Air Export Operations Lead

Job Description

Job Description

The Operations Lead

Responsible for leading the Operations Team to maximize revenue and profit across Cargo - Export, Import, Domestic and Warehouse functions, while maintaining exceptional customer service standards.

Proactively lead and drive improvements across operational activities to achieve high standards, working closely with and under the guidance of the Station Manager. Engage effectively with customers and internal stakeholders to consistently deliver Best-in-Class service at all times.

Reports to: Station Manager

Working hours: Monday to Friday or Tuesday to Saturday, 40 hours per week

Key Role Accountabilities:

• Ensure all Cargo - Export and Import processes comply with U.S. Customs regulations and internal procedures, promptly reporting any non-conformances to the Station Manager.
• Complete shipments accurately and efficiently, in full compliance with U.S. authorities’ operational procedures and U.S. Customs law.
• Conduct regular audits of operational files to ensure ongoing compliance with regulatory and company requirements, raising Non-Conformance Reports (NCRs) and implementing Corrective and Preventive Actions (CAR) as needed.
• Manage customer-specific inboxes and correspondence, responding to shipment requests, emails, and calls within SLA timelines.
• Coordinate inbound and outbound shipments, including pick-ups, deliveries, OBC shipments, and third-party collections, ensuring all tracking information is updated and shipments placed on the company system.
• Prepare and maintain all necessary documentation for import/export activities, including customs entries, AES filings, collection/delivery notes, and direct drive arrangements.
• Monitor account profitability, review invoices for accuracy, ensure timely billing, and highlight areas of loss or efficiency improvements to management.
• Lead and mentor team members, setting clear objectives, driving engagement, and ensuring compliance with company policies, training requirements, and performance standards.
• Develop and maintain strong customer relationships, communicating proactively on delays, changes, or operational issues, and attending customer reviews as required.
• Identify and implement process improvements, smarter ways of working, and operational efficiencies to enhance service quality, reduce errors, and increase profitability.
• Ensure adherence to the Quality Management System (QMS), Health and Safety policies, and all SOPs, supporting audits and ongoing compliance initiatives.

Your Experience:

• Proven experience in Imports/Exports, ideally within aerospace logistics.
• Solid knowledge of US Customs law, procedures, and Customs Declaration Services.
• Experience of working with Cargowise and Dangerous Goods Compliant would be an advantage
• Proficient in Microsoft suite, including Word, Excel and PowerPoint. 
• Excellent communication and relationship-building skills, with a customer-focused approach.
• Strong organisational, planning, and problem-solving abilities with keen attention to detail.
• Ability to build strong relationships.
• Problem solving skills, with the ability to consider several possible options and decide on most appropriate method.
• Ability to work pro-actively, independently, and effectively in fast-paced, high-pressure environments, including AOG situations.
• Strong organisational skills with the ability to prioritise as well as focus on the detail
• Strong commercial awareness, with the ability to assess impact of actions and contribute to process improvements.

What We Offer: 

• Competitive wages
• 401k with company match
• Health insurance, including dental and vision plans.
• Paid vacation and holidays and an additional day for your birthday.
• Employee Assistance Programme.
• Free on-site parking.
• Opportunity to grow expertise through ongoing coaching, training and development.