Air Freight Manager

PERSOL Hong Kong Limited; Hong Kong; On-site; HKD 900,000 - 1,300,000; Full time

Job summary

PERSOL Hong Kong Limited in Hong Kong is seeking an Air Freight Manager to lead air freight growth, capacity sourcing, and rate optimization. You will negotiate with airlines, secure strategic space, and design competitive rate structures for direct enterprise clients and key trade lanes.

You must build a strong executive network, drive high-margin growth, and ensure reliable service solutions across complex shipments in a fast-paced market.

Qualifications

• Degree holder in Supply Chain Management, Logistics, International Trade, or a related discipline.
• Minimum 8 years of progressive experience in the freight forwarding industry, with focus on air freight commercial management, rate strategy, trade lane management, or carrier relations in Hong Kong.
• Established, high-level executive network with major airlines, GSAs, and co-loading partners operating out of Hong Kong International Airport (HKG).
• Proven track record in capacity sourcing, rate negotiation, yield management, and direct client RFQ bid pricing.
• Solid understanding of air cargo operations; knowledge of cargo palletization (ULD build-up) and DG regulations/IATA standards is a plus.
• Excellent command of written and spoken English, Cantonese, and Mandarin.

Responsibilities

• Strategic Capacity Sourcing & Carrier Relations: build strategic relationships with airlines, GSAs, charter operators, and co-loaders.
• Capacity Sourcing across key export/import corridors to secure space during peak seasons.
• Lead high-level commercial negotiations on freight rates, surcharges, and space terms.
• Establish competitive rate strategies by monitoring market trends and surcharges.
• Partner with Sales and Key Account teams to design winning proposals for direct enterprise clients.
• Analyze rate spreads and lane performance to maximize gross margin.
• Prepare market intelligence updates on capacity shifts and fuel surcharges.
• Coordinate with customer service and operations to ensure smooth cargo execution.
• Lead ad-hoc air freight projects and trade-lane expansion programs.

Skills

Negotiation

Stakeholder management

Analytical thinking

Rate strategy

Education

Bachelor's degree in Supply Chain/Logistics

Tools

MS Excel

MS Office

Job description

We are seeking a commercially sharp and deeply connected Air Freight Manager to lead our air freight product growth, capacity sourcing, and rate optimization strategy for the Hong Kong market.

In this commercial and product management role, you will be responsible for driving carrier negotiations, securing strategic air freight space, optimizing yield, and developing competitive rate structures to support direct enterprise clients and key trade lanes. You will serve as the primary bridge between airlines/GSAs and our commercial sales teams to deliver high-margin growth and reliable service solutions.

Key Responsibilities

1. Strategic Capacity Sourcing & Carrier Relations

Carrier Partnerships: Build, maintain, and leverage strategic relationships with commercial airlines, GSAs, charter operators, and co-loaders to secure preferred space allocations and block space agreements (BSAs).

Capacity Sourcing: Proactively secure air freight capacity across key export and import corridors, ensuring space availability during peak seasons and market disruptions.

Contract Negotiations: Lead high-level commercial negotiations regarding freight rates, surcharges, BSA terms, and space guarantees to optimize yield and profit margins.

Rate Strategy & Yield Management: Establish competitive spot, contract, and tender rate strategies by continuously monitoring market trends, airline surcharges, and spot rate fluctuations.

Direct Enterprise Bid Support: Partner directly with Sales and Key Account Management teams to design competitive commercial models and winning proposals for direct enterprise clients and global RFQs.

Margin Optimization: Analyze buy/sell rate spreads, weight/measurement utilization, and trade-lane performance to maximize gross margin and revenue per kilogram.

Market & Trade Lane Analysis: Prepare executive reports, volume forecasts, and market intelligence updates on air cargo capacity shifts, fuel surcharges, and carrier alliance strategies.

Cross-Functional Alignment: Work closely with customer service, warehouse, and gateway operational teams to ensure smooth cargo execution, proper palletization, and dangerous goods (DG) compliance.

Strategic Initiatives: Lead ad-hoc air freight projects, trade-lane expansion programs, and special freighter charter operations as assigned.

Qualifications & Requirements

Degree holder in Supply Chain Management, Logistics, International Trade, or a related discipline.

Minimum 8years of progressive experience in the freight forwarding industry, with a strong emphasis on air freight commercial management, rate strategy, trade lane management, or carrier relations in Hong Kong.

Established, high-level executive network with major airlines, GSAs, and co-loading partners operating out of Hong Kong International Airport (HKG).

Proven track record in capacity sourcing, rate negotiation, yield management, and direct client RFQ bid pricing.

Solid understanding of air cargo operations; hands-on knowledge of cargo palletization (ULD build-up) and Dangerous Goods (DG) regulations/IATA standards is a strong advantage.

Excellent command of written and spoken English, Cantonese, and Mandarin.

Proficient in MS Office applications (advanced Excel for rate analysis and commercial modeling) and Chinese word processing.

Strong negotiation, analytical, and stakeholder management skills; self-motivated and capable of thriving in a fast-paced environment.