At a Glance
- Tasks: Lead cargo partnerships and drive commercial growth in a dynamic environment.
- Company: Join Virgin Atlantic, a leader in the air cargo industry with a focus on innovation.
- Benefits: Competitive salary, hybrid working, and opportunities for professional development.
- Other info: Inclusive workplace committed to accessibility and equal opportunities.
- Why this job: Shape the future of cargo alliances and make a real impact on global connectivity.
- Qualifications: Experience in air cargo, partnerships, and strong negotiation skills required.
The predicted salary is between 58500 - 71500 £ per year.
Location: Hybrid – 3 days at VHQ / Cargo Offices
Hours: Full Time, 37.5 hours per week, Monday to Friday
Contract Type: Permanent
Salary: Competitive
Closing Date: 20th November 2026
In a nutshell
At Virgin Atlantic, our partnerships help us connect cargo customers to more of the world. As Manager – Cargo Alliances and JV, you’ll lead the relationships that expand our cargo network, strengthen our offering and drive commercial growth. Reporting to the Head of Cargo Distribution, Technology and Alliances, you’ll shape our approach to alliances, interline agreements and joint ventures. From managing our Extended Joint Venture with Delta and Air France-KLM Cargo to exploring new partnerships, you’ll turn opportunities into measurable results. You’ll also lead and develop a team of two, helping deliver our Cargo strategy and supporting a growing business unit.
Day to day
- Lead Virgin Atlantic Cargo’s involvement in the Extended Joint Venture, representing our interests, progressing shared initiatives and monitoring financial performance.
- Develop airline and logistics partnerships, including capacity and outsourcing agreements, to expand our network and generate incremental contribution.
- Shape and deliver our interline strategy, working with commercial and sales colleagues to identify new markets and improve connectivity for customers.
- Evaluate and progress new joint venture opportunities, using market insight, financial analysis and strong business cases to guide decisions.
- Build trusted relationships with senior stakeholders and partners, negotiating agreements and ensuring they meet relevant regulatory and industry requirements.
- Set clear performance measures, track results and lead projects from initial planning through to implementation.
- Coach and develop your team, sharing expertise across onshore and offshore colleagues and building understanding of the value of partnerships across Cargo.
About you
You’ll bring a strong understanding of the air cargo industry, with experience in commercial partnerships, alliances, interline activity or joint ventures. Commercially minded and confident working with data, you can assess financial performance, evaluate opportunities and translate insight into a clear strategy. You’ll also bring:
- Strong negotiation and influencing skills, with the ability to build lasting relationships at senior level and across different cultures.
- Experience leading and developing people, setting clear objectives and supporting strong performance.
- A track record of delivering projects involving multiple teams, partners and competing priorities.
- Confidence using financial modelling, market research and business reporting tools to support decisions.
- Championing AI in the workplace inspiring colleagues to embrace new tools and find smarter ways to work.
- Strong working knowledge of Microsoft Office and familiarity with cargo commercial or operational systems.
- Curious, collaborative and proactive, you’ll bring fresh thinking to how we work with partners and a clear focus on delivering value for our customers and our business.
Accessibility and inclusion
We’re committed to making our recruitment process accessible. Interviews include a short practical exercise reviewing a small set of evidence; no technical preparation is needed. If you need reasonable adjustments or additional support, you can let us know in your application. If you’d prefer to speak to someone directly before or during your application, interview or assessment, please contact our recruitment team at recruitment@fly.virgin.com. We know every role and candidate is different, so we’ll discuss the adjustments available for the role and at each stage of recruitment, and how best to support you.
At Virgin Atlantic, we’re proud to be an equal opportunities employer and welcome applications from everyone. Whatever your background, identity, experience or perspective, we’d love to hear from you.
Cargo Alliances and Joint Venture Manager in London employer: Virgin Atlantic
At Virgin Atlantic Airways, we pride ourselves on fostering a dynamic and inclusive work culture that empowers our employees to thrive. As a Cargo Route Optimisation Manager, you will benefit from a supportive environment that encourages professional growth and innovation, all while working in the vibrant locations of London Heathrow or Crawley. With a commitment to diversity and equal opportunity, we ensure that every team member feels valued and has the resources they need to succeed in their career journey.
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Cargo Alliances and Joint Venture Manager 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 Virgin Atlantic 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 Virgin Atlantic!
✨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 Virgin Atlantic 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 Cargo Alliances and Joint Venture Manager in London
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 Virgin Atlantic:This is your chance to really connect with the team at Virgin Atlantic. 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 Virgin Atlantic
✨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 Virgin Atlantic.
✨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 Virgin Atlantic 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 Virgin Atlantic. Show them you’re not just focused on the day-to-day but also have a strategic mindset!