Air Freight Gateway Lead — Ops, Growth & Excellence

Rhenus SE & Co. KG; Des Plaines (IL); On-site; USD 90,000 - 130,000; Full time

Job summary

Rhenus SE & Co. KG in Des Plaines, IL, is seeking a Senior Operations Leader to direct the Air Freight Gateway, ensuring efficient import/export shipments while meeting service, quality, and profitability targets.

You will build and mentor a high-performing team, establish SOPs, maintain regulatory compliance, and partner with procurement, sales, and overseas offices to optimize network development and end-to-end logistics solutions.

Responsibilities

• Lead the daily operations of the Air Freight Gateway, ensuring efficient execution of import and export shipments while meeting service, quality, and profitability objectives.
• Build, develop, and mentor a high-performing gateway team by fostering accountability, collaboration, and continuous professional development.
• Establish and maintain standardized operating procedures aligned with global best practices and company standards.
• Ensure compliance with all applicable aviation, customs, security, and regulatory requirements.
• Develop and maintain strong relationships with airlines, trucking providers, customs authorities, and other strategic logistics partners.
• Monitor operational KPIs, productivity, service performance, and financial results, implementing improvements to optimize efficiency and control costs.
• Lead the resolution of operational challenges, customer escalations, and service disruptions while maintaining a high level of customer satisfaction.
• Partner closely with Procurement, Product, Sales, Branch Operations, and overseas offices to support network development and deliver end-to-end logistics solutions.
• Identify opportunities to improve operational processes, system utilization, visibility, and overall service performance.
• Collaborate with regional leadership to support strategic initiatives, gateway expansion, and new trade lane development.

Job description

Rhenus SE & Co. KG in Des Plaines, IL, is seeking a Senior Operations Leader to direct the Air Freight Gateway, ensuring efficient import/export shipments while meeting service, quality, and profitability targets.

You will build and mentor a high-performing team, establish SOPs, maintain regulatory compliance, and partner with procurement, sales, and overseas offices to optimize network development and end-to-end logistics solutions.