Air Logistics Export and Import Operations Manager

Kuehne + Nagel; Staines-upon-Thames; On-site; GBP 90,000 - 120,000; Full time

Job summary

Kuehne+Nagel is seeking an Air Logistics Operations Manager to lead all Export and Import activities for time-critical healthcare shipments at our London Heathrow operation. You will ensure regulatory compliance, optimize performance, and develop teams across the export and import functions.

You will collaborate with airline carriers, ground handlers, and internal stakeholders to deliver reliable service. With strong leadership, you will coach teams, manage staffing, and drive continuous

Qualifications

• Minimum 5 years of industry experience in Air Logistics, courier operations, or time-critical/temperature-sensitive supply chains.
• Excellent knowledge of customs procedures and declarations, including dual-use goods, CITES and controlled drugs.

Responsibilities

• Lead the daily end-to-end export and import operation, ensuring compliance with regulations and internal procedures.
• Monitor shipment schedules and coordinate communication during disruptions.
• Conduct compliance audits and ensure accurate HS code classification and EORI declarations.

Skills

Leadership

Compliance knowledge

Stakeholder management

Cost control

Analytical thinking

IT literacy

Tools

MS Office

Job description

As the Air Logistics Export and Import operations Manager, you will lead all Export and Import activities for time-critical and temperature-sensitive healthcare shipments at our London Heathrow operation. You will ensure full compliance with customs regulations, maintain operational excellence, and support the delivery of high-quality service for QuickSTAT, Sterling, and Quick Time Critical customers. You will build strong partnerships with airline carriers, ground handling agents, logistics service providers, and internal stakeholders to ensure reliability, efficiency, and continuous improvement. You will also lead, coach, and develop the Export and Import Operations teams, fostering a culture of safety, compliance, and high performance. How you create impact

• Lead the daily end-to-end export and import operation, ensuring full compliance with customs regulations, internal procedures, and international trade laws.
• Monitor shipment schedules, proactively resolving delays and coordinating timely communication during operational disruptions.
• Conduct bi-weekly compliance audits, ensuring accurate HS code classification, EORI declarations, and adherence to Incoterms.
• Act as the designated backup for HMRC+E and AEO matters, maintaining continuity of compliance and regulatory oversight.
• Build strong partnerships with airline carriers, ground handling agents, and logistics service providers to enhance service performance.
• Manage staffing levels, overtime approvals, and resource allocation to support operational needs while protecting gross profit targets.
• Analyse productivity and performance data to identify inefficiencies, rebalance workloads, and drive continuous improvement.

• Promote a culture of safety, QSHE awareness, and operational excellence, encouraging proactive reporting and recognising positive behaviours.

  Minimum 5 years of industry experience in Air Logistics, courier operations, or time-critical/temperature-sensitive supply chains.

• Excellent knowledge of customs procedures and declarations, including entries for dual-use goods, CITES and controlled drugs.
• Proven leadership experience with the ability to motivate, coach, and develop teams in a fast-paced operational environment.
• Broad knowledge of Air Logistics processes, including transport, warehouse, import/export, and healthcare-specific handling requirements.
• Strong planning, organisation, and time-management skills, with the ability to manage multiple priorities under pressure.
• Excellent communication, decision-making, and problem-solving abilities, with a collaborative and solutions-focused mindset.
• Experience in process review, continuous improvement, and identifying operational inefficiencies.
• Strong negotiation skills and financial awareness, including cost control and identification of savings opportunities.

• Proficiency in Microsoft Word, Excel, and PowerPoint, supported by strong overall IT literacy and GDP-related training.

  As a member of the Freight Forwarding team Kuehne+Nagel, you will play a key role in transporting goods, optimising processes, and fulfilling our customers' promises. And by transporting medicines, toys and important machine parts, you are not only delivering goods, you are making small and big moments possible for people all around the world. At Kuehne+Nagel, our contribution counts in more ways than we imagine., Logistics shapes everyday life - from the goods we consume to the healthcare we rely on. At Kuehne+Nagel, your work goes beyond logistics; it enables both ordinary and special moments in the lives of people around the world.

As a global leader with a strong heritage and a vision to move the world forward, we offer a safe, stable environment where your career can make a real difference. Whether we help deliver life-saving medicines, develop sustainable transportation solutions or support our local communities, your career will contribute to more than you can imagine.