Air Freight Import Director

DHL Global Forwarding; Chicago (IL); On-site; USD 130,000 - 173,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Competitive base salary

401(k) match

Stock Purchase Plan

Medical, Vision, Dental

Paid Time Off

Job summary

DHL Global Forwarding in Chicago seeks an Air Freight Import Director to lead end-to-end airfreight import operations, optimize profitability, and drive KPI performance across stations. The role demands strategic oversight, stakeholder collaboration, and a focus on cost-efficient execution.

You will build airline relationships, manage P&L, mentor teams, and partner with pricing, operations, and network colleagues to deliver customer-focused solutions that meet timelines and service standards.

Qualifications

• 10+ years professional experience in freight forwarding airfreight operations.
• 5+ years of leadership/management experience.
• Experience using CargoWise software preferred.
• Proficient in Microsoft Office tools with Excel proficiency.
• Highly organized with project management expertise.
• Analytical mindset and people development skills.

Responsibilities

• Lead and optimize air freight import operations at station level.
• Drive P&L and KPI improvements with teams and networks.
• Coordinate with Air Freight network colleagues and rate negotiations.
• Ensure compliance with SOPs, policies and global initiatives.
• Develop customer satisfaction and employee engagement initiatives.
• Support pricing, new solutions, and workflow improvements.

Skills

Airfreight operations

Leadership/management

Analytical skills

MS Excel

Project management

Organizational skills

Tools

CargoWise

Job description

Job Title: Air Freight Import Director

Job Location: Chicago, Illinois

DHL Global Forwarding (DGF) manages the flow of goods and information across a customer’s global supply chain utilizing air/ocean/ground transportation, customs brokerage services, and dedicated warehousing/distribution centers. We are part of Deutsche Post DHL, the world’s leading logistics provider with operations in over 220 countries. Visit our career site on the web at https://www.logistics.dhl/us-en/home/careers.html

Air Freight Import Director, ORD supports the execution of the air freight strategy, provides airfreight expertise and monitors and develops all air freight related activities performed at station level to effectively manage the end-to-end airfreight process. This role also ensures optimization of air freight operations in line with customer requirements to deliver a cost/effective execution.

Key Activities

• Ensure and develop customer satisfaction
• Ensure and develop employee engagement
• Manage and improve P&L of Air Freight Import
• Manage and improve KPIs together with the internal and external DHL Global Forwarding (DGF) teams
• Work closely together with DGF Air Freight network colleagues
• Point of contact for OPS and Service Quality related issues (e.g. customer complaints / escalations, exception management, shipment irregularities, service recovery, etc.)
• Supports local process enhancements and ensures compliance of global improvement initiatives and standard procedures.
• Contributes to country air freight product agenda and projects/initiatives.
• Supports execution of Gross Profit Improvement Program in country.
• Communicate implications of regional and country airfreight policies/guidelines and support training with stations and gateways
• Support customer and business development and tactical opportunity conversion by providing operational expertise and ensuring operational customer requirements are met
• Support development and drive implementation of new solutions/services incl. sector specific solutions
• Supports Spot Quote Pricing strategy
• Support and drive compliance to KPIs, with special focus on timely response to requests
• Supports and drives adherence to usage of tools and sources as defined by Pricing group
• Drive cargo optimization in air/cartage vendors
• Develop and maintain airline relationships and local rate negotiation
• Contribute to ensure achievement of business growth, revenue & profitability.
• Ensure compliance of stations & gateways with customer SOPs and global and regional airfreight policies and guidelines.
• Ability to influence decisions/actions by providing value-added feedback into the organization/function and country management.

Required Skills/Knowledge

• 10+ years professional experience in freight forwarding airfreight operations (i.e. handling, documentation, clearance) required
• 5+ years of leadership/management experience required
• Experience using CargoWise software preferred
• Computer skills (i.e. Microsoft Office tools, intermediate level in Excel)
• Highly organized, project management tools and expertise
• Analytical skills, detailed oriented
• People management and development skills

Pay Range: $130,011.75 - $173,349.00+ (Based on Experience)

Benefits (All Non-Union Employees)

• Compensation: Competitive base salary plus role dependent performance-based incentives.
• 401(k) Match: $1-for-$1 match up to 4% quarterly + 2% annual base contribution.
• Stock Purchase Plan: Ability to purchase Deutsche Post AG shares at a discounted rate.
• Medical: Comprehensive plans covering preventive care, inpatient/outpatient services, and prescriptions.
• Vision: Optional coverage for exams, frames, and contacts.
• Dental: Optional coverage for preventive, basic, and major services.
• Paid Time Off: 7 major holidays, 8 floating holidays, and accrued vacation/sick days.

Why Join DHL Global Forwarding?

At DHL Global Forwarding, we invest in our employees’ growth, providing training, guidance, and career advancement opportunities. We believe in building careers, not just jobs, and empowering our team to develop skills and achieve long-term success.

Be part of DHL Group, the world’s leading logistics provider, operating in 220+ countries. DHL Global Forwarding (DGF) is a global leader in air and ocean freight, with 30,000+ employees ensuring seamless transport and supply chain solutions. Explore careers with us: DHL Careers.

Equal Opportunity Employer

DHL Global Forwarding is committed to equal employment opportunities, evaluating all qualified applicants without regard to race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, disability, veteran status, or other legally protected characteristics.

Work Authorization

Applicants must be legally authorized to work in the United States. Visa sponsorship is not available for this role.