Time Critical Export Operator in West Drayton

Time-Critical Export Operator - Heathrow

Right Now Group are recruiting an experienced Time-Critical Export Operator to join a specialist freight forwarding business based in the Heathrow area. This is an excellent opportunity for an export professional with experience handling urgent, time-sensitive shipments who can manage freight movements from start to finish while delivering a high level of customer service.

The successful candidate will have strong air export and customs knowledge, be confident working independently, and be comfortable responding to urgent operational requirements. The role includes an on-call rota every other week, with an on-call payment provided whether or not any work is required during that period.

Key Responsibilities of a Time-Critical Export Operator

• Manage air export shipments from initial quotation and booking through to final dispatch, ensuring urgent and time-critical consignments are handled efficiently.

• Coordinate AOG and other time-sensitive shipments, responding promptly to changing customer requirements and operational challenges.

• Prepare and process export customs entries, including CDS declarations, Carnets, licences and temporary exports.

• Ensure all export documentation is accurate, complete and compliant with HMRC regulations and relevant customs procedures.

• Liaise with customers, overseas offices, agents, airlines, suppliers and transport providers to coordinate shipments and provide regular updates.

• Obtain competitive rates and identify the most suitable routing and transport options to meet customer deadlines.

• Cost shipments accurately, monitor job profitability and ensure commercial targets are maintained.

• Follow customer-specific SOPs and ensure shipments are handled in accordance with agreed service requirements.

• Manage urgent deadlines, delays and operational issues, using initiative and effective communication to find practical solutions.

• Participate in an on-call rota every other week, supporting out-of-hours and weekend requirements when necessary.

Skills & Experience Required for a Time-Critical Export Operator

• Previous experience in airfreight exports, ideally involving AOG, time-critical or urgent shipments.

• Strong understanding of end-to-end air export operations and customs procedures.

• Working knowledge of CDS and UK export customs requirements.

• Experience preparing export documentation and handling customs entries, including Carnets, licences and temporary exports.

• Knowledge of cross-trade movements and international freight coordination.

• Current Dangerous Goods by Air training/validation.

• Confident communicating with customers and managing demanding or time-sensitive requirements.

• Strong organisation, attention to detail and the ability to prioritise effectively in a fast-paced environment.

• Able to work independently while contributing positively to a team.

• Full, valid driving licence and regular access to a vehicle.

• Willingness to participate in an every-other-week on-call rota and provide out-of-hours/weekend cover when required.

Salary & Benefits for a Time-Critical Export Operator

• Salary: up to £43,000, depending on experience.

• Paid on-call allowance every other week, whether or not work is required.

• Heathrow-area location.

• Opportunity to work within a specialist freight forwarding operation handling urgent and time-critical shipments.

Why Apply?

This role offers an opportunity for an experienced Air Export Operator to take ownership of urgent and specialist shipments in a fast-paced environment. It would suit someone who enjoys problem-solving, coordinating complex movements and delivering reliable service when deadlines are critical.

Suitable job titles include: AOG Export Operator, Time-Critical Air Export Operator, Air Export Coordinator, Airfreight Export Specialist, or Urgent Freight Operator.