• Confident using Microsoft Office, including Excel, Word, and Outlook
• Reliable, professional, and able to work both independently and as part of a team
• Full UK Driving Licence and own transport due to the location of the business
• Dangerous Goods and Aviation Security (CO) qualifications would be advantageous but are not essential
• Stable employment history, ideally no more than two employers within the last five years

Salary & Benefits for an Air Export Operator

• Salary up to £40,000 depending on experience
• Monday to Friday working pattern
• Working hours of 09:00 - 17:30
• Opportunity to join a growing freight forwarding business
• Genuine opportunity to progress into a future Supervisory role
• Supportive and collaborative working environment
• Long‑term career development opportunities

Why Apply for this Air Export Operator Position?

This is an excellent opportunity to join a business that values operational expertise and gives its team the autonomy to manage shipments properly from start to finish.

Working within a small, experienced export team, you'll play a key role in delivering first‑class service to customers whilst developing your own career within a growing organisation. For ambitious Air Export professionals, the role also offers a genuine pathway into future leadership as the business continues to expand.

This role would suit an experienced Air Export Operator, Air Export Clerk, Air Freight Export Coordinator, Export Freight Forwarder, Senior Air Export Clerk, or Air Freight Operator looking to take the next step in their career.

Suitable candidates will be contacted within 24 hours.