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Cargo Operations Manager Jobs in Illinois (NOW HIRING)

Atlas Air

Station Supervisor

Chicago, IL · On-site

Responsible for overseeing day-to-day ground and cargo operations to ensure safe, efficient, and ... Liaise with airport management and local authorities on operational matters. Act as Station Boss ...

Staff Management | SMX

Be Seen First

Airport Warehouse Agent (Cargo)

Chicago, IL · On-site

$19.75 - $23/hr

This is a 24/7 operation, and Associates must be available to work weekends and holidays. Perks ... More details about benefits can be found at Staff Management | SMX is an equal opportunity employer ...

Forward Air

Security Compliance Specialist

Des Plaines, IL · On-site

$70K - $80K/yr

Provide authoritative guidance to operations and leadership regarding compliant cargo handling ... Strong analytical, organizational, and documentation management skills with an auditfocused mindset.

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All JobsCargo Operations JobsCargo Operations Manager JobsCargo Operations Manager Jobs in Illinois

Cargo Operations Manager information

See Illinois salary details

$30K

$61.5K

$114.8K

How much do cargo operations manager jobs pay per year?

As of Sep 1, 2026, the average yearly pay for cargo operations manager in Illinois is $61,491.00, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $39,700.00 and $75,100.00 per year, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What does a cargo operations manager do?

A Cargo Operations Manager oversees the daily operations involved in transporting goods by air, sea, or land. Their responsibilities include coordinating shipments, ensuring compliance with safety and customs regulations, managing logistics staff, and maintaining communication with clients and transport partners. They also address issues such as delays or damaged goods and work to optimize efficiency and cost-effectiveness in cargo handling. This role requires strong organizational, problem-solving, and leadership skills.

What are the key skills and qualifications needed to thrive as a cargo operations manager?

To thrive as a Cargo Operations Manager, you need expertise in logistics, supply chain management, and regulatory compliance, often supported by a relevant degree or industry certifications. Familiarity with cargo management systems, warehouse management software, and international shipping documentation is typically required. Strong leadership, problem-solving, and communication skills set top performers apart in managing teams and addressing operational challenges. These abilities are crucial for ensuring efficient, safe, and cost-effective cargo handling in a dynamic logistics environment.

What are the main challenges a cargo operations manager faces when coordinating with different stakeholders at an airport?

As a Cargo Operations Manager, one of the key challenges is ensuring seamless communication and coordination among multiple stakeholders, including airlines, ground handling staff, customs officials, and logistics partners. Each group may have different priorities and timelines, so balancing operational efficiency with regulatory compliance is essential. Proactively managing potential bottlenecks, handling last-minute schedule changes, and swiftly resolving documentation or clearance issues are common aspects of the role. Building strong relationships and fostering a collaborative environment are vital for overcoming these challenges and ensuring timely cargo movement.

What is the role of cargo operations manager?

A cargo operations manager oversees the planning, coordination, and execution of cargo handling activities within an airline, shipping company, or logistics firm. They ensure compliance with safety regulations, optimize cargo flow, and manage staff and equipment to ensure efficient and secure transportation of goods. Strong organizational, communication, and problem-solving skills are essential, along with knowledge of relevant regulations and often certifications in logistics or safety procedures.

What are popular job titles related to Cargo Operations Manager jobs in Illinois?

For Cargo Operations Manager jobs in Illinois, the most frequently searched job titles are:

What job categories do people searching Cargo Operations Manager jobs in Illinois look for?

The top searched job categories for Cargo Operations Manager jobs in Illinois are:

What cities in Illinois are hiring for Cargo Operations Manager jobs?

Cities in Illinois with the most Cargo Operations Manager job openings:

Cargo Operations Manager jobs near you
Infographic showing various Cargo Operations Manager job openings in Illinois as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 67% Full Time, 30% Part Time, 1% Temporary, 1% Contract, and 1% Nights. Highlights an 93% Physical, 3% Hybrid, and 4% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $61,491 per year, or $29.6 per hour.

Station Supervisor

Atlas Air

Chicago, IL • On-site

Full-time

Medical, Dental, Vision, Retirement, PTO

Posted 16 days ago

Job description

Join Atlas Air Worldwide. Move the World with Us!
At Atlas Air Worldwide, we're not just an airline, we're a global engine powering cargo, passenger, and leasing operations across more than 70 countries. As a leader in outsourced aviation logistics, we're built on a foundation of safety, service excellence, integrity, innovation, teamwork, and responsibility. With over 30 years of history, a modern all-Boeing fleet, and nearly 5,000 teammates collaborating across operations, technical, and corporate functions, we're driven by purpose.
If you're ready to grow, innovate, and help us deliver excellence every single day, you belong here.
Position Summary: Responsible for overseeing day-to-day ground and cargo operations to ensure safe, efficient, and compliant operations. This role provides direct supervision to frontline personnel and third-party ground handling providers, ensuring adherence to company policies, regulatory requirements, and service standards. The role coordinates aircraft turns, cargo processing, and support services while maintaining a strong focus on safety, operational performance, and customer satisfaction.
Values and Behavioral Standards: To ensure the effective communication and application of company values and behavioral standards, as stated in our company "Code of Conduct" policy, and to respond appropriately in the event of any known departure.
Major Job Accountabilities:
  • Perform and/or oversee all aspects of ground operations including loadmaster, hazardous materials, deicing, fueling, passenger services, catering, security, etc.
  • Monitor our customers and vendors for compliance with Atlas procedures for all ground operations functions.
  • Perform quality control audits of flight folders, ramp, and warehouse operations to ensure compliance.
  • Liaise with airport management and local authorities on operational matters. Act as Station Boss keeping management and HDQ informed of any operational issues that may affect/impact operational performance.
  • Ensure our customers/vendors and employees are current with all operating requirements and focus items affecting ground operations.
  • Responsible to ensure reliability, performance and safety goals for our customers, vendors and employees are achieved.
  • Monitor ramp activities and performance to ensure safe and timely aircraft handling. Collaboratively develop action plans with those performing below established goal to improve performance.
  • Actively work with all other departments to continuously improve the service to our customers and control costs.
  • Loadplan and compute aircraft Weight and Balance using company systems.
  • Ensure the use of company digital tools to accurately record all turnaround information. Update Flight Close Out Tool or alternate systems daily and distribute all required Atlas reports in a timely manner.
  • Comply with all regulatory, safety, and security procedures as applicable to a Ground Security Coordinator (GSC), and as required by the TSA, US CBP, FAA, and other civil aviation authorities.
  • Schedule and supervise Station Representatives to ensure adequate coverage during each shift.
  • Provide guidance, coaching, and support to Station Representatives on company procedures and best practices.
  • Performs After Action Reviews (AARs) on incidents affecting the operation and issue Ground Service Discrepancies (GSDs) to service providers through company systems.
  • Manage the procurement, coordination, and inventory control of station and aircraft supplies, including warehouse, office, and aircraft materials.
  • Collaborate with ULD Operations to ensure proper allocation and movement of ULDs throughout the network.
  • Verify with Global Customs Support that in-transit permits are current and updated according to market needs.
  • Liaise with and support other Atlas Worldwide Holdings group, including participation in CEIV Pharma certification initiatives as required.
  • Participate in monthly vendor safety meetings and promote company safety standards.
  • Prepare and maintain Standard Operating Procedures (SOPs) related to station operations.
  • Assist in coordinating warehouse and ramp access for special events and visits.
  • Serve as signatory and/or Airport/Customs Coordinator, responsible for issuing new badges, renewals, and conducting audits for Ground Ops, Tech Ops, and Flight Ops personnel, as required.
  • Support the Station Manager with administrative responsibilities and/or supporting other stations, as required.
  • Perform additional duties as assigned by the Station Manager.

Qualifications:
  • Minimum 5 years of supervisory experience required, with at least 4 years in aviation.
  • Previous supervisory experience in areas of duty and 767/747 cargo/passenger service operations preferred.
  • Required to successfully pass company initial and annual recurrent training in areas of Loadplanning, Weight & Balance, and aircraft handling.
  • Comprehensive knowledge of all phases of cargo operations, including ACMI, scheduled services, and charter operations, across both commercial and military environments.
  • Demonstrated strength in problem solving, decision-making, and operational leadership.
  • Strong organizational skills with the ability to manage multiple priorities in a high-stress, fast-paced environment.
  • Maintains current passport and visas.
  • Must have NO travel restrictions to any domestic and international stations.
  • Must have valid Driver's License and must be able to drive Company and rental vehicles when required.
  • May be required to drive and work nearby stations as required by the business.
  • Multilingual capability preferred; fluency in English required, with local language highly desirable.
  • High School diploma or equivalent combination of education and relevant aviation industry experience.

Special Demands:
  • Shift work and weekend coverage may be required

Skills
  • Demonstrated ability to work in a team-based environment.
  • Demonstrated ability to train vendors and handlers to ensure proper handling of Atlas Air aircraft.
  • Excellent communication and leadership skills.
  • Willingness to work varied hours and holidays.
  • Ability to meet the demands of varied responsibilities and deadlines.
  • Outstanding customer service skills.
  • Computer literacy, the ability to not only run basic e-mail and word processing programs but is able to learn and operate proficiently company and industry programs. Some examples are as follows:
  • Sable
  • Veoci
  • AIMS
  • CHAMP Cargospot

Applicants must be legally authorized to work in the United States. This position is not eligible for employment visa sponsorship or employer immigration support either now or in the future.
The Company is an Equal Opportunity Employer. It is our policy to afford equal employment opportunity to all employees and applicants for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, national origin, citizenship, place of birth, age, disability, protected veteran status, gender identity or any other characteristic or status protected by applicable in accordance with federal, state and local laws.
If you'd like more information about your EEO rights as an applicant under the law, please download the available EEO is the Law document by clicking "EEO Is The Law" .
To view our Pay Transparency Statement, please click here: Pay Transparency Statement
Competitive compensation will be offered based on a variety of factors, including a candidate's experience, skills, education, geographic location, internal equity and other factors. In addition, a range of benefits to include medical, dental and vision insurance, employee assistance program, as well as generous paid time off, and 401K contributions are offered as a part of the total compensation package.
Pay Range
$68,500-$93,500 USD
At Atlas Air Worldwide, we believe in the power of people, the promise of innovation, and the responsibility we hold to each other, to our customers, and to the planet. Join us and be part of a team that lifts more than cargo; we lift ambition.

Apply