At a Glance
- 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 dynamic team environment.
- Why this job: Join a 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 Β£ per year.
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
- 3β5+ yearsβ 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 employer: Capilaux
Contact Detail:
Capilaux Recruiting Team
StudySmarter Expert Advice π€«
We think this is how you could land Senior Operations Specialist
β¨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.
β¨Tip Number 2
Prepare for interviews by practising common questions and scenarios related to operations management. Think about how youβd handle time-critical shipments and complex logistics β this will show youβre ready for the role!
β¨Tip Number 3
Showcase your problem-solving skills during interviews. Share specific examples of how you've tackled operational challenges in the past. This will demonstrate your ability to think on your feet and manage high-pressure situations.
β¨Tip Number 4
Donβt forget to apply through our website! Itβs the best way to ensure your application gets noticed. Plus, we love seeing candidates who are proactive about their job search.
We think you need these skills to ace Senior Operations Specialist
Some tips for your application π«‘
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 experiences that demonstrate your problem-solving skills and customer focus.
Showcase Your Communication Skills: Since this role involves a lot of communication with customers and partners, make sure to highlight your excellent communication skills in your application. We love candidates who can build strong relationships and keep everyone informed!
Apply Through Our Website: Don't forget to apply through our website! Itβs the best way for us to receive your application and ensures youβre considered for the role. Plus, it shows youβre keen on joining our team at StudySmarter!
How to prepare for a job interview at Capilaux
β¨Know Your Stuff
Make sure you brush up on your knowledge of air freight processes and logistics. Familiarise yourself with the specific challenges of managing time-critical shipments, as well as the regulatory requirements involved. This will show that you're not just interested in the role, but that you understand it deeply.
β¨Showcase Your Problem-Solving Skills
Prepare examples from your past experience where you've successfully navigated high-pressure situations or resolved operational issues. Be ready to discuss how you made decisions quickly and effectively, as this is crucial for the Senior Operations Specialist role.
β¨Communicate Like a Pro
Since you'll be acting as a senior point of contact for customers, practice articulating your thoughts clearly and confidently. Think about how you would provide real-time updates and manage relationships with suppliers and partners. Good communication can set you apart!
β¨Demonstrate Leadership Qualities
Even if you're not in a formal leadership position, think of ways you've mentored or supported others in your previous roles. Highlight your ability to lead by example and maintain high service standards, as this aligns perfectly with what the company is looking for.