Air Export Operations Manager

Air Export Operations Manager

Department: Airfreight

Employment Type: Full Time

Location: Chicago, IL

Reporting To: Aaron Ruminski

Compensation: $75,000 - $95,000 / year

As a subsidiary of Denmark based Scan-Group, our history in shipping and logistics dates to 1969. From Scan-Group, Shipco Transport was founded in 1988 and has organically grown into one of the world’s leading neutral NVOCCs. Headquartered in Chatham, New Jersey, Shipco Transport operates more than 75 offices in over 30 countries across 5 continents and employs over 2,200 people. Our company’s intermodal character, offering LCL & FCL Ocean and Air freight services, uniquely positions Shipco as a ‘one stop’ provider of worldwide transportation solutions.

Shipco Transport Inc., a leading international cargo transportation company, has an immediate opening at our CAF branch located in Franklin Park, IL, for an experienced Air Export Operations Manager. We are looking for a candidate who is proactive, dynamic, highly motivated, reliable, and who understands and appreciates the importance of a team effort. The candidate should also possess the ability to thinking outside the box, think and work outside their local market, and be aware of various time zones and regional norms for all parties involved.

• Manage and oversee all airfreight export operations, ensuring shipments are executed efficiently, accurately, and on schedule.
• Supervise the end-to-end export process including booking, consolidation, documentation, customs coordination, and final departure.
• Ensure full compliance with IATA, ICAO, TSA, customs, and international trade regulations.
• Review and approve export documentation such as Air Waybills (AWBs), commercial invoices, packing lists, and certificates.
• Coordinate closely with airlines, ground handlers, trucking providers, customs brokers, and overseas agents.
• Lead, train, and mentor the air export operations team; manage staffing, workflows, and performance.
• Monitor daily operational KPIs (on-time performance, cost control, error rates) and implement process improvements.
• Handle escalations related to shipment delays, discrepancies, claims, or customer complaints.
• Experience with inhouse CCSF operation.
• Maintain accurate records within the freight forwarding/TMS system and ensure data integrity.
• Manage rate agreements, space allocations, and vendor performance in collaboration with procurement or sales teams.

• 5+ years of experience in airfreight export operations, with at least 2 years in a supervisory or managerial role.
• Strong working knowledge of air export procedures, including booking, consolidation, documentation, and customs compliance.
• Hands-on experience with IATA regulations, TSA requirements, and international trade laws.
• Proficiency in preparing and reviewing export documentation (AWBs, commercial invoices, packing lists, certificates of origin, etc.).
• Experience coordinating with airlines, ground handlers, customs brokers, and overseas agents.
• Excellent organizational and problem-solving skills, with the ability to manage multiple shipments under tight deadlines.
• Strong leadership and team management skills, including training, performance monitoring, and workflow optimization.
• High attention to detail and accuracy in documentation and compliance.
• Effective communication skills (written and verbal) for internal teams, customers, and global partners.
• Ability to analyze KPIs, control costs, and improve operational efficiency.
• Proficiency in MS Office (Excel, Outlook, Word).
• Ability to work in a fast-paced, time-sensitive environment.

We offer a positive and friendly atmosphere with opportunities for advancement and personal growth. Salary is commensurate with experience.

We offer medical, dental, life and vision insurance, STD and LTD insurance. We also offer a flexible benefits account, an optional wellness program and a matching 401(k) plan.

Shipco Transport is an Equal Opportunity Employer, welcoming applications from individuals of all abilities, backgrounds, and experiences.