Head of Air Freight Department

HR Orb Consultancy LLC; Saudi Arabia; On-site; SAR 120,000 - 150,000; Full time

Job summary

A global logistics company is looking for a Head of Air Freight to oversee and develop air freight operations in Saudi Arabia. This role involves leading commercial performance, managing airline relationships, and ensuring compliance with regulations. The ideal candidate will have 5-8 years of experience in air freight forwarding, strong leadership qualities, and a deep understanding of the KSA market. A degree in Logistics or related field is required. This position aims to drive profitable growth while maintaining high service quality.

Qualifications

• 5–8+ years of experience in air freight forwarding, preferably in a leadership role.
• Strong knowledge of KSA air freight market and regulations.
• Proven track record managing P&L and driving growth.

Responsibilities

• Lead and manage the company’s air freight operations.
• Drive revenue growth and optimize yield.
• Oversee compliance with KSA regulations and air freight standards.

Skills

Leadership skills

Negotiation skills

Relationship management

Financial understanding

Strong communication skills in English

Education

Bachelor’s degree in Logistics, Supply Chain, Business Administration, or related field

Job description

Job Role

The Head of Air Freight is responsible for leading, developing, and managing the company’s air freight operations across Saudi Arabia. This role oversees commercial performance, airline relationships, operational excellence, compliance, and team leadership to ensure profitable growth, high service quality, and alignment with company strategy.

Key Responsibilities:

Strategic & Commercial Leadership

• Develop and execute the air freight business strategy in line with company objectives and KSA market dynamics.
• Drive revenue growth, yield optimization, and market share expansion in import, export, and cross-trade air freight.
• Identify new business opportunities, verticals, and trade lanes.
• Support key account management and participate in major customer negotiations and tenders.

Operations & Service Excellence

• Oversee end-to-end air freight operations, ensuring timely, cost-effective, and compliant cargo movement.
• Ensure adherence to SLAs, KPIs, and customer service standards.
• Manage capacity planning, space allocation and peak-season challenges.
• Implement process improvements to enhance efficiency, visibility, and service quality.
• Build and maintain strong relationships with airlines, GSSAs, and handling agents.
• Negotiate competitive rates, allotments and contracts with carriers.
• Monitor carrier performance and resolve service or capacity issues proactively.
• Own air freight P&L, budgeting, forecasting and cost control.
• Ensure profitable pricing strategies and margin improvement.
• Analyze performance reports and take corrective actions where needed.

Compliance & Risk Management

• Ensure full compliance with KSA regulations, customs, GACA, IATA, and international air freight standards.
• Oversee dangerous goods (DGR) compliance and training where applicable.
• Manage operational risks and ensure proper documentation and audit readiness.
• Lead, mentor and develop the air freight team across sales, operations and customer service.
• Set performance goals, conduct reviews and build a high-performance culture.
• Ensure appropriate training, succession planning and talent development.

Key Requirements:

Education

Bachelor’s degree in Logistics, Supply Chain, Business Administration, or a related field.

Experience

• 5–8+ years of experience in air freight forwarding, with at least 1-2 years in a senior management or leadership role.
• Strong understanding of the KSA air freight market, airlines and regulatory environment.
• Proven track record of managing P&L and driving commercial growth.
• Strong leadership and people management skills.
• Excellent negotiation and relationship management abilities.
• Solid commercial acumen and financial understanding.
• Deep knowledge of air freight operations, pricing and compliance.
• Strong communication skills in English; Arabic is a strong advantage.

Key Performance Indicators (KPIs)

• Air freight revenue and gross profit growth
• Customer satisfaction and service level performance
• Cost control and margin improvement
• Airline performance and rate competitiveness
• Team performance and retention