Senior Air Freight Director – Strategy & Ops

DHL Air (UK) Ltd; Chicago (IL); On-site; USD 130,000 - 173,000; 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 (DGF) in Chicago is seeking an Air Freight Director to lead end-to-end airfreight operations from ORD. You will drive strategy, optimize processes, and ensure profitable execution across stations and gateways.

The role requires 10+ years in airfreight, 5+ years in leadership, and hands-on experience with CargoWise and ERP tools. Collaboration with OPS, Sales, and customers is essential for achieving KPIs and growth.

Qualifications

• 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 skills

Responsibilities

• 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 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 drives compliance to KPIs, with special focus on timely responding to requests
• Supports and drives adherence to usage of tools and sources as defined by Pricing group
• Drive cargo optimization in air/cartage vendors
• Assists with airline relationship building, 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.

Skills

10+ years freight forwarding airfreigh

5+ years leadership

CargoWise experience

Microsoft Office

Excel (advanced)

Highly organized

Analytical skills

People management

Tools

CargoWise

Microsoft Office

Job description

DHL Global Forwarding (DGF) in Chicago is seeking an Air Freight Director to lead end-to-end airfreight operations from ORD. You will drive strategy, optimize processes, and ensure profitable execution across stations and gateways.

The role requires 10+ years in airfreight, 5+ years in leadership, and hands-on experience with CargoWise and ERP tools. Collaboration with OPS, Sales, and customers is essential for achieving KPIs and growth.