Airfreight Manager

About Woodside Group:
Woodside Group is a privately owned logistics and supply chain business operating across several specialist divisions including haulage, distribution, warehousing, bulk tanker operations, vehicle delivery, and international freight services. The Woodside Global division provides comprehensive freight forwarding, customs clearance, and trade compliance solutions for both external clients and internal Woodside divisions.

With a substantial customs and compliance department, Woodside Global supports import and export operations across multiple sectors, delivering tailored logistics solutions and supply chain expertise to customers throughout the UK and international markets.

The Role:

The Airfreight Manager will be responsible for establishing and developing Woodside's airfreight offering within the Global division. The role focuses on growing customer relationships, driving commercial opportunities, delivering operational excellence, and ensuring compliance with all international airfreight regulations.

This is a hands-on leadership role, requiring a motivated and commercially driven individual capable of building a high-performing airfreight function.

Key Responsibilities:

Business Development & Customer Engagement
Develop and grow airfreight business opportunities across new and existing Woodside customers
Build strong, long-term customer relationships, positioning Woodside as a trusted logistics partner
Identify and deliver value-added supply chain solutions tailored to customer needs
Work collaboratively with internal divisions (haulage, warehousing, etc.) to provide integrated logistics solutions

Operational Management
Oversee the day-to-day airfreight operations, ensuring efficiency and service excellence
Ensure all shipments are managed in accordance with industry regulations, deadlines, and customer requirements
Develop and implement standard operating procedures (SOPs) for airfreight activities
Monitor performance metrics, driving continuous improvement

Compliance & Regulatory
Ensure full compliance with IATA regulations, customs procedures, and international trade laws
Work closely with the internal trade and compliance department to maintain best practice
Oversee handling of Dangerous Goods shipments in line with regulatory standards

Leadership & Team Development
Lead, motivate, and develop the airfreight team
Foster a strong culture of accountability, performance, and customer focus
Provide coaching, training, and succession planning within the department

Commercial & Financial Performance
Manage budgets, costs, and profitability of the airfreight function
Negotiate rates with carriers and suppliers to ensure competitive pricing
Contribute to overall Global division growth strategy

The Person :
Driven, ambitious, and results-oriented
Strong communicator with excellent interpersonal skills
Customer-focused with a consultative approach
Ability to work under pressure in a fast-paced environment
Strategic thinker with a hands-on management style

Essential Criteria :
Proven experience in airfreight operations or management role
Strong understanding of international freight forwarding and supply chain solutions
Demonstrated ability in business development and customer relationship management
IATA certification (International Air Transport Association)
Dangerous Goods certification
Excellent leadership and team management skills
Strong commercial awareness and problem-solving ability

Desirable Criteria:
Experience working within a multi-service logistics provider
Knowledge of customs procedures and trade compliance
Experience integrating multi-modal transport solutions

Benefits:
Competitive salary.
Health Cash Plan
Access to our Employee Assistance Programme (EAP)
33 days' annual leave
Ongoing learning and…