Position Overview:

The Head - Air Freight Operations will lead end-to-end air freight operations for the business. This role is responsible for driving operational excellence, cost control, compliance, customer satisfaction, and profitable growth across domestic and international air freight services.

Key Responsibilities:

Operational Leadership:

- Own end-to-end air freight operations including export, import, cross trade, and charter movements.

- Ensure smooth execution across booking, documentation, customs coordination, line haul, and last-mile delivery.

- Drive standard operating procedures and ensure consistent service delivery across locations.

P&L and Cost Management:

- Manage air freight P&L with focus on yield improvement, cost optimization, and margin enhancement.

- Negotiate rates with airlines, consolidators, and partners to improve competitiveness.

- Track key cost drivers and implement corrective actions where required.

Customer and Stakeholder Management:

- Act as the senior escalation point for key customers and strategic accounts.

- Work closely with sales and key account teams to support growth and retention.

- Build strong relationships with airlines, GSA partners, customs brokers, and overseas agents.

Compliance and Risk Management:

- Ensure adherence to DGCA, IATA, customs, and other regulatory requirements.

- Drive compliance with internal audit, safety, security, and quality standards.

- Identify operational risks and implement mitigation plans.

Team Leadership and Capability Building:

- Lead, mentor, and develop the air freight operations team across regions.

- Build a strong succession pipeline and high-performance culture.

- Drive training initiatives on systems, compliance, and process excellence.

Process Improvement and Digital Enablement:

- Drive automation and digitization of air freight operations and reporting.

- Improve turnaround time, shipment visibility, and customer communication.

- Track KPIs such as OTIF, service failures, productivity, and claims.

Strategic Growth Support:

- Support new product development, trade lane expansion, and network growth.

- Provide operational inputs for tenders, RFQs, and large customer bids.

- Collaborate with cross-functional teams to scale the air freight business.

Key Skills and Competencies:

- Strong understanding of international air freight operations and regulations

Proven P&L and cost management capability:

- Customer-centric mindset with strong stakeholder management

- Leadership presence with ability to manage large, multi-location teams

- Analytical approach to operations and performance improvement

Qualifications & Experience:

- 15+ years of experience in air freight operations, preferably with a freight forwarder or logistics service provider

- Prior experience in a senior leadership role managing air freight operations

- Graduate degree required; MBA or logistics qualification preferred

- IATA certification will be an added advantage

Key Competencies:

Air freight operations expertise (export, import, cross trade)

P&L ownership and cost optimization

Strong airline and vendor negotiation skills

Customer and stakeholder management

Regulatory and compliance knowledge (DGCA, IATA, customs)

Team leadership and performance management

Data-driven decision making

Process improvement and digital mindset