Air Freight Procurement Manager

Right Now Group are recruiting for an experienced Air Freight Procurement Manager on behalf of a growing international Freight Forwarder based in Sunbury.

This is an excellent opportunity for an Air Freight professional with strong experience managing airline capacity, freight allocations, carrier relationships and airfreight purchasing.

The Air Freight Procurement Manager will ensure the business has the right airline space, at the right time and at the right commercial rate to support its growing international Air Freight operation.

A key part of the role will be managing AKE and airline capacity against forecasted and live shipment volumes. You'll need to confidently juggle changing volumes, flight schedules and allocations whilst maintaining excellent relationships with airline partners.

Key Responsibilities of an Air Freight Procurement Manager

• Manage the procurement of airline capacity across key international trade lanes.
• Build strong relationships with airlines and airline representatives.
• Negotiate airline rates, allocations and capacity agreements.
• Manage airline space allocations and ensure capacity is effectively utilised.
• Plan and manage AKE capacity against forecasted and live shipment volumes.
• Work closely with Air Export Operations to understand upcoming capacity requirements.
• Monitor airline buying rates and identify opportunities to reduce procurement costs.
• Review carrier performance across service, capacity, rates and reliability.
• Forecast future capacity requirements and support peak planning.
• Work closely with Operations and senior management to balance service, capacity and profitability.

Skills & Experience Required for an Air Freight Procurement Manager

• Strong experience within Air Freight, Air Cargo or Airline Procurement.
• Excellent understanding of airline capacity and space allocation.
• Experience managing or purchasing airline space.
• Knowledge of AKEs, ULDs, flight capacity and international airfreight movements.
• Existing relationships within the Heathrow airline and air cargo community would be highly advantageous.
• Understanding of procurement cost, capacity utilisation and shipment profitability.
• Experience within eCommerce, courier or high-volume Air Freight would be advantageous but is not essential.

Salary & Benefits for an Air Freight Procurement Manager

• Salary: £40,000 - £60,000 per annum, depending on experience.
• Hours: Monday to Friday, 09:30 - 18:00.
• Join a growing international Freight Forwarder.
• Autonomous role with genuine influence over carrier strategy and commercial performance.

This role could suit an Air Freight Procurement Manager, Carrier Manager, Air Product Manager, Gateway Manager, Air Freight Pricing Manager, Trade Lane Manager, Air Freight Commercial Manager or experienced Air Freight Manager with strong airline relationships.

Suitable candidates will be contacted within 24 hours.