Cargo Network and Flight Planning Specialist

Virgin Atlantic Ltd.; Hounslow; Hybrid; GBP 45,000 - 65,000; Full time

Job summary

Virgin Atlantic is seeking a Specialist - Cargo Network and Flight Planning to optimise cargo capacity across the network. You will analyse bookings, capacity and revenue opportunities, and shape plans that keep freight moving while protecting revenue.

You will collaborate with Cargo Commercial, Operations, Sales and OCC, translating data into clear decisions under pressure. Strong commercial awareness and stakeholder management are essential.

Job description

Location: Hybrid - 3 days per week at DCE, London Heathrow or VHQ, Crawley. Please note your working week must include a Thursday at DCE

Hours: Full time. Working pattern to include shifts;

• Shift 1 = 0800 > 1630 Mon-Fri
• Shift 2 = 0900 > 1730 Mon-Fri
• Shift 3 = 0900 > 1730 Tue-Sat
• Shift 4 = 1130 > 2000 Mon-Fri
• Requirement to work 1 in every 4 Saturdays

Contract: Permanent

Closing: Sunday, 15th November 2026

In a nutshell

Cargo is a fast-moving part of our airline. Every flight has commercial opportunity sitting behind it, and this role helps make sure we use that opportunity well.

As Specialist - Cargo Network and Flight Planning, you'll help us make the best use of our cargo capacity across the network. You'll look at what's booked, what's possible, what our customers need and where the commercial pressure is building, then help shape plans that keep freight moving and protect revenue.

It's a role for someone who can stay steady when priorities compete. Sales teams, operational teams and partners will all need answers, often quickly. You'll need to understand the detail, see the bigger commercial picture and communicate decisions clearly.

Day to day

• Plan and optimise short-term cargo capacity across the network, helping us maximise uplift, yield and commercial value.
• Balance booked demand, available capacity, overbooking policies and operational realities so we make informed decisions on what flies.
• Work closely with Cargo Commercial, Cargo Operations, Sales, Revenue Management, OCC and wider airline teams to keep plans aligned.
• Support schedule changes and disruption activity, keeping stakeholders close when plans need to move quickly.
• Use post-flight review, data and stakeholder feedback to understand what worked, what didn't and where we can improve.
• Help manage offshore processes, checking quality, accuracy and performance so work is delivered on time and to the right standard.
• Spot opportunities to improve how the team works, including cost-down ideas, process improvements and smarter use of partner or multimodal options.
• Build strong relationships with external trucking and freight partners who help us connect cargo into airports we do not fly to directly.

About you

You don't need to have done this role before, but you do need to bring sound judgement, confidence and curiosity. An operational background could help, especially if you understand the pace of live decision-making, but what matters most is how you think and how you work with people.

• You're calm under pressure and can make sensible decisions when information is moving quickly.
• You can manage demanding stakeholders, challenge constructively and explain the reason behind a decision.
• You bring commercial awareness and understand how capacity, customer demand and revenue connect.
• You're comfortable working with data, numbers and operational detail to support planning decisions.
• You can step back from BAU, spot where something could work better and help turn that idea into action.
• You communicate clearly, build trust across teams and keep people aligned when priorities compete.
• You care about the customer outcome as well as the operational answer.

This is a demanding role, especially as we move into peak season from November. If you enjoy work that is fast paced, commercially important and full of real-time judgement calls, it could be a brilliant next step.

Accessibility and inclusion

We're committed to making our recruitment process accessible. If you need reasonable adjustments or additional support, you can let us know in your application. If you'd prefer to speak to someone directly before or during your application, interview or assessment, please contact our recruitment team at [e-mail]. We know every role and candidate is different, so we'll discuss the adjustments available for the role and at each stage of recruitment, and how best to support you.

At Virgin Atlantic, we're proud to be an equal opportunities employer and welcome applications from everyone. Whatever your background, identity, experience or perspective, we'd love to hear from you.