AIR FREIGHT PRICING AND OPERATIONS MANAGER

Air Freight Operations & Pricing Manager

Company: Unique Courier Cargo Services LLC Location: Dubai, UAE Department: Air Freight Operations & Pricing Position Level: Senior Management Reports To: Directors & Management

Job Overview

Unique Courier Cargo Services LLC is seeking a highly experienced, commercially driven, and result-oriented Air Freight Operations & Pricing Manager to take complete ownership of the company's air freight operations, pricing, airline relationships, and business development opportunities.

We are looking for a strong leader with extensive knowledge of international air freight, transshipment operations, airline pricing, and CMC (Cargo Mega Terminal) facilities and their potential business opportunities.

The selected candidate must be capable of independently managing the entire operations and pricing team, maintaining strong airline relationships, maximizing enquiry conversions, ensuring operational excellence, and taking full accountability for departmental performance.

This is an ownership-driven leadership position, not merely an operational supervisory role.

Key Responsibilities

1. Complete Operations Management & Accountability

• Take full responsibility for the day-to-day performance of the Air Freight Operations and Pricing Department.
• Lead, supervise, train, and guide the entire operations and pricing team.
• Ensure every customer enquiry is properly reviewed, priced, followed up, and converted wherever commercially feasible.
• Take complete accountability for all enquiries, quotations, bookings, shipment execution, and operational escalations.
• Establish clear responsibilities, productivity standards, and performance expectations for each team member.
• Ensure timely shipment execution, accurate documentation, regulatory compliance, and effective coordination with all stakeholders.
• Independently resolve operational challenges and implement preventive measures.

1. Airline Relationships & Pricing Management

• Maintain excellent working relationships with major airlines, GSAs, cargo terminals, and handling agents.
• Negotiate competitive freight rates, special rates, allotments, and commercial arrangements.
• Possess strong knowledge of airline networks, routing options, capacity availability, and international cargo regulations.
• Develop effective pricing strategies to improve both conversion rates and gross profitability.
• Build direct relationships with airline decision-makers to secure commercially advantageous opportunities.
• Continuously monitor market rates, competitor pricing, and airline developments.

1. Transshipment & CMC Business Development

• Demonstrate extensive knowledge of international cargo transshipment operations through Dubai and other major hubs.
• Identify and develop business opportunities involving CMC facilities, cargo consolidation, transit cargo, and cross-border freight movements.
• Develop commercially viable solutions for cargo movements through Dubai, including documentation, handling, routing, and regulatory requirements.
• Establish relationships with international freight forwarding agents and overseas business partners.
• Identify new trade lanes, airline partnerships, and transshipment business opportunities.
• Present practical business development proposals to management, including revenue potential, expected margins, operational requirements, and implementation plans.

1. Enquiry Management & 95% Conversion Target

• Drive the department toward a target of 95% conversion of qualified, commercially viable enquiries .
• Ensure 100% of enquiries are recorded, assigned, monitored, and followed up.
• Implement a structured quotation and follow-up system to minimize lost business.
• Analyze unsuccessful quotations and identify the reasons for lost business.
• Ensure quotations are competitive, accurate, profitable, and delivered within established turnaround times.
• Work closely with the Sales Department to convert enquiries into confirmed shipments.
• Take ownership of improving enquiry quality, quotation efficiency, customer retention, and shipment volumes.

1. Weekly Management Reporting

Submit a detailed weekly performance report to management covering:

• Total enquiries received, quotations submitted, and shipments confirmed.
• Enquiry conversion percentage and comparison against the 95% target.
• Total sales revenue and gross profit generated.
• Shipment volumes, chargeable weight, and major trade lanes.
• Lost enquiries, reasons for non-conversion, and corrective actions.
• Airline rate developments and negotiated commercial benefits.
• Individual team performance, productivity, and accountability.
• Operational issues, shipment delays, and resolutions.
• New business opportunities, particularly in transshipment and CMC operations.
• Action plan for the coming week with measurable targets.

The Manager must be able to explain departmental performance, identify shortcomings, and present actionable solutions rather than merely report figures.

1. Leadership & Professional Representation

• Represent the company professionally in meetings with airlines, customers, international agents, and business partners.
• Maintain excellent personal presentation, professional grooming, communication, and business etiquette.
• Demonstrate confidence, strong negotiation capabilities, commercial awareness, and sound decision-making.
• Conduct regular departmental performance meetings and ensure effective team coordination.
• Develop employees through training, mentoring, and practical operational guidance.
• Demonstrate leadership through ownership, discipline, accountability, and consistent performance.
• Act as the primary escalation point for air freight operational and pricing matters.

Candidate Requirements

• Minimum 8–10 years of relevant experience in air freight forwarding, operations, and pricing, preferably within the UAE market.
• At least 3–5 years in a managerial or senior leadership position.
• Established professional relationships with airlines, GSAs, and air cargo handling agents in the UAE.
• Strong expertise in transshipment operations, Dubai air cargo facilities, CMC-related opportunities, and cargo handling procedures.
• Excellent knowledge of import, export, transit cargo, customs procedures, AWB documentation, and airline regulations.
• Working knowledge of IATA regulations, dangerous goods procedures, and international freight forwarding practices.
• Proven ability to negotiate competitive airline rates and develop profitable freight solutions.
• Demonstrated experience managing operational teams and improving enquiry conversion rates.
• Strong analytical, reporting, communication, and commercial negotiation skills.
• Excellent command of English, both written and spoken.
• Professional appearance, leadership presence, and ability to represent the company at senior-level meetings.
• Ability to work independently, take ownership, and deliver measurable results with minimal supervision.

Key Performance Indicators (KPIs)Performance AreaExpected TargetEnquiry accountability100% enquiries tracked and assignedEnquiry conversion95% of qualified, commercially viable enquiriesQuotation turnaroundWithin approved service-specific timelinesWeekly reporting100% on-time submissionOperational executionMinimum delays and avoidable errorsGross profitConsistent monthly growth against approved targetsAirline relationshipsCompetitive rates and measurable commercial improvementsTransshipment businessNew profitable opportunities and confirmed shipmentsTeam managementClear accountability, training, and continuous improvementCustomer satisfactionTimely resolutions and professional serviceManagement Expectations

The successful candidate will be expected to operate with the mindset of a Department Head and Business Leader , taking responsibility not only for completing shipments but also for building a highly efficient, profitable, and commercially competitive Air Freight Department.

Management expects someone who can independently identify problems, provide solutions, generate opportunities, develop the team, and deliver measurable improvements in operational performance and profitability.

We are looking for a strong, decisive, hands-on leader who takes complete ownership of the department, builds lasting airline relationships, drives business growth, and is accountable for results.

Pay: AED1.00 - AED2.00 per month

Work Location: In person