Air Freight Manager

DHL Global Forwarding; Atlanta (GA); On-site; USD 106,000 - 141,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Competitive base salary

Performance-based incentives

401(k) Match

Stock Purchase Plan

Medical plans

Vision coverage

Dental coverage

Paid holidays & vacation

Job summary

DHL Global Forwarding in Atlanta, Georgia, is seeking an experienced Air Freight Manager to lead Air Import and Air Export operations, driving P&L performance, customer satisfaction, and financial results. This role oversees teams, partners with Sales and Operations, and champions compliant, high-quality service.

The ideal candidate will have 8+ years in freight forwarding with air freight expertise, strong leadership, and a solid grasp of regulations and KPIs.

Qualifications

• Bachelor’s degree in business, Supply Chain, Logistics, or a related field preferred.
• 8+ years of freight forwarding experience with significant Air Freight Import and Export expertise.
• 5+ years of leadership experience managing teams and operational functions.
• Strong understanding of Air Freight operations, regulations, compliance requirements, and industry best practices.
• Proven experience managing operational KPIs, financial performance, and departmental budgets.
• Demonstrated ability to lead, motivate, and develop high-performing teams.
• Strong customer focus with exceptional relationship management and communication skills.
• Excellent analytical, problem-solving, and decision-making abilities.
• Experience with temperature-controlled, pharmaceutical, perishable, and dangerous goods shipments is a plus.
• Experience in a unionized environment is preferred.
• Proficiency with Microsoft Office Suite.

Responsibilities

• Own overall Air Freight P&L performance and drive revenue, profitability, productivity, and targets.
• Lead Air Import and Air Export teams for consistent service and efficiency.
• Drive KPIs and implement corrective actions for performance gaps.
• Ensure customer requirements are met with focus on service quality and retention.
• Serve as senior escalation point for critical issues.
• Ensure compliance with regulatory requirements and policies.
• Build relationships with customers, carriers, suppliers, and stakeholders.
• Partner with Sales, Product, Customer Service, Operations, and Global Service Centers to support growth.
• Lead continuous improvement to boost productivity and processes.
• Oversee onboarding of new customer business and transitions.
• Develop talent through coaching, performance management, and succession planning.
• Foster accountability, collaboration, safety, and continuous improvement across Air Freight.

Skills

Air Freight Operations

Regulatory compliance

Leadership

KPI management

Customer focus

Analytical skills

Communication skills

Microsoft Office

Cargo Wise

Education

Bachelor’s degree in business / Supply Chain / Logistics

Tools

Cargo Wise

Job description

Location: Atlanta, GeorgiaDHL Global Forwarding (DGF) is the world leader in air freight services and one of the leading providers of ocean freight services. Around 30,000 employees work to ensure we transport our customers of shipments by air or sea. DGF's logistics solutions span the entire supply chain, from the factory to the shop floor. This also includes special transport-related services. Visit our career site on the web at https://www.logistics.dhl/us-en/home/careers.html

Job Title: Air Freight ManagerLocation: Atlanta, GeorgiaDGF's logistics solutions span the entire supply chain, from the factory to the shop floor. This also includes special transport-related services. We have an exciting opportunity for a Head of Air Freight to lead and oversee Air Import and Air Export operations while driving operational excellence, customer satisfaction, employee engagement, and financial performance. This role is responsible for the overall Air Freight business, including P&L management, strategic execution, operational performance, and people leadership. The Head of Air Freight will lead Air Import and Air Export teams, partner closely with internal stakeholders, and ensure delivery of high-quality, compliant, and customer-focused solutions.

Key Responsibilities

• Own overall Air Freight P&L performance and drive achievement of revenue, profitability, productivity, and operational targets.
• Lead and develop Air Import and Air Export teams to ensure consistent execution, service excellence, and operational efficiency.
• Drive performance against key operational KPIs and implement corrective actions when performance gaps are identified.
• Ensure customer requirements are met and maintain a strong focus on service quality, customer satisfaction, and retention.
• Serve as the senior escalation point for critical customer, operational, and service-related issues.
• Ensure compliance with all regulatory requirements, company policies, aviation security standards, and operational procedures.
• Build and maintain strong relationships with key customers, carriers, suppliers, and internal stakeholders.
• Partner with Sales, Product, Customer Service, Operations, and Global Service Centers to support business growth and customer success.
• Lead continuous improvement initiatives to enhance productivity, streamline processes, and improve overall operational performance.
• Oversee implementation and onboarding of new customer business and operational transitions.
• Develop talent through coaching, performance management, succession planning, and employee development initiatives.
• Foster a culture of accountability, collaboration, safety, and continuous improvement throughout the Air Freight organization.

Skills & Requirements

• Bachelor’s degree in business, Supply Chain, Logistics, or a related field preferred.
• 8+ years of freight forwarding experience with significant Air Freight Import and Export expertise.
• 5+ years of leadership experience managing teams and operational functions.
• Strong understanding of Air Freight operations, regulations, compliance requirements, and industry best practices.
• Proven experience managing operational KPIs, financial performance, and departmental budgets.
• Demonstrated ability to lead, motivate, and develop high-performing teams.
• Strong customer focus with exceptional relationship management and communication skills.
• Excellent analytical, problem-solving, and decision-making abilities.
• Experience using Cargo Wise is preferred.
• Experience with temperature-controlled, pharmaceutical, perishable, and dangerous goods shipments is a plus.
• Experience in a unionized environment is preferred.
• Proficiency with Microsoft Office Suite.

Pay Range: $105,682.50 - $140,910.00+ (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.