Air Logistics Operational Key Account Manager

It's more than a job

As a member of the Freight Forwarding team Kuehne+Nagel, you will play a key role in transporting goods, optimising processes, and fulfilling our customers' promises. And by transporting medicines, toys and important machine parts, you are not only delivering goods, you are making small and big moments possible for people all around the world. At Kuehne+Nagel, our contribution counts in more ways than we imagine.

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How you create impact

You will serve as a key point of contact for assigned customers, coordinating closely with internal operations and sales teams to deliver consistent service and support complex healthcare logistics needs. You will manage multiple priorities, monitor active shipments, identify potential issues, and take ownership of customer communication and escalation.

• Manage and maintain relationships with assigned Cell and Gene Therapy customers
• Oversee the operational and customer service aspects of key accounts
• Support cold-chain packaging orders and other temperature-sensitive healthcare shipments
• Monitor time-critical shipments, including Next Flight Out, charter, and onboard courier movements
• Maintain awareness of live shipments and provide timely customer updates
• Monitor and assist with bookings and collection orders
• Prepare and provide customer reports, KPIs, and QBR information
• Identify shipment or service issues, determine priorities, and coordinate appropriate resolution
• Escalate customer concerns when necessary and work with internal teams to resolve root causes
• Partner with sales and operations during new account implementations
• Maintain accurate customer information and special instructions within QuickSTAT systems
• Identify opportunities to improve service quality and operational efficiency
• Provide occasional support outside scheduled hours based on customer and operational needs

What we would like you to bring

You are comfortable working in a fast-paced environment where priorities can change quickly and customer communication is critical. You can independently assess what requires immediate attention, manage competing demands, and communicate clearly with both customers and internal teams.

• Ability to work Monday through Friday, 11:00 a.m. to 7:00 p.m. , with flexibility for occasional support outside scheduled hours
• Strong written and verbal communication skills
• Strong customer service or key account management experience
• Ability to independently prioritize multiple time-sensitive responsibilities
• Strong problem-solving, risk assessment, and conflict-resolution skills
• Ability to work effectively with demanding or high-priority customers
• Strong organizational and time-management skills
• 5–7 years of logistics, transportation, or related industry experience preferred
• Experience within healthcare, pharmaceutical, life sciences, time-critical logistics, or temperature-controlled transportation strongly preferred
• Knowledge of cold-chain packaging and temperature-monitoring solutions preferred
• Experience with airfreight, Next Flight Out, charter, or onboard courier shipments beneficial
• Proficiency with Microsoft Office
• Bachelor’s degree or equivalent relevant work experience
• Dangerous Goods/Restricted Articles certification preferred

What's in it for you

At Kuehne+Nagel we strive daily to inspire, empower, and deliver not only to our customers, but also to our colleagues. We offer a dynamic global work environment with opportunities for excellent training programs and career mobility.

This is an on-site position based in Schiller Park, Illinois

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This position has a salary range of $62,000 to $70,000 annually. Base pay is part of a competitive total rewards package that includes health and welfare benefits, a 401k retirement savings plan, tuition reimbursement, and incentive compensation for eligible roles.

Individual pay may vary within the range and is determined by a number of factors including experience, skills, job location, internal pay equity, and other relevant business considerations. Kuehne+Nagel reviews pay ranges regularly to ensure competitive and fair pay based on industry market data.

This position is not eligible for employment visa sponsorship. Applicants must be currently authorized to work in the United States on a full-time basis without the need for current or future employer sponsorship.

Kuehne+Nagel participates in E-Verify and will provide the federal government with your Form I-9 information to confirm that you are authorized to work in the U.S. Employers can only use E-Verify once you have accepted a job offer and completed the Form I-9.

Artificial Intelligence (AI) tools may be used to assist in specific processes, such as screening applications and interview scheduling. These tools analyze information to support decision-making, but final decisions are made by human reviewers.

Who we are

Logistics shapes everyday life - from the goods we consume to the healthcare we rely on. At Kuehne+Nagel, your work goes beyond logistics; it enables both ordinary and special moments in the lives of people around the world.

As a global leader with a strong heritage and a vision to move the world forward, we offer a safe, stable environment where your career can make a real difference. Whether we help deliver life-saving medicines, develop sustainable transportation solutions or support our local communities, your career will contribute to more than you can imagine.

We kindly advise that placement agencies refrain from submitting unsolicited profiles. Any submissions of candidates without prior signed agreement will be considered our property and no fees will be paid.