Air Freight Manager

Title: Air Freight Manager

Reports to: FCL Product Head

Job Summary

As a West Coast Air Freight Manager in ECU Worldwide USA, you will oversee daily air freight operations (import/export), ensuring timely, cost-effective, and compliant shipment handling. This role is critical in driving profitable growth across key trade lanes (e.g., Asia/Europe to USA). You will lead a team of air freight specialists, develop relationships with carriers and clients, and implement strategic improvements in operational productivity.

Key Responsibilities

• Team Leadership and Development: Accountable for developing airfreight operations and managing teams across multiple offices. Lead, coach, and train the air freight team, fostering a high-performance culture and reviewing staff performance.
• Operational Leadership: Oversee daily air import and export operations, ensuring shipments—from hazardous to oversized cargo—are handled with precision and speed.
• Carrier Management: Negotiate competitive rates and contracts with airlines, co-loaders, and vendors to optimize costs and service levels.
• Relationship Management: Maintain strong partnerships with airlines, Sales, and warehouse operators.
• Sales Support: Collaborate with sales and key account management to prepare quotes, support customer visits, and close new business.
• Compliance & Safety: Ensure strict compliance with all local and international regulations, including IATA, TSA, and hazardous materials protocols.
• Profitability: Ensure all shipments are handled in a timely, profitable manner to meet department growth targets.
• Problem Resolution: Actively handle escalations, customer inquiries, and troubleshoot operational issues regarding delays or damages.

Skills & Qualifications

• Bachelor’s degree in Logistics, Supply Chain, or a related field strongly preferred.
• 5+ years years of experience in the air freight industry with at least 2 years in a supervisory or management capacity.
• Strong negotiation, communication, and leadership skills.
• Excellent written and verbal communication skills.
• Proficiency in Microsoft Office and exposure to operational platforms and systems (e.g., SAP, CargoWise or similar is preferred)
• Strong understanding of Incoterms, IATA rules, and US Customs regulations
• Hazmat / IMO certification
• Must be located in Los Angeles, California and willing to work in office location.

Equal Opportunity Employer

ECU Worldwide is an equal opportunity employer. We evaluate qualified applicants without regard to race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, disability, veteran status, or any other protected characteristic.