At a Glance
- Tasks: Manage air freight shipments and ensure efficient delivery from arrival to final destination.
- Company: Join a leading freight forwarding business with a dynamic air freight team.
- Benefits: Competitive salary, flexible working hours, and opportunities for professional growth.
- Other info: Work Monday to Friday with 4 days in the office and 1 day from home.
- Why this job: Be part of a fast-paced environment where your skills make a real difference.
- Qualifications: 2+ years in air import operations and strong knowledge of customs procedures required.
The predicted salary is between 34650 - 42350 £ per year.
Kenny Recruit are working with a freight forwarding business to find an experienced Air Freight Operator to join their air freight team.
This is an excellent opportunity for someone with a strong background in air import and export operations, customs procedures and customer service.
You will be responsible for managing air freight import shipments from arrival through to final delivery, ensuring an efficient, cost-effective and customer-focused service.
The successful candidate will have strong operational experience, a good commercial understanding and the ability to advise customers and overseas partners on customs and import requirements.
Working hours: Monday to Friday, 8:30am – 5:00pm (4 days in office, 1 from home)
Key Responsibilities
- Import Operations
- Manage air freight import shipments from pre-alert through to final delivery.
- Liaise with overseas agents, airlines, handling agents, customs brokers, hauliers and customers.
- Monitor flight arrivals, arrange cargo collections and coordinate onward deliveries.
- Check air waybills, commercial invoices, packing lists and other relevant documentation.
- Proactively manage shipment delays, discrepancies and operational issues.
- Ensure shipments are handled efficiently and delivered within agreed timeframes.
- Customs Knowledge
- Maintain a strong working knowledge of UK import customs procedures and requirements.
- Advise customers and overseas partners on customs clearance, documentation, duties, VAT and import requirements.
- Resolve customs-related queries and delays.
- Understand commodity codes, customs valuation, country of origin and Incoterms.
- Keep up to date with relevant changes to UK customs procedures and regulations.
- Quotations and Commercial Responsibilities
- Prepare competitive air freight import quotations for customers and overseas agents.
- Obtain rates from handling agents, hauliers and other suppliers as required.
- Calculate local destination charges and delivery costs accurately.
- Ensure quotations reflect shipment details, chargeable weight, applicable surcharges and agreed profit margins.
- Respond to quotation requests promptly and follow up where appropriate.
- Liaise with the sales team and overseas network to support business opportunities and maintain competitive pricing.
- Monitor shipment profitability and ensure costs and selling rates are accurately recorded.
- Customer Service and Partner Network
- Act as a key point of contact for customers and overseas partners.
- Provide timely updates on shipment progress, arrivals, customs clearance and deliveries.
- Offer practical advice on operational and customs matters.
- Build and maintain strong working relationships with customers, suppliers and international agents.
- Resolve queries professionally and deliver a high level of customer service.
- Administration and Financial Control
- Maintain accurate shipment records and update the freight management system.
- Check supplier invoices and ensure costs are correctly allocated.
- Raise customer invoices promptly and accurately.
- Monitor additional charges, including storage, handling and other avoidable costs.
- Ensure shipment files are completed in accordance with company procedures.
Requirements
Minimum of 2 years' experience working as an Air Import Operator within a freight forwarding environment.
Strong knowledge of UK customs procedures, import regulations and customs documentation.
Practical understanding of CDS, customs entries, commodity codes, duty and import VAT.
Proven experience preparing quotations.
Experience coordinating shipments from arrival through customs clearance to final delivery.
Strong communication, negotiation and customer service skills.
Commercially aware, with an understanding of margins, job costing and shipment profitability.
Excellent organisational skills, with the ability to prioritise workloads in a busy operational environment.
High attention to detail and a proactive approach to problem-solving.
Confident using Microsoft Office and freight forwarding or shipment management systems.
Next Steps…
If you have the relevant air import experience and are looking for your next opportunity, we would love to hear from you.
Shortlisted candidates will be contacted regarding this specific role.
If you haven't heard from us within a week, please assume you have been unsuccessful on this occasion.
We would love to provide feedback to every applicant, but due to the volume of applications we receive, unfortunately this isn't always possible.
We will keep your CV on file to contact you about future opportunities and offer advice where possible.
Alternatively, feel free to contact us for a chat
Air Freight Operator in Colnbrook employer: We Are Kenny
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StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Air Freight Operator in Colnbrook
✨Get Involved in Industry Events
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✨Showcase Your Skills with a Portfolio
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✨Apply Directly Through Our Website
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We think you need these skills to ace Air Freight Operator in Colnbrook
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 We Are Kenny:This is your chance to really connect with the team at We Are Kenny. 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 We Are Kenny
✨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 We Are Kenny.
✨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 We Are Kenny 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 We Are Kenny. Show them you’re not just focused on the day-to-day but also have a strategic mindset!
