At a Glance
- Tasks: Lead air freight operations, manage teams, and ensure efficient shipment processes.
- Company: Dynamic air freight company at London Heathrow with a focus on growth.
- Benefits: Competitive salary up to £80,000, car allowance, and career development opportunities.
- Other info: Opportunity for professional growth in a fast-paced environment.
- Why this job: Join a leadership role where you can make a real impact in the air freight industry.
- Qualifications: Significant air freight management experience and strong leadership skills required.
The predicted salary is between 80000 - 80000 £ per year.
Location: London Heathrow
Salary: Up to £80,000 per annum, including car allowance
Role Overview
We are seeking an experienced UK Air Freight and LHR Branch Manager to oversee all aspects of the branch's air freight operations. The successful candidate will lead the import and export teams, manage the branch's financial performance and ensure the efficient movement, storage and distribution of goods. This is a senior leadership position with responsibility for operational performance, staff development, customer satisfaction, regulatory compliance and continued branch growth.
Key Responsibilities
- Branch and Operational Management
- Oversee the daily operation of the LHR air freight branch.
- Manage air import and export activities from start to finish.
- Ensure shipments are handled efficiently, accurately and within agreed timescales.
- Resolve operational problems, including shipment delays, supply-chain disruption and service failures.
- Work closely with the ocean freight, sales and customer service departments to provide a seamless service.
- Leadership and Staff Management
- Recruit, train and supervise operational employees, drivers and support staff.
- Lead, motivate and develop the air freight team to achieve consistently high performance.
- Set clear objectives and ensure employees follow company procedures and service standards.
- Manage performance, training requirements and staff development.
- Financial Management
- Take ownership of the branch P&L, budgets and overall financial performance.
- Control branch expenditure and identify opportunities to improve profitability.
- Monitor margins, operational costs and budget adherence.
- Prepare financial and management reports for senior leadership.
- Commercial and Relationship Management
- Build and maintain strong relationships with airlines, subcontractors, suppliers and customers.
- Oversee pricing strategies and negotiate competitive rates.
- Support customer retention and identify opportunities for account and branch growth.
- Assist with the development and implementation of new air freight products and services.
- Customer Service
- Maintain high standards of customer service across the branch.
- Respond to customer enquiries and ensure issues are resolved promptly and professionally.
- Monitor service quality and implement improvements where required.
- Develop strong relationships with key customers.
- Performance and Process Improvement
- Establish and monitor operational and financial KPIs.
- Analyse performance data to identify areas for improvement.
- Optimise transport, order-fulfilment and operational processes.
- Introduce efficiencies that reduce costs and improve service and delivery times.
- Compliance
- Ensure compliance with customs procedures, aviation-security requirements and relevant transport regulations.
- Maintain appropriate health, safety and operational standards.
- Ensure employees understand and follow all regulatory and company procedures.
- Strategy and Branch Development
- Develop and implement plans to support branch growth and improvement.
- Identify new commercial opportunities within the air freight market.
- Align branch operations with wider company objectives and financial targets.
Candidate Requirements
- Significant air freight management experience, ideally within a Heathrow-based operation.
- Strong knowledge of air imports and exports.
- Previous branch, station or senior operational management experience.
- Demonstrable experience managing budgets and taking ownership of a P&L.
- Strong leadership, team-development and performance-management skills.
- Established relationships with airlines, subcontractors and industry partners would be advantageous.
- Sound knowledge of customs, aviation security and regulatory compliance.
- Commercially aware, with experience of pricing, rate negotiation and cost control.
- Strong analytical, reporting and problem-solving abilities.
- Customer-focused, organised and capable of working effectively under pressure.
Branch Manager ( Air freight ) employer: First Choice Staff
Join a leading organisation in the Freight and Logistics sector as a Warehouse Operator FLT, where you will be part of a dynamic team dedicated to excellence in supply chain operations. Enjoy a supportive work culture that values reliability and teamwork, with opportunities for personal growth and development in a stable Monday to Friday role. With a focus on employee well-being and continuous support, this position offers a rewarding environment for those looking to make a meaningful impact in their careers.
