Group Air Freight Procurement Manager
The Opportunity
We are seeking an experienced and commercially driven Group Air Freight Procurement Manager to lead the development and execution of a global air freight procurement and carrier strategy for an established international logistics business specialising in aviation and aerospace.
Key Responsibilities
Global Procurement Strategy
- Develop and implement a global air freight procurement strategy aligned with commercial and operational objectives.
- Establish and manage a preferred carrier network across key international trade lanes.
- Consolidate global purchasing volumes to strengthen negotiating power and improve commercial terms.
- Introduce consistent procurement processes, governance and best practices across international locations.
Airline & Carrier Management
- Build and maintain senior-level relationships with global airlines, cargo sales organisations and specialist freight providers.
- Lead negotiations covering freight rates, capacity allocations, rebates, incentives and service agreements.
- Develop strategic carrier partnerships that deliver competitive pricing, service reliability and capacity security.
- Monitor carrier performance and maintain alternative solutions to minimise operational disruption.
Capacity & Commercial Performance
- Work with regional teams to forecast capacity requirements and secure appropriate airline allocations.
- Identify opportunities to improve buying rates, reduce procurement costs and increase gross profit.
- Benchmark carrier rates against market conditions and negotiate improved commercial arrangements.
- Reduce unnecessary spot buying and maximise the use of negotiated carrier agreements.
- Balance cost competitiveness with service quality, capacity availability and customer requirements.
Tender & Sales Support
- Provide procurement expertise for major customer tenders, RFQs and new business opportunities.
- Collaborate with sales and pricing teams to develop competitive and commercially viable freight solutions.
- Negotiate customer-specific carrier agreements where required.
- Review tender performance to ensure commercial commitments and profitability targets are achieved.
Specialist Aviation & Time-Critical Freight
- Develop procurement solutions for Aircraft on Ground (AOG), time-critical and specialist aerospace shipments.
- Secure priority capacity and escalation arrangements for urgent and mission-critical cargo.
- Support the procurement of charter, part-charter and premium freight solutions.
- Ensure appropriate carrier selection for dangerous goods, aircraft engines, oversized cargo and high-value shipments.
Procurement Governance & Performance
- Monitor global air freight market trends, airline capacity, rate movements and potential disruptions.
- Establish supplier performance measures and procurement reporting.
- Ensure compliance with relevant aviation security, dangerous goods, quality and regulatory requirements.
Essential Experience & Skills
- 10+ years' experience within air freight, freight forwarding, airline procurement or a related discipline.
- At least 5 years' experience in a senior procurement, air freight product or carrier management role with multi-regional responsibility.
- Proven experience negotiating airline rates, capacity agreements, allocations, rebates and strategic commercial contracts.
- Strong knowledge of international air freight markets, airline networks, trade lanes and pricing structures.
Group Air Freight Procurement Manager in West Drayton employer: ACS Performance Careers
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