Senior Air Export Operator Freight Forwarding

Senior Air Export Operator – Manchester

Location: Manchester

Salary: £32,000 - £37,000 per annum

Job Type: Permanent, Full-time

The Opportunity

An established international freight forwarder is looking to recruit an experienced Senior Air Export Operator to join its Manchester operation.

This is an excellent opportunity for an air freight professional who is confident managing export shipments independently, delivering exceptional customer service and ensuring the smooth movement of international cargo from booking through to final destination.

Offering a salary of £35,000, this position would suit an experienced operator looking for a senior-level role where they can utilise their industry knowledge, take ownership of their workload and play an important part in the day-to-day operation.

Key Responsibilities

• Manage the full end-to-end air export process, from initial booking through to departure and onward delivery
• Arrange international air freight shipments, liaising with airlines, handling agents, overseas partners and transport providers
• Prepare and process air freight documentation, including MAWBs, HAWBs, commercial invoices and packing lists
• Coordinate export customs entries and ensure shipments meet relevant customs and aviation security requirements
• Obtain freight rates, prepare quotations and ensure shipments are handled cost-effectively
• Maintain regular communication with customers, providing shipment updates and resolving any operational issues
• Monitor flight schedules, airline cut-off times and cargo movements to ensure deadlines are met
• Complete job costing, supplier invoice processing and customer invoicing accurately and within agreed timescales
• Maintain accurate shipment files and ensure compliance with customer SOPs and internal procedures
• Provide operational support and guidance to colleagues where required, helping maintain high service standards across the team

About You

• Previous experience working for a freight forwarder within air export operations
• Strong knowledge of the end-to-end international air export process
• Experience preparing air freight documentation and dealing with customs procedures
• Confident liaising with airlines, overseas agents, customers and transport providers
• Good understanding of freight rates, job costing and invoicing
• Excellent organisational skills, with the ability to manage multiple shipments and competing deadlines
• A proactive approach to problem-solving, with a strong focus on customer service and attention to detail
• Comfortable taking ownership of shipments and working independently in a fast-paced forwarding environment

What's on Offer?

• £32,000 - £37,000 annual salary
• A permanent position within an established international freight forwarding business
• The opportunity to take ownership of your own air export workload
• A varied role involving international shipments and relationships with customers, airlines and overseas partners
• The opportunity to utilise your existing experience in a senior operational capacity
• A Manchester-based position within a global logistics operation

If you're an experienced Air Export Operator looking for your next move, we'd be keen to hear from you.