Air Export Manager

Job Title: Air Export Manager

Location: Chicago

Industry: Freight Forwarding / International Logistics

Reports To: Branch Manager

Direct Reports: 5 Air Export Specialists / Coordinators

Position Summary

A leading global freight forwarder is seeking an experienced Air Export Manager to lead and develop a team of five Air Export professionals while maintaining hands-on operational involvement in key shipments, customer escalations, and process management. The successful candidate will be responsible for ensuring operational excellence, regulatory compliance, customer satisfaction, profitability, and employee development across the air export function.

This role requires a strong balance of leadership and execution, with approximately 60% management and 40% operational involvement, depending on business volumes.

Key Responsibilities

Team Leadership & Management

• Lead, coach, and develop a team of five Air Export Coordinators/Specialists.
• Conduct regular performance reviews, goal setting, and development planning.
• Monitor workload distribution and staffing requirements.
• Drive accountability for service quality, productivity, and KPI achievement.
• Foster a collaborative, customer-focused culture.
• Support recruitment, onboarding, and training initiatives.

Air Export Operations

• Oversee daily air export operations from booking through final departure.
• Remain actively involved in handling complex, time-critical, and high-value shipments.
• Ensure accurate preparation of:
• Air Waybills (MAWB/HAWB)
• Export declarations
• Commercial documentation
• Security filings
• Airline booking documentation
• Coordinate with airlines, overseas offices, customers, carriers, and customs brokers.
• Manage shipment exceptions, delays, and service recovery efforts.
• Monitor cargo cut-offs, flight schedules, and capacity challenges.

Customer Service & Commercial Support

• Act as senior escalation point for key customers.
• Maintain strong relationships with strategic accounts.
• Participate in customer business reviews and operational meetings.
• Support sales teams with:
• RFQs
• SOP development
• Implementation of new business
• Identify opportunities for revenue growth and service improvements.

Compliance & Quality

• Ensure compliance with:
• TSA regulations
• IATA standards
• U.S. Customs requirements
• DG (Dangerous Goods) regulations where applicable
• Company operating procedures
• Maintain accurate shipment records and audit readiness.
• Drive continuous improvement initiatives to reduce errors and increase efficiency.

Financial Management

• Review and approve shipment profitability.
• Monitor revenue recognition and cost control.
• Ensure timely and accurate billing.
• Support budget planning and departmental performance targets.
• Investigate and resolve billing discrepancies.

Key Performance Indicators (KPIs)

• On-time shipment performance
• Customer satisfaction metrics
• Gross profit per shipment
• File accuracy and compliance
• Team productivity levels
• Billing timeliness
• Employee engagement and retention
• Reduction of operational exceptions

Required Qualifications

• 5–10+ years of international freight forwarding experience.
• Minimum 2–3 years of supervisory or management experience within air exports.
• Strong knowledge of international air freight operations.
• Experience handling airline bookings, consolidations, and export compliance.
• Proven ability to manage people while remaining operationally involved.
• Experience with freight forwarding systems such as:
• CargoWise
• Descartes
• Expedient
• Logisuite
• Similar TMS platforms