Airfreight Manager

hireful; Antrim; On-site; GBP 40,000 - 65,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

33 days annual leave

Health & wellbeing benefits

On-site parking

Job summary

Hireful in County Antrim is seeking an Airfreight Manager to build and lead a new airfreight function within an established logistics group. You will shape operations, win new business and drive commercial growth from this dedicated role.

Based onsite in County Antrim, the position offers a competitive salary and great benefits including 33 days’ annual leave, a Health Cash Plan, EAP, development opportunities, company events and free on-site parking.

Qualifications

• Proven experience in airfreight operations or management.
• Current IATA certification and a valid Dangerous Goods certification.
• Demonstrable business development and customer relationship management experience.
• Strong leadership and commercial awareness.
• Knowledge of customs, trade compliance or multi‑modal logistics advantageous.

Responsibilities

• Developing the airfreight function, identifying new business opportunities and strengthening relationships with existing customers.
• Overseeing the day-to-day airfreight operation, introducing effective SOPs, monitoring performance and driving high standards of service.
• Working closely with the customs and trade compliance team to ensure all shipments meet IATA, Dangerous Goods and international regulatory requirements.
• Leading, motivating and developing the airfreight team, building a culture focused on accountability, collaboration and continuous improvement.
• Managing budgets, costs and profitability, while negotiating competitive rates with carriers and suppliers.

Skills

Airfreight operations

Leadership

Business development

Customer relationships

IATA certification

Dangerous Goods

Regulatory knowledge

Job description

This is more than an Airfreight Manager role... it’s an opportunity to build something of your own. As the first dedicated leader of a newly developing airfreight function, you’ll have the autonomy to shape the operation, win new business and drive its commercial growth within an established logistics group.

Location: County Antrim - Based onsite this role is commutable from Ballymena, Antrim, Newtownabbey, Ballyclare, Ballynure, Crumlin, Carrickfergus, Lame, Lisburn, Belfast and surrounding areas.

A competitive salary is on offer alongside great benefits which include: 33 days’ annual leave (28 plus BH) , Health Cash Plan, EAP, ongoing development opportunities , company events, wellbeing initiatives and free on-site parking!

What will you be doing as the new Airfreight Manager?

• Developing the airfreight function, identifying new business opportunities and strengthening relationships with existing customers.
• Overseeing the day-to-day airfreight operation, introducing effective SOPs, monitoring performance and driving high standards of service.
• Working closely with the customs and trade compliance team to ensure all shipments meet IATA, Dangerous Goods and international regulatory requirements.
• Leading, motivating and developing the airfreight team, building a culture focused on accountability, collaboration and continuous improvement.
• Managing budgets, costs and profitability, while negotiating competitive rates with carriers and suppliers.

What you’ll need:

• Proven experience in airfreight operations or management, with strong international freight forwarding knowledge.
• Current IATA certification and a valid Dangerous Goods certification.
• Demonstrable business development and customer relationship management experience.
• Strong leadership, management experience and commercial awareness.
• Knowledge of customs, trade compliance or multi-modal logistics would be advantageous.

If you’re an ambitious Airfreight Manager looking for the opportunity to build, lead and grow a new airfreight function with real commercial potential, this is an excellent next step.