Air Freight Team Leader in London

Air Freight Team Leader in London

London Full-Time 45000 - 50000 £ / year (est.) No working from home possible
Right Now Group

At a Glance

  • Tasks: Lead a dynamic airfreight team and manage critical shipments for top global accounts.
  • Company: Fast-paced logistics operation with a focus on service excellence.
  • Benefits: Competitive salary, leadership opportunities, and exposure to high-value accounts.
  • Other info: Join a supportive environment where your contributions truly matter.
  • Why this job: Make a real impact in a high-performing team and develop your leadership skills.
  • Qualifications: 4+ years in airfreight operations and previous team leadership experience required.

The predicted salary is between 45000 - 50000 £ per year.

We are recruiting for an experienced Airfreight Team Leader to join a fast-paced and high-performing logistics operation. This is a key leadership role overseeing a team of 6, managing high-value, time-critical and AOG shipments for Tier 1 global accounts. You will play a pivotal role in ensuring service excellence, operational efficiency, and strong client relationships in a deadline-driven environment.

You will be responsible for the day-to-day leadership of the airfreight team, ensuring the smooth execution of shipments from booking through to final delivery. Acting as the main escalation point for critical accounts, you will manage exceptions, drive performance, and ensure all shipments are handled with urgency and precision.

Key Responsibilities

  • Team Leadership
    • Lead, manage and develop a team of 6 airfreight operators
    • Drive high performance, accountability, and continuous improvement
    • Provide support and direction in time-critical and high-pressure situations
  • Critical Account Management
    • Oversee Tier 1 / key accounts with time-sensitive and high-value shipments
    • Build and maintain strong relationships with customers
    • Ensure all service level agreements and deadlines are consistently met
  • Airfreight Operations
    • Oversee end-to-end shipment processes including:
    • Bookings and airline coordination
    • Export documentation (MAWB/HAWB, invoices, packing lists, DG where required)
    • Customs clearance and compliance
    • Tracking, milestone updates and final delivery
  • Exception & Escalation Management
    • Act as the primary escalation point for:
    • Airline delays or rollovers
    • Documentation issues
    • Capacity constraints
    • Customs or security holds
    • Drive quick and effective resolutions to protect customer timelines
  • Performance & Compliance
    • Monitor operational KPIs including uplift success, transit times, and milestone accuracy
    • Ensure compliance with industry regulations, security standards, and internal procedures
    • Identify areas for improvement and implement corrective actions
  • Stakeholder Coordination
    • Liaise with airlines, handling agents, customs teams, and internal departments
    • Provide proactive communication and updates to customers
    • Support continuous improvement across operations and service delivery

Experience Required

  • Minimum 4+ years' experience in Airfreight operations
  • Experience handling time-critical / AOG shipments
  • Previous team leadership or supervisory experience
  • Strong knowledge of:
  • Airfreight processes and documentation
  • Customs procedures and compliance
  • Industry regulations (IATA / security requirements)
  • Experience using TMS systems and airline portals

Personal Attributes

  • Highly driven, ambitious, and motivated
  • Flexible and adaptable approach to working hours and workload
  • Strong leadership skills with the ability to inspire and develop a team
  • Calm under pressure with excellent problem-solving ability
  • Passionate about delivering high levels of customer service

What's on Offer

  • Opportunity to lead a specialist, high-performing team
  • Exposure to high-value, time-critical global accounts
  • A fast-paced environment with real responsibility and impact

Package & Working Hours

Middlesex (On-site) £45,000 - £50,000 Monday - Friday, 09:00 - 17:30 (flexibility required)

Air Freight Team Leader in London employer: Right Now Group

As a leading employer in the facilities management sector, we offer our Project Managers a dynamic work environment at Heathrow, London, where innovation and collaboration thrive. Our commitment to employee growth is reflected in our comprehensive training programmes and career advancement opportunities, ensuring that you can develop your skills while contributing to impactful projects. With a supportive work culture that values teamwork and excellence, we provide a rewarding experience for those looking to make a difference in their careers.

Right Now Group

Contact Details:

Right Now Group Recruitment Team

StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫

We think this is how you could land Air Freight Team Leader in London

Get Involved in Industry Events

Logistics and supply chain are all about networking, so hit up those trade shows and local meetups. Places like the UK's Logistics and Supply Chain conference can be goldmines for connecting with potential employers like Right Now Group and learning about the latest trends in the industry.

Leverage Online Communities

Join forums and LinkedIn groups specifically for logistics professionals. Share your insights and ask questions to get noticed. Being active in these spaces can help you establish credibility and might just lead to an opportunity at Right Now Group!

Showcase Your Skills with a Portfolio

Even if it’s a full-time gig, having a portfolio can really set you apart. Include case studies or projects that demonstrate your understanding of supply chain management, logistics software, or solving operational challenges. You’d be surprised at how much this can impress hiring managers.

Apply Directly Through Our Website

Don't forget the power of applying directly through our website! A lot of companies like Right Now Group keep job postings exclusive to their sites. This way, you can easily keep track of your applications and ensure your profile is in front of the right people.

We think you need these skills to ace Air Freight Team Leader in London

Team Leadership
Airfreight Operations
Critical Account Management
Customs Procedures and Compliance
Performance Monitoring
Stakeholder Coordination
Problem-Solving Skills

Some tips for your application 🫡

Show Your Supply Chain Savvy:In your CV and cover letter, make sure to highlight your understanding of logistics and supply chain management principles. Mention any relevant courses you've taken or tools you've used, like inventory management software or data analysis platforms, to showcase your skills and keep up with best practices in the industry.

Quantify Your Achievements:When detailing your previous work experience, remember to use numbers wherever possible. Did you improve delivery times by a specific percentage? Did you help reduce costs? These kinds of quantified achievements not only catch the eye but also demonstrate your capability in the logistics sector.

Tailor Your Cover Letter to Right Now Group:This is your chance to really connect with the team at Right Now Group. In your cover letter, express why you're passionate about supply chain logistics and how your goals align with the company’s mission. A little personalisation goes a long way!

Include Relevant Certifications:If you've got any certifications related to logistics or supply chain management—like APICS or Six Sigma—make sure you flaunt them! These show that you're committed to your professional development and can set you apart from other candidates.

How to prepare for a job interview at Right Now Group

Know Your Logistics Tools

Make sure you're familiar with key logistics software and tools like SAP or Oracle ERP. These are often used in the industry, and being able to demonstrate your knowledge or experience with them can really set you apart during your interview with Right Now Group.

Perfect Your Problem-Solving Skills

Expect to tackle scenarios that showcase your problem-solving skills. Think about past experiences where you've had to optimise supply chains or handle logistics challenges. Have a few examples ready to discuss how you made decisions that led to improvements.

Show Your Team Spirit

Supply chain roles heavily rely on teamwork and communication. Be prepared to discuss how you've collaborated with others in previous roles. Maybe share a time when you coordinated with a team to resolve a logistical hiccup. This can show Right Now Group that you're a team player!

Understand the Big Picture

Be ready to talk about the broader logistics and supply chain trends. Having insights into current challenges in the industry, like sustainability or lead times, can impress the interviewers at Right Now Group. Show them you’re not just focused on the day-to-day but also have a strategic mindset!