Air Freight Operations Manager

PERSOL Hong Kong Limited; Hong Kong; On-site; HKD 900,000 - 1,500,000; Full time

Job summary

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

You will collaborate with Sales, Customer Service, and Gateway teams to ensure on-time cargo execution, DG compliance, and robust margin growth.

Qualifications

• 8+ years in freight forwarding with air freight commercial focus.
• Executive network with airlines, GSAs, and co-loading partners operating out of HK.

Responsibilities

• Strategic capacity sourcing and carrier relations.
• Lead rate negotiations and space guarantees to optimize yield.
• Develop competitive rate structures for direct enterprise clients and RFQs.
• Partner with Sales for winning RFQs and proposals.
• Analyze margins, capacity metrics, and trade-lane performance.
• Align with operations for smooth cargo execution and DG compliance.
• Lead ad-hoc air freight projects and trade-lane expansion initiatives.

Skills

Carrier negotiations

Yield management

Rate strategy

Market analysis

Stakeholder management

Strategic capacity sourcing

Education

Bachelor's degree in Supply Chain Management or related field

Tools

Excel

MS Office

Job description

We are seeking a commercially sharp and deeply connected Air Freight Operations 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.