Freight Operations Manager

Logix Recruitment Limited; City Of London; On-site; GBP 60,000 - 80,000; Full time

Job summary

A leading logistics firm in the UK is seeking an Operations Manager to oversee daily operations in air freight and road freight. The ideal candidate will manage a team and ensure compliance with aviation standards while driving operational excellence. With at least 5 years of experience in logistics, particularly in time-critical operations, you will play a crucial role in maintaining high levels of service and efficiency within a fast-growing environment.

Benefits

Competitive salary

Performance bonuses

Development opportunities

Qualifications

• 5+ years operational experience in air freight, aviation logistics.
• Strong leadership experience managing a team.
• Deep understanding of global air freight operations.

Responsibilities

• Lead and manage a team across air, road, and multimodal movements.
• Ensure compliance with aviation security and customs regulations.
• Negotiate and manage relationships with carriers and vendors.

Skills

Operational experience in air freight

Leadership capabilities

Communication skills

BoxTop or similar FMS experience

Ability to manage high-pressure situations

Job description

About the Company

Our client, is a fast-growing specialist in time-critical aviation logistics, supporting airlines, MROs, lessors, stockists, teardown facilities, and asset managers globally. They are known for delivering high-touch service, rapid response, global reach, and an exceptional customer experience (CX) across AOG, engine movements, air freight, road freight and cross-trade solutions.

With a dynamic and highly skilled team, they continue to scale rapidly through international expansion and a deep focus on time-critical sectors.

Role Overview

The Operations Manager is responsible for leading the day-to-day operational performance across air freight, road freight, AOG, cross-trade and time critical shipments. Managing the UK Operations and 3PL team in London LHR.

This role ensures the highest standards of speed, accuracy, compliance, customer service, and operational control, while driving team performance and supporting strategic growth. Working to targets to drive operational excellence.

The Operations Manager will act as a key point of escalation, ensuring seamless workflow from quote to delivery, and maintaining the company's reputation for exceptional service levels.

Key Responsibilities

Operational Leadership & Management

• Lead, manage, and mentor a team of Operations Specialists across air, road and multimodal movements.
• Ensure all shipments are executed to company's time-critical standards with full visibility, proactive updates, and on-time delivery.
• Allocate jobs, manage workflow capacity, and oversee all operational planning activities.
• Maintain 24/7 operational readiness through team rota management and escalation cover.

Customer Experience & Service Excellence

• Ensure customers receive a premium, high-touch service aligned with Companies CX expectations.
• Act as the main escalation point for urgent or high-value shipments (AOG, engines, high-value freight).

Process & Compliance

• Ensure all operations comply with aviation security, customs regulations, airline requirements, and internal SOPs.
• Oversee adherence to documentation, billing accuracy, and BoxTop/FMS data quality, CAA requirements as CAA regulated agent.
• Drive continuous improvement in processes, reducing service failures and operational inefficiencies.

Cost Control & Supplier Performance

• Negotiate and manage relationships with hauliers, airlines, handling agents, and key vendors.
• Approve rates, routings, and solutions to ensure optimal cost-to-service ratio.

Commercial Support

• Support the sales team with routing options, customer solutions, feasibility checks, and time-critical alternatives.
• Identify opportunities to upsell premium services (AOG, NFO, OBC, specialist movements).
• Monitor key accounts operationally and ensure retention through service Excellence.

Reporting & Performance Monitoring

• Track KPIs including on-time performance, customer satisfaction, job profitability, and team productivity.
• Provide regular reporting to Directors and participate in management meetings.
• Support budgeting, forecasting, and operational planning for growth.

Skills & Experience Required

Essential

• 5+ years operational experience in air freight, aviation logistics, AOG, or time-critical freight.
• Strong leadership capabilities with prior experience managing a team.
• Deep understanding of global air freight operations, road freight, customs, handling agents and airlines.
• Excellent communication skills and the ability to manage high-pressure, time-sensitive situations.
• Strong BoxTop or similar FMS experience.

Desirable

• Experience in engine movements, aircraft parts logistics, or aviation supply chain operations.
• Experience in cross-trade routing and international supply chain Coordination.

Why Join?

• Fast-growing company in one of the most exciting niches of global logistics
• Opportunities to progress with international expansion (EU, USA, UAE, India)
• Be part of a service-led organisation with strong industry reputation
• Competitive salary, performance bonuses, and development opportunities