Team Lead - Cargo Operations & Capacity Planning

Air Arabia; Pune District; On-site; INR 600,000 - 800,000; Full time

Job summary

Air Arabia in Pune is seeking an experienced Cargo Operations Supervisor to oversee the daily cargo operations and load planning team across the network. You will guide planners, ensure safety, regulatory compliance, and timely load plans, while optimizing aircraft space and coordinating with GHAs and internal stakeholders.

The role requires 4-6 years in air cargo ops with at least 2 years in a supervisory role, strong English, and ability to work in a 24x7 environment with shift schedules.

Qualifications

• Bachelor’s degree in Aviation, Logistics, Supply Chain Management, or related field preferred.
• Certification in Air Cargo Operations, Load Planning, or Dangerous Goods regulations is a plus.
• Fluent in English; additional languages a plus.

Responsibilities

• Supervise the planning and coordination of daily cargo operations.
• Plan and manage team rosters to ensure staffing and duty time compliance.
• Ensure accurate load plans are prepared and compliant with safety/regulatory requirements.
• Monitor load planner performance and provide coaching and training.
• Optimize aircraft belly space while respecting weight and balance and regulatory requirements.
• Coordinate intra-country trucking and interline cargo connections.
• Ensure accurate documentation of operational deviations and corrective actions.

Skills

Team leadership

Load planning

Operations coordination

Coaching

Communication

Stakeholder management

Analytical skills

Problem solving

Education

Bachelor’s degree in Aviation, Logistics, Supply Chain Management, or related field

Air Cargo Operations certification (plus)

Tools

Microsoft Office

Cargo system applications

Job description

Job Purpose

Supervises and coordinates the daily activities of the Cargo Operations and Load Planning team to ensure efficient, accurate, and compliant cargo operations across the network. The role supports operational excellence by overseeing load planning, monitoring team performance, providing guidance to planners, and ensuring adherence to safety, regulatory, and operational standards.

Key Result Responsibilities

• Supervise the planning and coordination of daily cargo operations, including general cargo, courier, special cargo, and interline shipments.
• Plan and manage team rosters to ensure adequate staffing levels, operational coverage, and compliance with duty time requirements.
• Ensure accurate load plans are prepared and released to Ground Handling Agents (GHAs), maintaining full compliance with operational, safety, and regulatory requirements.
• Monitor load planner performance and provide coaching, feedback, and on-the-job training to maintain and improve operational standards.
• Optimize aircraft belly space utilization while prioritizing safety, weight and balance limitations, and regulatory compliance.
• Oversee intra-country trucking coordination as assigned and interline cargo connections to ensure seamless cargo movement.
• Ensure critical system changes (cargo reservations, weight amendments, HS codes, AWB corrections) are accurately executed in a timely manner.
• Monitor EDI messaging accuracy (FFM, FWB, FHL) and initiate corrective actions where discrepancies are identified.

Key Result Responsibilities - Continued

• Identify operational backlogs, discrepancies, or delayed flights, and coordinate effective recovery and mitigation plans.
• Ensure accurate documentation and reporting of operational deviations, incidents, and corrective actions.
• Collaborate closely with internal stakeholders including Station Operations, Flight Operations, Revenue Management, and Cargo Sales to ensure smooth and efficient cargo operations across the network.

People Management

• Provides direction, coaching and guidance to team members for their career and professional development.
• Creates a conducive working environment to build and sustain a performance driven, engaged, and committed team.
• Ensures people management responsibilities are handled effectively in line with company procedures.

Qualifications (Academic, Training, Languages)

• Bachelor’s degree in Aviation, Logistics, Supply Chain Management, or related field preferred. Certification in Air Cargo Operations, Load Planning, or Dangerous Goods regulations is a plus.
• Strong computer literacy, including Microsoft Office and cargo system applications.
• Ability to work under pressure in a 24x7 operational environment with shift schedules.
• Fluent in English; additional languages a plus.
• Strong understanding of cargo operations, load planning principles, and airline operational procedures.
• Ability to supervise, mentor, and coordinate a team of planners effectively.
• Analytical and problem-solving skills to optimize load planning and operational efficiency.
• Excellent communication, coordination, and stakeholder management abilities.

Work Experience

• 4 - 6 years of experience in air cargo operations, with at least 2 years in a supervisory or team leading role.