Air Import Supervisor

DHL Global Forwarding; Chicago (IL); On-site; USD 80,000 - 106,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

401(k) Match

Stock Purchase Plan

Medical Insurance

Vision Insurance

Dental Insurance

Paid Time Off

Job summary

DHL Global Forwarding in Chicago seeks an Air Import Supervisor to lead the local air freight import team, overseeing operations and customer service while ensuring compliance and profitability. You will drive performance, coach staff, and partner with Sales to support growth.

The role requires 4+ years in freight forwarding, leadership experience, strong Excel and CargoWise proficiency, and excellent communication skills to manage cross-functional teams and customer expectations.

Qualifications

• 4+ years in freight forwarding (Airfreight and/or Import)
• 1+ years in a leadership or supervisory role
• Proficiency with Microsoft Excel; CargoWise experience is a plus
• Experience in a unionized environment is an advantage
• Excellent communication skills (verbal, written, presentation)
• Strong computer skills: Microsoft Office suite
• Proven ability to drive KPIs and build high-performing teams
• Ability to coach, train, and mentor staff for success

Responsibilities

• Oversee and manage all Air Freight Import processes, ensuring efficiency and compliance.
• Act as the primary escalation point for customer import shipments; manage financial performance and drive KPIs to achieve customer satisfaction.
• Ensure adherence to safety, security, and best practices for shipments and staff.
• Collaborate with internal teams for seamless service and process improvements; partner with Sales to grow business through meetings and calls.
• Review month-end reports, monitor P&L, and manage open AP/AR; elevate carrier performance issues as needed.
• Lead and develop the team: hiring, coaching, training, and performance management.
• Assign tasks, set deadlines, and ensure compliance with policies and performance standards.
• Work with a unionized workforce in accordance with the Collective Bargaining Agreement.

Skills

Excel proficiency

CargoWise

Leadership

Coaching staff

Communication skills

Team motivation

Unionized staff handling

Tools

Microsoft Excel

Word

PowerPoint

Outlook

CargoWise

Job description

Job Title

Air Import Supervisor

Job Location

Chicago, IL

Overview

We have an exciting opportunity for an Air Import Supervisor to lead the end-to-end performance and profitability of our local Air Freight Import team, including Operations and Customer Service. This role ensures operational excellence, regulatory compliance, and outstanding customer experience while driving team performance and growth.

Key Responsibilities

• Oversee and manage all Air Freight Import processes, ensuring efficiency and compliance.
• Act as the primary escalation point for customer import shipments; manage financial performance and drive KPIs to achieve customer satisfaction.
• Ensure adherence to safety, security, and best practices for shipments and staff.
• Collaborate with internal teams (Gateway, Trucking, Handling) for seamless service and process improvements; partner with Sales to support business growth through meetings and customer calls.
• Review month-end reports, monitor P&L, and manage open AP/AR; elevate carrier performance issues as needed.
• Lead and develop the team: hiring, coaching, training, and performance management.
• Assign tasks, set deadlines, and ensure compliance with organizational policies and performance standards.
• Work effectively with and motivate a unionized workforce in accordance with the Collective Bargaining Agreement.

Skills & Requirements

• 4+ years in freight forwarding (Airfreight and/or Import experience preferred).
• 1+ years in a leadership or supervisory role strongly preferred.
• Proficiency in Microsoft Excel; CargoWise experience is a plus.
• Experience in a unionized environment is an advantage.
• Excellent communication skills (verbal, written, and presentation).
• Strong computer skills: Microsoft Suite (Excel, Word, PowerPoint, Outlook).
• Proven leadership ability: driving KPIs, fostering engagement, and building high-performing teams.
• Ability to coach, train, and mentor staff for success.

Pay Range:

$79,777.50 - $106,370.00+ (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.