Air Freight Operations Assistant Manager - Import & Export

Toll Group; Chicago, Northern (IL, KY); Hybrid; USD 70,000 - 100,000; Full time

Job summary

Toll Group is hiring an Air Freight Operations Assistant Manager to lead import/export air freight workflow in Chicago. You will coordinate bookings, documentation, and dispatch for complex shipments, liaising with airlines, freight forwarders, and customs brokers to ensure compliant cargo movement.

You’ll guide junior staff, monitor performance, and seek cost efficiencies while maintaining strong client relationships and timely updates in internal systems.

Qualifications

• 3–5 years’ experience in air freight operations
• Strong understanding of customs and aviation regulations
• Proficiency in CargoWise One and Microsoft Office
• Excellent organizational, problem-solving and communication skills
• Ability to manage multiple priorities in a fast-paced environment
• Detail-oriented with accuracy, compliance, and continuous improvement

Responsibilities

• Manage end-to-end air freight operations for import/export and domestic transport
• Liaise with airlines, freight forwarders, customs brokers, and transport providers for compliant cargo movement
• Prepare and review air waybills, customs declarations, and key documentation
• Monitor shipment progress and address delays, communicating solutions to customers
• Coordinate cargo pickups/deliveries with local transport and warehouse teams
• Oversee job management, cost control, and timely closures; assist with invoicing and reports
• Mentor junior coordinators and contribute to process improvements

Skills

Air freight operations

Customs regulations

CargoWise One

Problem solving

Communication

Multi-tasking

Tools

CargoWise One

Microsoft Office

Job description

## Air Freight Operations Assistant Manager - Import & ExportApply: Chicago: Full time: Posted Yesterday: R000078205**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.Are you excited about this role but are concerned you don’t meet all the requirements? If you have similar skills and are willing to learn then we encourage you to apply anyway. We know that some people hesitate to apply for jobs unless they meet every single qualification. At Toll, we value a diverse, inclusive and authentic workplace, so if you’re interested in this role but your past experience doesn’t align perfectly then please talk to us – you may be just the right candidate for this or other roles we have coming up.At Toll everyone is welcome including those of all ages, ethnicities, genders and abilities.To find out more about us visit www.careers.tollgroup.comYou 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.