Manager-Air Operations

ATA; Mumbai; On-site; INR 1,800,000 - 3,000,000; Full time

Job summary

ATA seeks a Manager – Air Freight Operations to lead end-to-end air import and export activities from Mumbai, driving service excellence, regulatory compliance, and profitability through standardized processes and strong team leadership.

You will partner with Commercial, Customer Service, Finance and SCM to optimize visibility, cost efficiency, and operational scalability, while developing and mentoring the Air Freight Operations team.

Qualifications

• Minimum 12+ years in freight forwarding and logistics operations.
• At least 5 years in a managerial or leadership role.
• Experience with large-volume and multi-stakeholder environments.

Responsibilities

• Lead end-to-end Air Import & Export operations.
• Ensure shipments, documentation, customs, and delivery are seamless.
• Drive standard processes, compliance, and risk management.
• Develop and mentor a high-performing team.
• Partner with airlines, GSAs, brokers, and overseas agents.
• Collaborate with Commercial, Customer Service, Finance and SCM.

Skills

12+ years freight/logistics ops

5+ years leadership

large-volume operations

intl trade regs & airline ops

Education

Bachelor's Degree in Logistics/Supply Chain/Business

IATA Certification preferred

Job description

Position Title - Manager – Air Freight Operations

Department - Operations – Air Freight

Reporting To - Head– Air Freight Operations

About the Role

The Manager – Air Freight Operations is responsible for leading and managing the end-to-end air freight operations function across imports and exports, ensuring service excellence, operational efficiency, regulatory compliance, and profitability. The role will drive process standardization, team development, customer satisfaction, and strategic operational improvements while supporting business growth objectives.

Responsibilities

Operational Leadership

• Lead and oversee end-to-end Air Import and Air Export operations.
• Ensure smooth execution of shipment bookings, documentation, customs clearance coordination, cargo movement, and final delivery.
• Monitor shipment lifecycle and proactively address operational exceptions.
• Ensure compliance with customer SOPs, service agreements, and operational standards.
• Drive operational excellence through standardized processes and best practices.
• Manage relationships with key customers and serve as the escalation point for operational issues.
• Ensure timely communication and visibility of shipment status.
• Collaborate closely with Commercial, Customer Service, Finance, and Supply Chain teams.
• Develop strong partnerships with airlines, GSAs, transporters, customs brokers, and overseas agents.

Team Management & Development

• Lead, mentor, and develop a high-performing Air Freight Operations team.
• Establish performance objectives and conduct regular performance reviews.
• Identify training and development opportunities to enhance team capability.
• Ensure effective workforce planning and resource allocation.

Compliance & Risk Management

• Ensure adherence to IATA, DGCA, Customs, Dangerous Goods, and other regulatory requirements.
• Maintain operational compliance and readiness for internal and external audits.
• Implement corrective and preventive actions to mitigate operational risks.
• Drive compliance with company policies and quality management systems.

Financial & Performance Management

• Manage operational costs and improve profitability.
• Monitor shipment-level profitability and operational productivity.
• Support billing accuracy, vendor payment validation, and receivable management.
• Identify opportunities for cost optimization and process efficiencies.
• Analyze operational performance metrics and implement improvement initiatives.
• Drive automation and digital transformation projects within operations.
• Implement best-in-class logistics and freight forwarding practices.
• Support strategic initiatives aimed at improving customer experience and operational scalability.

Qualifications

• Bachelor's Degree in Logistics, Supply Chain, Commerce, Business Administration, or related field.
• IATA Certification preferred.
• Professional certifications in Freight Forwarding, Logistics, or Supply Chain Management will be an advantage.

Required Skills

• 12+ years of experience in Freight Forwarding and Logistics Operations, with significant exposure to Air Freight Operations.
• Minimum 5 years in a managerial or leadership role managing Air Import and Export operations.
• Experience handling large-volume operations, key accounts, and multi-stakeholder environments.
• Strong understanding of international trade regulations, customs procedures, and airline operations.