Air Logistics Gateway Operations Specialist

Kuehne+Nagel; Chennai; On-site; INR 600,000 - 900,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Global exposure

People-centric culture

Learning & development

Innovation & sustainability

Rewards & recognition

Stability with agility

Job summary

Kuehne+Nagel in Chennai is seeking an experienced Air Logistics / Export Gateway professional to manage day-to-day Gateway Operations, optimise cargo flow and collaborate with CS, OCC, and Operations teams. This role offers ownership and exposure to global networks.

You will negotiate with air carriers, drive capacity utilisation, and identify process improvements, with a focus on service quality and profitability in a fast-paced environment.

Qualifications

• 5–7 years of experience in Air Logistics or Export Gateway operations.
• Strong understanding of air export processes and gateway management.
• Proven track record in carrier capacity procurement and spot pricing.

Responsibilities

• Manage end-to-end Export Gateway Operations and ensure smooth day-to-day execution.
• Coordinate with CS/CCL/OCC and Operations teams for seamless cargo flow.
• Negotiate with air carriers for capacity and pricing in line with SLAs.
• Drive yield improvement and space utilization to optimise profitability.
• Coordinate outbound/inbound freight and align with local ground teams.
• Ensure compliance with carrier requirements, safety and regulatory standards.
• Identify process improvements via automation and best practices.
• Monitor cargo flow and performance; develop scalable solutions with the network.
• Support RFQ activities and development teams on existing business.

Skills

Air Logistics

Export Gateway

Carrier Negotiations

Analytical Skills

MS Office

Tools

MS Excel

Job description

It’s more than a job

As a member of the Freight Forwarding team Kuehne+Nagel, you will play a key role in transporting goods, optimising processes, and fulfilling our customers' promises. And by transporting medicines, toys and important machine parts, you are not only delivering goods, you are making small and big moments possible for people all around the world. At Kuehne+Nagel, our contribution counts in more ways than we imagine.

We are looking for an experienced Air Logistics / Export Gateway professional to manage and optimise day-to-day Gateway Operations, ensuring efficient cargo flow, strong carrier utilisation and high service quality. This is an individual contributor role with significant ownership, working closely with Customer Service, Customer Care, Operational Care and Operations teams, while partnering with airlines and other external stakeholders to deliver operational and commercial results.

How you create impact

• Manage end-to-end Export Gateway Operations and ensure smooth day-to-day execution.

• Coordinate closely with Customer Service (CS), Customer Care (CCL), Operational Care (OCC) and Operations teams to ensure seamless cargo flow.

• Manage utilisation of procured carrier capacity in line with customer SLAs and internal carrier management guidelines.

• Engage with air carriers to negotiate and secure competitive spot capacity and pricing based on daily operational requirements.

• Drive yield improvement, consolidation and space utilisation initiatives to optimise profitability and capacity.

• Coordinate and execute outbound and inbound freight arrangements, including alignment with local ground transportation teams.

• Ensure operations comply with carrier requirements, security, safety and regulatory standards.

• Identify opportunities to improve processes through automation, standardisation, digital solutions and best practices.

• Monitor cargo flow and operational performance, identifying areas for process improvement and value creation.

• Collaborate with the wider global Gateway and Air Logistics network to share best practices and develop scalable solutions.

• Support CCL, OCC and development teams on existing business, implementations and RFQ activities.

• Actively contribute to Gateway network initiatives, process enhancements and continuous improvement programmes.

• Manage approximately 300–400 tons of monthly shipment volume while maintaining operational efficiency and service quality.

What we would like you to bring

• 5–7 years of relevant experience in Air Logistics, Air Freight or Export Gateway Operations.

• Strong understanding of air export processes, airport operations and Gateway management.

• Proven experience working with air carriers, capacity procurement and spot pricing negotiations.

• Strong exposure to consolidation planning, capacity utilisation and yield improvement.

• Demonstrated ability to deliver measurable business impact, such as process improvements, cost savings, yield enhancement or operational efficiencies.

• Strong analytical, financial and problem-solving capabilities.

• Excellent negotiation, communication and stakeholder management skills.

• Strong decision-making ability with a high degree of ownership and accountability.

• Resilient and comfortable operating in a fast-paced, high-volume environment.

• Ability to identify market and industry developments and translate them into commercially valuable opportunities.

• Strong working knowledge of MS Office, particularly Excel, Word and PowerPoint.

• A proactive mindset with the ability to work independently and make sound decisions in challenging situations.

What's in it for you

At Kuehne+Nagel, you’ll be part of a global logistics leader that believes in creating real impact—on business, on customers, and on careers. Here’s what you can look forward to:

• Global Exposure: Step into a world of international opportunities with a presence in 100+ countries.

• People-Centric Culture: Join a team where your voice matters and people genuinely care.

• Learning & Development: Grow with us—personally and professionally—through world-class training and career pathways.

• Innovation & Sustainability: Be part of a future-focused company driving real change in logistics and the planet.

• Rewards & Recognition: Get rewarded for your passion, performance, and potential.

• Stability with Agility: Enjoy the best of both worlds—a trusted global brand with a startup spirit.

Who we are

Logistics shapes everyday life - from the goods we consume to the healthcare we rely on. At Kuehne+Nagel, your work goes beyond logistics; it enables both ordinary and special moments in the lives of people around the world.

As a global leader with a strong heritage and a vision to move the world forward, we offer a safe, stable environment where your career can make a real difference. Whether we help deliver life‑saving medicines, develop sustainable transportation solutions or support our local communities, your career will contribute to more than you can imagine.

Kuehne + Nagel is an equal employment/affirmative action employer. If you require an accommodation for any part of the online application process due to a disability, please contact the Employee Services HR Help Desk at 1-800-267-1326 during the hours of 8:00am - 5:00pm EST; Monday through Friday or via e-mail at: [e-mail] with the nature of your request. We will answer your inquiry within 24 hours.