Job Description

Job Summary

We are hiring an experienced

Air Freight Manager

to lead end-to-end air freight operations across

import/export/transshipment

, with strong exposure to

DG cargo

,

Free Zone movements

, and

Sea-Air / Air-Sea

solutions. The role requires hands-on leadership, airline/handler relationships, process control, cost discipline, and key customer ownership.

Key ResponsibilitiesOperations Leadership (Core)

Lead day-to-day

air freight operations team

and ensure smooth execution across all files Own operational performance:

on-time uplift, milestones, exception handling, POD closure

Allocate workloads, set priorities, and ensure strong follow-up and response time (TAT)
Transshipment + Free Zone Execution

Oversee

Air-Air, Sea-Air, Air-Sea

transshipment movements and handovers Manage

bonded transfers, re-export / transit movements

, and coordination with Free Zone requirements Ensure minimum dwell time and avoid

storage/penalty exposure

DG Compliance & Governance

Ensure full compliance with

IATA DGR

and airline acceptance policies Review/approve DG workflows:

DGD, MSDS, UN classification, packing, labeling

Train/guide team on DG SOPs and coordinate with DG-approved handlers
Carrier, GSA & Handler Management

Maintain working relationships with

airlines, GSAs, ground handlers, warehouses

Support space protection, service recovery, and escalation closures Coordinate with pricing team for

rate validity, routing feasibility, and capacity planning

Customer & Key Account Ownership

Act as escalation point for key customers and ensure service consistency Support Sales with operational input for

RFQs, SOP creation, and new customer onboarding

Drive customer satisfaction through proactive communication and issue prevention
Cost Control, Billing & Process Improvement

Ensure correct

job costing

, operational charge capture, and timely handover for invoicing Control vendor costs, minimize avoidable charges (demurrage/storage/standby) Improve SOPs, checklists, and documentation quality; maintain audit readiness
Reporting & KPIs

Track and report weekly/monthly KPIs:

TAT, OTIF, claims, costs vs margin, exceptions

Identify recurring operational gaps and implement corrective actions
Mandatory Requirements

5+ years

air freight experience in freight forwarding (UAE preferred)

2+ years

in a supervisory/managerial role leading an ops team Strong hands-on expertise in

Dubai air freight operations

(DXB/DWC ecosystem) Proven exposure to

transshipment operations

, preferably via

JAFZA/DAFZA/DWC

Working knowledge of

Sea-Air / Air-Sea

movements

DG competence

(IATA DG certification preferred; must be confident handling DG workflows) Strong stakeholder management with airlines/handlers and customers Able to work under pressure in a high-volume, time-critical environment
Preferred / Advantage

Experience in

AOG, ship spares, oil & gas, pharma, time-critical cargo

Strong process mindset: SOPs, training, audits, and quality control Knowledge of UAE customs transfer practices and bonded movements
Job Type: Full-time

Pay: AED8,000.00 - AED18,000.00 per month

Education:

Bachelor's (Required)
Experience:

Air Freight Pricing & Operations: 3 years (Required) Dubai: 3 years (Required) Freight Forwarding: 5 years (Required) Dubai Logistics Industry: 5 years (Required)
License/Certification:

DG License (Preferred)
Location:

* Dubai (Required)