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Air Freight Operations Manager Jobs (NOW HIRING)

The Operations Supervisor - Air Freight is responsible for leading daily air import and export ... Ensure accurate and timely data entry within the freight forwarding and transportation management ...

What you'll need to succeed as a Freight Operations Manager at XPO Minimum qualifications: * 4 years of related work experience * Supervisory or management experience * Experience in the less-than ...

What you'll need to succeed as a Freight Operations Manager at XPO Minimum qualifications: * 4 years of related work experience * Supervisory or management experience * Experience in the less-than ...

What you'll need to succeed as a Freight Operations Manager at XPO Minimum qualifications: * 4 years of related work experience * Supervisory or management experience * Experience in the less-than ...

What you'll need to succeed as a Freight Operations Manager at XPO Minimum qualifications: * 4 years of related work experience * Supervisory or management experience * Experience in the less-than ...

Manager, Freight Operations

Columbus, OH · On-site

$82K - $102K/yr

What you'll need to succeed as a Freight Operations Manager at XPO Minimum qualifications: * 4 years of related work experience * Supervisory or management experience * Experience in the less-than ...

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Air Freight Operations Manager information

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$35K

$74.4K

$114.5K

How much do air freight operations manager jobs pay per year?

As of Jul 21, 2026, the average yearly pay for air freight operations manager in the United States is $74,412.00, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $59,000.00 and $90,000.00 per year, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What does an Air Freight Operations Manager do?

An Air Freight Operations Manager oversees the logistics and coordination of air cargo shipments. They manage daily operations, ensure compliance with safety and regulatory standards, and supervise staff involved in the shipping and receiving process. Their responsibilities also include optimizing shipment schedules, resolving issues that arise during transport, and maintaining relationships with airlines, customs officials, and clients. The goal is to ensure timely, efficient, and cost-effective air freight operations.

What are some common challenges faced by Air Freight Operations Managers, and how can they be addressed?

Air Freight Operations Managers often encounter challenges such as coordinating complex logistics across multiple time zones, managing strict regulatory compliance, and responding to unexpected delays or disruptions. To address these challenges, successful managers develop strong relationships with carriers and customs authorities, stay updated on changing regulations, and implement robust contingency plans. Effective communication and adaptability are key, as is leveraging technology to streamline tracking and documentation processes.

What is the difference between Air Freight Operations Manager vs Air Freight Coordinator?

AspectAir Freight Operations ManagerAir Freight Coordinator
ResponsibilitiesOversees entire freight operations, manages teams, ensures compliance, and optimizes logistics processes.Assists with shipment scheduling, documentation, and communication between clients and carriers.
Required CredentialsLogistics or supply chain certifications, experience in freight management.Basic logistics knowledge, often entry-level or related certifications.
Work EnvironmentOffice-based with site visits, managing teams and operations.Office and warehouse environments, supporting daily shipment activities.

The Air Freight Operations Manager focuses on overseeing and optimizing freight processes, while the Air Freight Coordinator handles day-to-day shipment coordination. Both roles require logistics knowledge, but the manager position involves leadership and strategic planning, whereas the coordinator role is more operational and support-oriented.

What are the key skills and qualifications needed to thrive as an Air Freight Operations Manager, and why are they important?

To thrive as an Air Freight Operations Manager, you need expertise in logistics, supply chain management, and air cargo regulations, typically backed by a relevant degree or industry certification. Familiarity with cargo management systems, customs documentation platforms, and transportation management software is essential. Strong leadership, problem-solving, and communication skills help coordinate teams and resolve operational challenges effectively. These competencies ensure efficient, compliant, and cost-effective movement of goods in a dynamic global air freight environment.
More about Air Freight Operations Manager jobs
What cities are hiring for Air Freight Operations Manager jobs? Cities with the most Air Freight Operations Manager job openings:
What states have the most Air Freight Operations Manager jobs? States with the most job openings for Air Freight Operations Manager jobs include:
Infographic showing various Air Freight Operations Manager job openings in the United States as of July 2026, with employment types broken down into 92% Full Time, 6% Part Time, 1% Contract, and 1% Nights. Highlights an 97% Physical, 1% Hybrid, and 2% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $74,412 per year, or $35.8 per hour.
Operations Supervisor - Air

Operations Supervisor - Air

Forward Air

Euless, TX

Full-time

Posted 22 days ago


Job description

The Operations Supervisor - Air Freight is responsible for leading daily air import and export operations to ensure timely, compliant, and costeffective movement of international freight. They oversee a team of air freight forwarding professionals while serving as a subject matter expert across export documentation, import clearance, carrier coordination, and customer service. They partner closely with internal stakeholders, airlines, customs brokers, and overseas offices to drive operational excellence. They play a critical role in maintaining service quality, meeting SLAs, and resolving escalated shipment issues. This handson leader brings strong background in international air freight processes, and a continuousimprovement mindset. 

Responsibilities

  • Supervise daytoday air import and export operations, ensuring compliance with international trade regulations and company SOPs.
  • Lead, coach, and develop a team of air freight coordinators, promoting accountability, accuracy, and service excellence.
  • Oversee endtoend shipment lifecycle management, including booking, documentation, customs coordination, and final delivery.
  • Ensure adherence to airline, TSA, IATA, and customs requirements for international air freight movements.
  • Monitor operational KPIs such as transit times, service levels, cost control, and shipment accuracy.
  • Serve as the escalation point for customer issues, shipment delays, and operational exceptions, driving timely resolution.
  • Coordinate closely with overseas agents, airline partners, customs brokers, and trucking providers.
  • Review and approve air freight documentation, including MAWB/HAWB, commercial invoices, packing lists, and export filings.
  • Support pricing, routing, and capacity decisions in partnership with sales and network teams.
  • Identify process gaps and implement continuous improvement initiatives to enhance efficiency and service quality.
  • Ensure accurate and timely data entry within the freight forwarding and transportation management systems.
  • Maintain strong customer relationships by ensuring consistent communication and proactive issue management.
  • Support staffing, scheduling, and workload balancing to meet operational demands.
  • Promote a culture of safety, compliance, and operational discipline.
  • All other duties as assigned to meet evolving business needs.

Qualifications

  • Education: High School Diploma or GED equivalent required; Associate's or Bachelor's degree in Logistics, Supply Chain, Business, or a related field preferred.
  • Certification/Licensure: IATA/FIATA certification, Certified Customs Specialist (CCS), or similar industry credentials preferred.
  • Experience: 5+ years of experience in international air freight import and export operations.
  • Prior supervisory or team lead experience within a freight forwarding or logistics environment.
  • Strong working knowledge of international trade compliance, Incoterms, and air freight documentation.
  • Experience working with freight forwarding systems and transportation management platforms required; CargoWise experience highly preferred. 
  • Excellent problemsolving, organizational, and timemanagement skills in a highvolume environment.
  • Strong written and verbal communication skills, with the ability to interact across global teams and customers.
  • Demonstrated discretion and confidentiality in handling and protecting sensitive information.
  • Technical: Proficient with common office technologies, including Windows PCs, Microsoft O365 (Outlook, Word, Excel, PowerPoint, etc.) and web conferencing (Teams, Zoom, Webex, etc.).
  • Environment: Comfort commuting to/from and working in a 100% on-site setting (listed in this posting), with travel for related meetings/events.