Air Export Operator / Air Freight Forwarding Specialist

ALS Recruiting Ltd; Manchester; On-site; GBP 27,000 - 38,000; Full time

Job summary

ALS Recruiting Ltd in Manchester seeks an Air Export Operator to manage end-to-end air export shipments, book global airfreight, plan routes and monitor time-sensitive files.

You will negotiate spot rates with airlines and GSAs, handle air export documentation (MAWBs, HAWBs, origin certificates) and ensure UK export customs clearance.

The role focuses on primary accounts, real-time air cargo tracking, cost control of invoices, and maintaining profitability within international freight forwarding.

Qualifications

• Minimum 2+ years UK air export freight forwarding experience.
• Strong knowledge of air freight operations and customs.
• Experience with Incoterms and Known Cargo security.
• Proficiency with Freight management software such as CargoWise or MultiFreight.
• Able to coordinate air export cargo under tight airline/cutoff times.
• Manchester-based role with salary £27k-£38k DOE.

Responsibilities

• Air Export Freight Management: Execute end-to-end air export operations, booking global air freight shipments, planning cargo routes, and managing time-sensitive air export files.
• Air Freight Airline Negotiation: Negotiate air freight spot rates with major airlines, GSAs, and overseas freight forwarding agents to secure cargo space and maximize file margins.
• Air Export Documentation & Customs: Issue essential air export documentation (MAWBs, HAWBs, Certificates of Origin) and complete UK export customs clearances following Known Cargo aviation security guidelines.
• Client Freight Operations: Serve as the primary air freight contact for key accounts, providing real-time air cargo flight tracking and proactive freight tracking updates.
• Air Freight Financial Control: Oversee air export file costing, control incoming carrier freight invoices, and execute client billing to maximize file profitability.

Skills

Air export operations

Air export knowledge

Incoterms

Customs clearance

Air export coordination

Time-sensitive shipments

Tools

CargoWise

MultiFreight

Job description

Location: Manchester, UK

An established freight forwarder in Manchester is expanding its air freight division and hiring an Air Export Operator. If you are an experienced air freight forwarder looking to manage global air cargo operations and expand your air export career, this is an outstanding opportunity.

Key Responsibilities:

• Air Export Freight Management: Execute end-to-end air export operations, booking global air freight shipments, planning cargo routes, and managing time-sensitive air export files.
• Air Freight Airline Negotiation: Negotiate air freight spot rates with major airlines, GSAs, and overseas freight forwarding agents to secure cargo space and maximize file margins.
• Air Export Documentation & Customs: Issue essential air export documentation (MAWBs, HAWBs, Certificates of Origin) and complete UK export customs clearances following Known Cargo aviation security guidelines.
• Client Freight Operations: Serve as the primary air freight contact for key accounts, providing real-time air cargo flight tracking and proactive freight tracking updates.
• Air Freight Financial Control: Oversee air export file costing, control incoming carrier freight invoices, and execute client billing to maximize file profitability.

Requirements:

• 2+ years of UK air export freight forwarding experience.
• Solid background in air freight operations, air export customs, Incoterms, and Known Cargo security.
• Proficiency with freight management software (CargoWise, MultiFreight, or equivalent freight forwarding systems).
• Proven ability to coordinate air export cargo under strict airline and airport cutoff times.
• Competitive base salary (£27,000 - £38,000 DOE) + company benefits.
• Long-term career progression within international freight forwarding.
• Excellent team culture based in Manchester.