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- Tasks: Lead day-to-day control of time-critical shipments and ensure flawless execution.
- Company: Fast-growing organisation in aviation logistics with a high-performance culture.
- Benefits: Career development opportunities and a supportive team environment.
- Why this job: Join a dynamic team managing complex global movements and make a real impact.
- Qualifications: 3-5+ years in freight forwarding or aviation logistics with strong decision-making skills.
- Other info: Flexible working hours in a 24/7 operational environment.
The predicted salary is between 36000 - 60000 £ per year.
Location: UK
Reports to: Operations Manager
About the Role
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.
Key Responsibilities
- 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
Customer & Stakeholder Communication
- 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
Process, Quality & 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
Team Leadership & Support
- 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
Commercial & Cost Control
- 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
Key Skills & Experience
- 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
Personal Attributes
- 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
Why Join?
- 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
Senior Operations Specialist in Heathrow employer: Capilaux
Contact Detail:
Capilaux Recruiting Team
StudySmarter Expert Advice 🤫
We think this is how you could land Senior Operations Specialist in Heathrow
✨Tip Number 1
Network like a pro! Reach out to people in the industry, attend events, and connect on LinkedIn. You never know who might have the inside scoop on job openings or can put in a good word for you.
✨Tip Number 2
Prepare for interviews by researching the company and its operations. Understand their challenges and think about how your skills can help solve them. This shows you're not just interested in any job, but specifically in what they do.
✨Tip Number 3
Practice your problem-solving skills! Since this role involves rapid decision-making, consider mock scenarios where you need to resolve operational issues. This will help you feel more confident during interviews.
✨Tip Number 4
Don’t forget to apply through our website! It’s the best way to ensure your application gets seen. Plus, we love seeing candidates who are proactive about their job search.
We think you need these skills to ace Senior Operations Specialist in Heathrow
Some tips for your application 🫡
Tailor Your CV: Make sure your CV is tailored to the Senior Operations Specialist role. Highlight your experience in freight forwarding and logistics, especially any time-critical movements you've managed. We want to see how your skills align with our needs!
Craft a Compelling Cover Letter: Your cover letter is your chance to shine! Use it to explain why you're passionate about operations and how you can contribute to our team. Be sure to mention specific examples of your problem-solving skills and customer service excellence.
Showcase Your Communication Skills: Since this role involves a lot of communication with customers and partners, make sure to demonstrate your excellent communication skills in your application. Whether it's through your CV or cover letter, let us know how you build strong relationships.
Apply Through Our Website: We encourage you to apply directly through our website. It’s the best way for us to receive your application and ensures you’re considered for the role. Plus, it shows you’re keen on joining our team at StudySmarter!
How to prepare for a job interview at Capilaux
✨Know Your Operations Inside Out
Make sure you brush up on your knowledge of freight forwarding and aviation logistics. Be ready to discuss specific processes, challenges, and solutions you've encountered in your previous roles. This will show that you’re not just familiar with the industry but also have hands-on experience.
✨Demonstrate Problem-Solving Skills
Prepare examples of how you've successfully managed time-critical shipments or resolved operational issues in high-pressure situations. Use the STAR method (Situation, Task, Action, Result) to structure your answers and highlight your decision-making abilities.
✨Showcase Your Communication Skills
As a Senior Operations Specialist, you'll need to communicate effectively with customers and stakeholders. Practice articulating your thoughts clearly and confidently. Consider role-playing common scenarios where you might need to provide updates or negotiate with partners.
✨Highlight Your Leadership Qualities
Be ready to discuss your experience mentoring junior team members and leading by example. Share specific instances where you've taken charge during complex logistics movements or contributed to process improvements. This will demonstrate your capability to lead within a team-oriented environment.
