Airfreight Operator

Right Now Recruitment; Colnbrook; On-site; GBP 32,000 - 39,000; Full time

Job summary

Right Now Group is recruiting an experienced Airfreight Operator to join a busy air freight operation based in Colnbrook. You will coordinate and process air freight export shipments from booking through to departure, ensuring all documentation, customs and airline procedures are completed accurately and on time.

This fast-paced, hands-on role requires organisation, reliability and a commitment to delivering high standards of customer service across the export process.

Qualifications

• Previous experience within air freight, freight forwarding, logistics or export operations.
• Good understanding of air freight export procedures, including the shipment process from booking through to departure.
• Knowledge of export and customs documentation, including Air Waybills, commercial invoices and packing lists.
• Strong attention to detail with a high level of accuracy when processing shipment information and documentation.
• Good written and verbal communication skills, with the ability to liaise professionally with customers, airlines and suppliers.
• Ability to work effectively under pressure in a fast-paced, deadline-driven environment.
• Strong organisational and time-management skills, with the ability to prioritise workload and manage multiple shipments simultaneously.
• Competent IT skills, particularly Microsoft Office and freight management systems.
• A proactive and methodical approach to resolving operational queries, delays and shipment discrepancies.
• Ability to work independently, use initiative and contribute effectively as part of a busy operations team.
• Strong customer service skills and a commitment to maintaining high standards of service and operational accuracy.

Responsibilities

• Process and coordinate air freight export shipments from initial booking through to uplift, ensuring all operational requirements are completed accurately and on time.
• Liaise with airlines, freight forwarders, hauliers, customs agents and customers to coordinate shipments and ensure the smooth running of export operations.
• Prepare, check and process export documentation, including Air Waybills (AWBs), commercial invoices, packing lists and certificates where required.
• Ensure all shipments comply with airline, customs, cargo security and relevant aviation requirements.
• Accurately enter shipment details into internal freight management and warehouse systems, maintaining up-to-date operational records.
• Monitor shipment progress from booking through to departure and provide customers with timely updates regarding shipment status.
• Arrange collections and deliveries with transport providers, ensuring cargo movements are coordinated efficiently and within agreed timescales.
• Check cargo dimensions, weights, routing information and flight details to ensure shipments are processed correctly.
• Ensure customs declarations and export procedures are completed accurately and in accordance with relevant requirements.
• Handle shipment amendments, operational delays, discrepancies and customer queries, taking appropriate action to resolve issues promptly.
• Maintain accurate shipment records, filing systems and export documentation to support operational efficiency and compliance.
• Communicate with overseas offices, destination agents and international partners where required to coordinate shipments and provide updates.
• Follow company procedures and relevant aviation, cargo security and regulatory requirements at all times.
• Work closely with colleagues, supervisors and the wider operations team to maintain efficient workflows and meet operational deadlines.
• Provide additional support to the export team during busy periods and assist with wider operational requirements when necessary.

Skills

Airfreight experience

Freight forwarding

Logistics

Export operations

Attention to detail

Communication skills

Under pressure

Organisation

IT skills

Independence

Customer service

Problem solving

Tools

Cargowise

Job description

Right Now Group are currently recruiting for an experienced Airfreight Operator to join a busy air freight operation based in Colnbrook. This is an excellent opportunity for someone with previous experience in air freight, freight forwarding, logistics or export operations who is looking to develop their career within the aviation and international freight industry.

The successful candidate will be responsible for coordinating and processing air freight export shipments from initial booking through to departure, ensuring all documentation, customs requirements, customer instructions and airline procedures are completed accurately and within required deadlines.

This is a fast-paced, hands-on operational role that would suit someone who is organised, reliable and takes pride in delivering a high standard of customer service while maintaining accuracy and efficiency across all aspects of the export process.

Key Responsibilities of an Airfreight Operator

• Process and coordinate air freight export shipments from initial booking through to uplift, ensuring all operational requirements are completed accurately and on time.
• Liaise with airlines, freight forwarders, hauliers, customs agents and customers to coordinate shipments and ensure the smooth running of export operations.
• Prepare, check and process export documentation, including Air Waybills (AWBs), commercial invoices, packing lists and certificates where required.
• Ensure all shipments comply with airline, customs, cargo security and relevant aviation requirements.
• Accurately enter shipment details into internal freight management and warehouse systems, maintaining up-to-date operational records.
• Monitor shipment progress from booking through to departure and provide customers with timely updates regarding shipment status.
• Arrange collections and deliveries with transport providers, ensuring cargo movements are coordinated efficiently and within agreed timescales.
• Check cargo dimensions, weights, routing information and flight details to ensure shipments are processed correctly.
• Ensure customs declarations and export procedures are completed accurately and in accordance with relevant requirements.
• Handle shipment amendments, operational delays, discrepancies and customer queries, taking appropriate action to resolve issues promptly.
• Maintain accurate shipment records, filing systems and export documentation to support operational efficiency and compliance.
• Communicate with overseas offices, destination agents and international partners where required to coordinate shipments and provide updates.
• Follow company procedures and relevant aviation, cargo security and regulatory requirements at all times.
• Work closely with colleagues, supervisors and the wider operations team to maintain efficient workflows and meet operational deadlines.
• Provide additional support to the export team during busy periods and assist with wider operational requirements when necessary.

Skills & Experience Required for an Airfreight Operator

• Previous experience within air freight, freight forwarding, logistics or export operations.
• Good understanding of air freight export procedures, including the shipment process from booking through to departure.
• Knowledge of export and customs documentation, including Air Waybills, commercial invoices and packing lists.
• Strong attention to detail with a high level of accuracy when processing shipment information and documentation.
• Good written and verbal communication skills, with the ability to liaise professionally with customers, airlines and suppliers.
• Ability to work effectively under pressure in a fast-paced, deadline-driven environment.
• Strong organisational and time-management skills, with the ability to prioritise workload and manage multiple shipments simultaneously.
• Competent IT skills, particularly Microsoft Office and freight management systems.
• A proactive and methodical approach to resolving operational queries, delays and shipment discrepancies.
• Ability to work independently, use initiative and contribute effectively as part of a busy operations team.
• Strong customer service skills and a commitment to maintaining high standards of service and operational accuracy.

Desirable Skills & Experience

• Previous experience using Cargowise or another freight-forwarding management system.
• Knowledge of UK export customs procedures and the Customs Declaration Service (CDS).
• Experience using airline cargo systems and processing airline bookings.
• Understanding of IATA requirements and international air cargo procedures.
• Dangerous Goods awareness or previous relevant training.
• Previous experience working within a busy airport, air cargo or freight handling environment.

Location: Colnbrook
Salary: Up to £35,000
Hours: Monday - Friday