Air Freight Operations Assistant Manager - Import & Export

Toll Group; Chicago (IL); On-site; USD 70,000 - 110,000; Full time

Job summary

Toll Group in Chicago seeks an Air Freight Operations Assistant Manager to lead complex import/export and domestic air freight activities. You will coordinate with airlines, forwarders, brokers, and providers to ensure compliant cargo movement and accurate documentation.

Your role supports junior staff and drives process improvements and cost efficiency. You will mentor teammates, monitor shipments, and review profitability while ensuring regulatory compliance and strong customer relationships.

Qualifications

• 3–5 years of air freight operations experience.
• Strong knowledge of customs and aviation regulations.
• Proficiency with CargoWise One and MS Office.
• Excellent organizational and communication skills.
• Ability to manage multiple priorities in a fast-paced environment.
• Detail-oriented with a focus on accuracy and compliance.
• Proven ability to work independently and guide junior team members.
• Customer-focused with strong relationship management.

Responsibilities

• Manage end-to-end air freight operations for import/export, including booking, documentation, and dispatch for priority shipments.
• Coordinate with airlines, forwarders, customs brokers, and providers to ensure compliant cargo movement.
• Prepare air waybills, customs declarations, and other critical documents.
• Monitor shipment progress, address delays, and communicate solutions to stakeholders.
• Oversee local transport coordination, warehouse interactions, and job management.
• Validate invoices and payments; identify opportunities for cost optimization.
• Maintain shipment records and timely updates in CargoWise One.
• Ensure compliance with regulations and advise on related matters.
• Mentor junior coordinators and support team collaboration.
• Analyze profitability and contribute to financial performance.

Skills

Air freight operations

Customer service

Multitasking

Problem solving

Communication

Attention to detail

Independent work

Tools

CargoWise One

Microsoft Office

Job description

About Toll Group

At Toll, we do more than just logistics - we move the businesses that move the world. Our 16,000 team members can help solve any logistics, transport, or supply chain challenge – big or small. We have been supporting our customers for more than 130 years. Today, we support more than 20,000 customers worldwide with 500 sites in 27 markets, and a forwarding network spanning 150 countries. We are proudly part of Japan Post — www.tollgroup.com

PURPOSE OF THE JOB

The Air Freight Operations Assistant Manager is responsible for managing complex air freight operations across import, export, and domestic transport activities. This role ensures timely and compliant cargo movement, accurate documentation, and effective coordination with internal and external stakeholders. The senior coordinator also provides guidance to junior team members and contributes to process improvements and cost efficiency.

PRIMARY DUTIES & RESPONSIBILITIES

• Manage end-to-end air freight operations for import/export, including booking, documentation, and dispatch for priority or complex shipments.
• Liaise with airlines, freight forwarders, customs brokers, and transport providers to ensure smooth cargo movement and compliance with regulations.
• Prepare and review air waybills, customs declarations, and other critical documentation.
• Monitor shipment progress, proactively address delays or disruptions, and communicate solutions to customers and stakeholders.
• Coordinate cargo pick-ups and deliveries, including local transport and warehouse interactions.
• Oversee job management including WIPS, accruals, cost control, and timely closures.
• Validate and approve customer invoices, reports, and creditor payments; identify opportunities for cost optimization.
• Maintain accurate shipment records and ensure timely updates in internal systems (e.g., CargoWise One).
• Ensure adherence to customs, quarantine, and aviation regulations; provide guidance on compliance matters.
• Respond to customer inquiries and maintain strong client relationships through proactive communication.
• Contribute to process improvement initiatives and operational best practices.
• Mentor and support junior coordinators, fostering a collaborative team environment.
• Demonstrate commercial awareness by analyzing job profitability and supporting financial performance.

Previous Work Experience & Qualifications

• 3–5 years’ experience in air freight operations, with exposure to complex or high-volume shipments.
• Strong understanding of customs and aviation regulations.
• Proficiency in freight management systems (e.g., CargoWise One) and Microsoft Office Suite.
• Excellent organizational, problem-solving, and communication skills.
• Ability to manage multiple priorities in a fast-paced, deadline-driven environment.
• Detail-oriented with a focus on accuracy, compliance, and continuous improvement.
• Proven ability to work independently and guide junior team members.
• Customer-focused mindset with strong relationship management skills.

What moves you?

At Toll, you can help play a vital role in delivering what matters. From food, fuel, medicine and rescue services, we keep businesses and communities thriving. Every day brings change. We see that as an opportunity. To be curious. To ask the right questions. And build meaningful connections. Because finding new ways to solve problems is what we do. With a bold vision to expand our global reach, our 16,000+ people bring a passion for progress. We collaborate in friendly, caring teams, supported by approachable leaders who give us the autonomy to quickly make decisions with impact. Learn and grow with industry-leading training, alongside talented experts. Feel empowered to take on diverse challenges and new responsibilities to move you, our customers, and our world further.

At Toll everyone is welcome including those of all ages, ethnicities, genders and abilities.

To find out more about us visit www.careers.tollgroup.com

You must be entitled to work in United States of America and be prepared to undertake pre-employment checks including a criminal history check and medical.