At a Glance
- Tasks: Lead and grow Woodside's airfreight operations while ensuring compliance and operational excellence.
- Company: Join a dynamic logistics company with a focus on innovation and customer relationships.
- Benefits: Enjoy 33 days' leave, health cash plan, and ongoing development opportunities.
- Other info: Work in a modern office with a supportive team and regular company events.
- Why this job: Make an impact in the logistics industry and develop your leadership skills.
- Qualifications: Experience in airfreight operations and strong communication skills are essential.
The predicted salary is between 50000 - 65000 £ per year.
Woodside Group is a privately owned logistics and supply chain business operating across several specialist divisions including haulage, distribution, warehousing, bulk tanker operations, vehicle delivery, and international freight services. The Woodside Global division provides comprehensive freight forwarding, customs clearance, and trade compliance solutions for both external clients and internal Woodside divisions. With a substantial customs and compliance department, Woodside Global supports import and export operations across multiple sectors, delivering tailored logistics solutions and supply chain expertise to customers throughout the UK and international markets.
The Airfreight Manager will be responsible for establishing and developing Woodside’s airfreight offering within the Global division. The role focuses on growing customer relationships, driving commercial opportunities, delivering operational excellence, and ensuring compliance with all international airfreight regulations. This hands‑on leadership role requires a motivated and commercially driven individual capable of building a high‑performing airfreight function.
Business Development & Customer Engagement- Develop and grow airfreight business opportunities across new and existing Woodside customers
- Build strong, long‑term customer relationships, positioning Woodside as a trusted logistics partner
- Identify and deliver value‑added supply chain solutions tailored to customer needs
- Work collaboratively with internal divisions (haulage, warehousing, etc.) to provide integrated logistics solutions
- Oversee the day‑to‑day airfreight operations, ensuring efficiency and service excellence
- Ensure all shipments are managed in accordance with industry regulations, deadlines, and customer requirements
- Develop and implement standard operating procedures (SOPs) for airfreight activities
- Monitor performance metrics, driving continuous improvement
- Ensure full compliance with IATA regulations, customs procedures, and international trade laws
- Work closely with the internal trade and compliance department to maintain best practice
- Oversee handling of Dangerous Goods shipments in line with regulatory standards
- Lead, motivate, and develop the airfreight team
- Foster a strong culture of accountability, performance, and customer focus
- Provide coaching, training, and succession planning within the department
- Manage budgets, costs, and profitability of the airfreight function
- Negotiate rates with carriers and suppliers to ensure competitive pricing
- Contribute to the overall Global division growth strategy
- Driven, ambitious, and results‑oriented
- Strong communicator with excellent interpersonal skills
- Customer‑focused with a consultative approach
- Ability to work under pressure in a fast‑paced environment
- Strategic thinker with a hands‑on management style
- Proven experience in airfreight operations or management role
- Strong understanding of international freight forwarding and supply chain solutions
- Demonstrated ability in business development and customer relationship management
- IATA certification (International Air Transport Association)
- Dangerous Goods certification
- Excellent leadership and team management skills
- Strong commercial awareness and problem‑solving ability
- Experience working within a multi‑service logistics provider
- Knowledge of customs procedures and trade compliance
- Experience integrating multi‑modal transport solutions
- Health Cash Plan
- Access to our Employee Assistance Programme (EAP)
- 33 days' annual leave
- Ongoing learning and development opportunities
- Regular company events and wellbeing initiatives
- Free on‑site parking
- Modern, state‑of‑the‑art office facilities
- A supportive, collaborative and friendly working environment
Airfreight Manager employer: Woodside Logistics Group
Woodside Group is an exceptional employer that prioritises employee growth and development within a supportive and collaborative environment. With a focus on operational excellence and customer engagement, employees benefit from ongoing learning opportunities, a generous 33 days of annual leave, and modern office facilities, all while being part of a dynamic team that drives innovation in the logistics and supply chain sector.
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Airfreight Manager
✨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 Woodside Logistics 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 Woodside Logistics 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 Woodside Logistics 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 Airfreight Manager
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 Woodside Logistics Group:This is your chance to really connect with the team at Woodside Logistics 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 Woodside Logistics 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 Woodside Logistics 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 Woodside Logistics 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 Woodside Logistics Group. Show them you’re not just focused on the day-to-day but also have a strategic mindset!
