Manager, Air freight, Air & Sea

DSV; Gqeberha; On-site; ZAR 700,000 - 1,100,000; Full time

Job summary

DSV is seeking an Air Freight Manager in South Africa to lead, develop, and grow the air freight product within DSV Air & Sea. You will oversee end-to-end operations, ensure compliance, and drive commercial growth to meet regional targets.

The role requires 5+ years in Forwarding & Clearing, managerial experience, and strong leadership to manage a client portfolio and a team in a dynamic environment.

Qualifications

• Minimum 5 years’ experience in Forwarding & Clearing.
• Managerial experience (advantagous).
• Must have knowledge of import air processes and basic understanding of air export processes
• Person must be organized and be able to manage a portfolio of clients / team of individuals
• Self-Motivated and deadline driven
• Able to work under pressure
• Communicate effectively with local colleagues and clients
• Team player with positive attitude
• Process Driven
• P&L Management Experience advantageous

Responsibilities

• Oversee end-to-end air freight operations, ensuring on-time, cost-effective, and compliant service delivery.
• Ensure adherence to DSV global SOPs, local regulatory requirements, and airline policies.
• Monitor shipment execution, exception handling, and service recovery to maintain high service levels.
• Drive continuous improvement in processes, productivity, and operational efficiency.
• Ensure accurate and timely documentation, billing, and data integrity within CargoWise and related systems.
• Drive air freight gross profit growth aligned with branch and regional targets.
• Support the sales team with airfreight product expertise, pricing strategies, and customer solutions.
• Participate in key account management, customer meetings, tenders, and RFQs.
• Analyse trade lanes, capacity, and yield to optimise buying and selling rates.
• Strengthen airline relationships to secure space, competitive rates, and priority uplift.
• Manage air freight P&L performance, focusing on yield, cost control, and profitability.
• Prepare and manage budgets, forecasts, and KPIs for the air freight product.
• Monitor shipment margins, productivity metrics, and cost drivers, taking corrective action where required.
• Ensure compliance with DSV financial policies, including accruals and WIP management.
• Lead, coach, and develop the air freight team to deliver high performance and engagement.
• Drive a culture of accountability, collaboration, and continuous learning.
• Ensure adequate staffing, training, and succession planning.
• Conduct performance reviews, goal setting, and skills development in line with DSV standards

Skills

Air freight management

Managerial experience

Import air processes

Client portfolio management

Deadline driven

Work under pressure

Communication

Team player

Process driven

P&L awareness

Education

Logistics or Supply Chain qualification

Tools

CargoWise

MS Office 365

Job description

If you are a current DSV employee and interested in a position in another country, please contact your Human Resource representative to discuss the process and requirements of applying.

Main Purpose of The Role:

The Air Freight Manager is responsible for leading, developing, and growing the air freight product within DSV Air & Sea. This role ensures operational excellence, commercial growth, compliance, and customer satisfaction while aligning with DSV’s global strategy, values, and standard operating procedures.

• Minimum 5 years’ experience in Forwarding & Clearing
• Managerial experience (advantagous).
• Must have knowledge of import air processes and basic understanding of air export processes
• Person must be organized and be able to manage a portfolio of clients / team of individuals
• Self-Motivated and deadline driven
• Able to work under pressure
• Communicate effectively with local colleagues and clients
• Team player with positive attitude
• Process Driven
• P&L Management Experience advantageous

Qualifications:

Qualification in Logistics or Supply Chain Management an added advantage

Computer packages

Office 365 (Teams, OneNote, Forms), MS Word, Excel, PowerPoint, Outlook

Cargowise understanding and previous experience would be beneficial

Strong Outlook understanding and competencies

Duties andResponsibilities:

Operational Management

• Oversee end-to-end air freight operations, ensuring on-time, cost-effective, and compliant service delivery.
• Ensure adherence to DSV global SOPs, local regulatory requirements, and airline policies.
• Monitor shipment execution, exception handling, and service recovery to maintain high service levels.
• Drive continuous improvement in processes, productivity, and operational efficiency.
• Ensure accurate and timely documentation, billing, and data integrity within CargoWise and related systems.

Commercial & Business Development

• Drive air freight gross profit growth aligned with branch and regional targets.
• Support the sales team with airfreight product expertise, pricing strategies, and customer solutions.
• Participate in key account management, customer meetings, tenders, and RFQs.
• Analyse trade lanes, capacity, and yield to optimise buying and selling rates.
• Strengthen airline relationships to secure space, competitive rates, and priority uplift.

Financial & Performance Management

• Manage air freight P&L performance, focusing on yield, cost control, and profitability.
• Prepare and manage budgets, forecasts, and KPIs for the air freight product.
• Monitor shipment margins, productivity metrics, and cost drivers, taking corrective action where required.
• Ensure compliance with DSV financial policies, including accruals and WIP management.
• Lead, coach, and develop the air freight team to deliver high performance and engagement.
• Drive a culture of accountability, collaboration, and continuous learning.
• Ensure adequate staffing, training, and succession planning.
• Conduct performance reviews, goal setting, and skills development in line with DSV standards.

Compliance, Quality & Risk Management

• Ensure compliance with customs regulations, aviation security, IATA standards, and internal audits.
• Support QHSE initiatives and promote DSV’s safety-first culture.
• Manage operational and commercial risk, including claims, insurance, and liability matters.
• Ensure adherence to DSV’s Code of Conduct and corporate governance policies.

Customer Experience

• Act as an escalation point for key customers and service issues.
• Maintain strong relationships with strategic customers and stakeholders.
• Ensure consistent service quality aligned with DSV’s customer promise

Key Interfaces

• Customs & Regulatory Authorities
• Finance & Shared Services
• Regional and Global Product Teams

Electives:

• Commercial experience
• Client-orientated and commercially focused.
• Strong with operational processes.
• Able to lead a team and adapt to change.
• Financially orientated.

DSV – Global transport and logistics

Working at DSV means playing in a different league.

As a global leader in transport and logistics, we have been on an extraordinary journey of growth. Let’s grow together as we continue to innovate, digitalise and build on our achievements.

With close to 150,000 colleagues in over 90 countries, we work every day to offer solid services and meet our customers’ needs and help them achieve their goals. We know that the best way to achieve this is by bringing in new talent, fresh perspectives and ambitious individuals like you.

At DSV, performance is in our DNA. We don’t just work – we aim to shape the future of logistics. This ambition fuels a dynamic environment built on collaboration with world‑class team players, accountability and action. We value inclusivity, embrace different cultures and respect the dignity and rights of every individual. If you want to make an impact, be trusted by customers and grow your career in a forward-thinking company – this is the place to be.

Disclaimer

Due to the high volume of applications received, only shortlisted candidates will be contacted. Should an external candidate not hear from us within four (4) weeks following their application, they should consider their application unsuccessful. Strictly fair and non‑discriminatory selection procedures will be followed. We use Affimative Action (AA) measures in an endeavor to redress the disadvantages in employment experienced by designated groups. Where possible, preference will be given to candidates from the designated groups as defined in the Employment Equity Act and in line with DSV’s Employment Equity plans. DSV reserves the right to defer or close a vacancy at any time.