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 Woodsides 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 EngagementDevelop and grow airfreight business opportunities across new and existing Woodside customersBuild strong, long-term customer relationships, positioning Woodside as a trusted logistics partnerIdentify and deliver value-added supply chain solutions tailored to customer needsWork collaboratively with internal divisions (haulage, warehousing, etc.) to provide integrated logistics solutionsOperational ManagementOversee the day-to-day airfreight operations, ensuring efficiency and service excellenceEnsure all shipments are managed in accordance with industry regulations, deadlines, and customer requirementsDevelop and implement standard operating procedures (SOPs) for airfreight activitiesMonitor performance metrics, driving continuous improvementCompliance & RegulatoryEnsure full compliance with IATA regulations, customs procedures, and international trade lawsWork closely with the internal trade and compliance department to maintain best practiceOversee handling of Dangerous Goods shipments in line with regulatory standardsLeadership & Team DevelopmentLead, motivate, and develop the airfreight teamFoster a strong culture of accountability, performance, and customer focusProvide coaching, training, and succession planning within the departmentCommercial & Financial PerformanceManage budgets, costs, and profitability of the airfreight functionNegotiate rates with carriers and suppliers to ensure competitive pricingContribute to overall Global division growth strategyThe Person:Driven, ambitious, and results-orientedStrong communicator with excellent interpersonal skillsCustomer-focused with a consultative approachAbility to work under pressure in a fast-paced environmentStrategic thinker with a hands-on management styleEssential Criteria:Proven experience in airfreight operations or management roleStrong understanding of international freight forwarding and supply chain solutionsDemonstrated ability in business development and customer relationship managementIATA certification (International Air Transport Association)Dangerous Goods certificationExcellent leadership and team management skillsStrong commercial awareness and problem-solving abilityDesirable Criteria:Experience working within a multi-service logistics providerKnowledge of customs procedures and trade complianceExperience integrating multi-modal transport solutionsBenefits:Competitive salary.Health Cash PlanAccess to our Employee Assistance Programme (EAP)33 days' annual leaveOngoing learning and development opportunitiesRegular company events and wellbeing initiativesFree on-site parkingModern, state-of-the-art office facilitiesA supportive, collaborative and friendly working environmentWoodside Logistics Group is committed to having an inclusive workplace where every team member feels they belong. If you require accommodations to be made during the recruitment process or have questions relating to accessibility, please contact us.Please note : The company operate pre-employment drugs screening testing and any offer of employment made is conditional upon a clear pre-employment drugs screening test.You are encouraged to submit your application as soon as possible, as we reserve the right to close this vacancy early should we receive a sufficient number of suitable applications.Where the number of applications received exceeds the anticipated volume, the Company reserves the right to enhance the shortlisting criteria in order to facilitate the selection process.Prospective employees are expected to disclose any unspent criminal convictions during the recruitment process. Having a criminal record will not necessarily prevent you from obtaining a position with the Company. Any disclosure will be considered fairly and in line with the requirements of the role and applicable legislation.TPBN1_UKTJ