Senior Operations Specialist

Senior Operations Specialist

Location:

UK

Reports to:

Operations Manager

The Senior Operations Specialist is a key member of the operations team, responsible for leading day-to-day control of time-critical shipments, coordinating global partners, and ensuring flawless execution across air, road, and multimodal movements.

This role requires strong decision-making, rapid problem-solving, and the ability to manage high-value aviation and time-critical cargo with precision.

The position plays an essential part in delivering world-class customer service while supporting business growth, process improvement, and operational excellence.

• Manage and oversee time-critical shipments
• Coordinate with airlines, handlers, agents, and ground transport partners to ensure seamless end-to-end execution
• Monitor live shipments and proactively resolve delays, risks, and operational issues
• Ensure compliance with aviation security, customs regulations, and other regulatory requirements
• Lead operational escalations during out-of-hours or complex logistics movements

• Act as a senior point of contact for key customers, providing real-time updates and proactive communication
• Build strong relationships with suppliers, carriers, and global partners to ensure reliability and performance

• Ensure all jobs are executed accurately within internal freight systems (e.g. FMS platforms), including cost control and profitability checks
• Conduct post-shipment reviews to identify improvement opportunities
• Support the development and implementation of SOPs, best practices, and operational workflows

• Mentor and support junior operations team members with training and daily guidance
• Assist with workload planning and shift coverage
• Lead by example in delivering high service standards, accountability, and operational discipline

• Negotiate rates with airlines, suppliers, and logistics partners where required
• Ensure shipments meet margin expectations and profitability targets
• Support the sales function with operational insight for quotes and tenders

• 3-5+ years' experience in freight forwarding, aviation logistics, AOG or time-critical movements
• Strong understanding of air freight processes, cargo operations, and global logistics
• Ability to perform in fast-paced, high-pressure environments with confident decision-making
• Excellent communication skills with customers and suppliers
• Strong attention to detail and ability to manage multiple live shipments simultaneously
• Experience using freight management systems and MS Office
• Knowledge of customs processes and regulatory frameworks preferred
• Strong problem-solving and escalation management capability

• Highly organised, proactive and accountable
• Calm under pressure with strong operational awareness
• Customer-focused with a commitment to service excellence
• Team-oriented with natural leadership qualities
• Flexible with working hours within a 24/7 operational environment

• Join a fast-growing organisation within time-critical aviation logistics
• Be part of a high-performance team managing complex, global movements
• Career development opportunities
• A culture built on teamwork, speed, accountability and reliability