Airfreight Manager

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.

Role Overview

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

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
• 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

Qualifications

• 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

Benefits

• 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