Airfreight Manager in Ballyclare

About Woodside Group: 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 Role: 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 is a hands-on leadership role, requiring a motivated and commercially driven individual capable of building a high-performing airfreight function.

Key Responsibilities:

• 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
• Operational Management
  • 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
• Compliance & Regulatory
  • 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
• Leadership & Team Development
  • 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
• Commercial & Financial Performance
  • Manage budgets, costs, and profitability of the airfreight function
  • Negotiate rates with carriers and suppliers to ensure competitive pricing
  • Contribute to overall Global division growth strategy

The Person:

• 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

Essential Criteria:

• 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

Desirable Criteria:

• Experience working within a multi-service logistics provider
• Knowledge of customs procedures and trade compliance
• Experience integrating multi-modal transport solutions

Benefits:

• Competitive salary
• 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

Woodside Logistics Group is committed to having an inclusive workplace where every team member feels they belong. If you require accommodations to be made during the recruitment process or have questions relating to accessibility, please contact us.

Please note: The company operates pre-employment drugs screening testing and any offer of employment made is conditional upon a clear pre-employment drugs screening test. You are encouraged to submit your application as soon as possible, as we reserve the right to close this vacancy early should we receive a sufficient number of suitable applications.

Where the number of applications received exceeds the anticipated volume, the Company reserves the right to enhance the shortlisting criteria in order to facilitate the selection process. Prospective employees are expected to disclose any unspent criminal convictions during the recruitment process. Having a criminal record will not necessarily prevent you from obtaining a position with the Company. Any disclosure will be considered fairly and in line with the requirements of the role and applicable legislation.