Regional Head of Airfreight - UK & Ireland

BDP International; Poyle; On-site; GBP 125,000 - 150,000; Full time

Job summary

A leading logistics provider based in the UK is seeking an Airfreight Product Leader responsible for managing and growing airfreight services. The ideal candidate will have over 8 years of experience in airfreight product management and a strong understanding of the UK and European markets. You will oversee commercial strategies, maintain key airline relationships, and drive profitability through innovative solutions. Excellent communication skills and a results-driven mindset are essential for this role, ensuring superior customer engagement and satisfaction.

Qualifications

• Minimum 8 years of airfreight product experience, including deep market knowledge of UK and Europe.
• 3-5 years in a managerial position with direct airline/partner procurement responsibility.
• Proven track record in sales development, carrier negotiations, and cargo consolidation.

Responsibilities

• Oversee the airfreight product for Region, focusing on growth and profitability.
• Develop a commercial strategy to grow airfreight tonnage and profitability.
• Maintain relationships with airlines and implement competitive pricing strategies.
• Monitor P&L and achieve revenue targets for the airfreight team.

Skills

Self-starter

Commercial acumen

Excellent communication

Result-driven

Customer-centric

Team player and leader

Organizational skills

Technical proficiency

Education

Graduate from IATA / FIATA introductory course

Tools

Microsoft Office (Excel, Word, PowerPoint)

Airfreight management systems

Job description

Job Description

PSA BDP, a member of the PSA Group, is a leading provider of globally integrated and port‑centric supply chain, transportation, and logistics solutions. The company is headquartered in Philadelphia, PA, and employs more than 5, people worldwide.

We are a team that celebrates our unique diversity and close‑knit community atmosphere. Our core values begin at the very top and span the broad reach of our global community.

We offer dynamic careers for those individuals looking to be a part of something bigger and provide unequivocal opportunities for growth within the organization.

PSA BDP serves over 5, customers, including some of the world's leading multinational companies within the chemical, retail & consumer, life sciences & pharmaceuticals, and electric vehicle & industrial verticals.

Role Overview

The Airfreight Product Leader owns the airfreight product for Region, overseeing both the operational and commercial chapters to deliver a world‑class, customer‑centric product. This leader is responsible for driving the growth of tonnage and profitability through strategic sales development, competitive rate procurement, and innovative cargo consolidation solutions. The role requires a highly collaborative, KPI‑driven approach to ensure alignment with regional and global objectives, and continuous improvement in customer service and operational excellence.

Strategic & Commercial Leadership

• Develop, implement, and own a commercial, KPI‑driven strategy to grow airfreight tonnage and profitability, ensuring sustainable infrastructure and alignment with regional / global goals.
• Deliver a best‑in‑class product to all internal and external customers, with a strong focus on customer expectations and market competitiveness.
• Lead and support the sales force by providing creative, solution‑oriented offers, including “outside the box” approaches, and ensure superior responses to RFQs and RFIs.
• Act as the key sponsor for strategic customers, driving business growth across all airfreight products and services.

Carrier Procurement & Pricing

• Build and maintain strong relationships with airlines, carriers, ground handlers, and third‑party providers to secure competitive rates and capacity.
• Implement a core carrier strategy, concentrating spend 70% with a select group of preferred partners to optimize cost and service quality.
• Manage local pricing rights, set monthly top‑lane pricing, and participate in regional pricing strategies for major trade lanes (5 kg).
• Ensure timely, competitive pricing delivery and accurate customer quotations.

Cargo Consolidation & Operational Excellence

• Design and manage consolidation hubs to maximize cargo volume, increase load factors, and optimize profitability on key trade lanes.
• Drive operational efficiency through continuous process improvement, data integrity, and adherence to SOPs and KPIs.
• Oversee on‑time, in‑full customs and operational execution, ensuring accurate customer information provided for correct updates and invoicing.
• Accountable for tender, implementation, and retention processes, supporting tactical business plans and new product launches.

Customer Engagement & Retention

• Actively engage with customers, conducting regular visits and calls (8‑10 per month) to understand their needs and align solutions accordingly.
• Proactively provide pricing alternatives, routing solutions, and technical assistance to enhance customer satisfaction and retention.

Team Leadership & Development

• Inspire, support, and develop the airfreight team, ensuring clear roles, expectations, and structured development plans working closely with Airfreight Branch Manager.
• Promote open dialogue, team spirit, and a customer‑centric culture.
• Lead by example in compliance, integrity, and work ethics, ensuring full adherence to company policies and industry regulations.

Financial & Performance Management

• Monitor and review P&L, productivity, and business performance, achieving planned net revenue and yield targets.
• Prepare regular reports on product performance, pricing effectiveness, and operational improvements.
• Support the development and execution of tactical business plans for the airfreight team.

Key Competencies & Skills

• Self‑starter: Able to work independently and proactively achieve goals.
• Commercial acumen: Strong sales support and solution‑oriented mindset.
• Excellent communication: Fluent in English, both verbal and written.
• Result‑driven: Focused on delivering measurable business outcomes.
• Customer‑centric: Deep commitment to understanding and meeting customer needs.
• Team player and leader: Able to motivate, guide, and develop diverse teams.
• Organizational skills: Strong planning, prioritization, and process improvement abilities.
• Technical proficiency: Skilled in Microsoft Office (Excel, Word, PowerPoint) and airfreight management systems.

Qualifications & Experience

• Minimum 8 years of airfreight product experience, including deep market knowledge of UK and Europe.
• 3‑5 years in a managerial position with direct airline / partner procurement responsibility.
• Proven track record in sales development, carrier negotiations, and cargo consolidation to increase tonnage and profitability.
• Graduate from IATA / FIATA introductory course (preferred).
• English proficiency.
• Willingness to travel as required.

This is a high‑impact leadership role for a commercially savvy, operationally strong, and customer‑focused airfreight expert ready to elevate our product to the next level in the UK and France.