Airfreight Product Leader - United Kingdom and Ireland

Colnbrook, England, United Kingdom

7/11/2025

Job Description

Role Overview:

The Airfreight Product Leader owns the airfreight product for Region, overseeing both the operational and commercial chapters to deliver a world-class, customer-centric product. This leader is responsible for driving the growth of tonnage and profitability through strategic sales development, competitive rate procurement, and innovative cargo consolidation solutions. The role requires a highly collaborative, KPI-driven approach to ensure alignment with regional and global objectives, and continuous improvement in customer service and operational excellence.

Key Responsibilities

Strategic & Commercial Leadership

• Develop, implement, and own a commercial, KPI-driven strategy to grow airfreight tonnage and profitability, ensuring sustainable infrastructure and alignment with regional/global goals.
• Deliver a best-in-class product to all internal and external customers, with a strong focus on customer expectations and market competitiveness.
• Lead and support the sales force by providing creative, solution-oriented offers, including “outside the box” approaches, and ensure superior responses to RFQs and RFIs.
• Act as the key sponsor for strategic customers, driving business growth across all airfreight products and services.
  
  

Carrier Procurement & Pricing

• Build and maintain strong relationships with airlines, carriers, ground handlers, and third-party providers to secure competitive rates and capacity.
• Implement a core carrier strategy, concentrating spend (>70%) with a select group of preferred partners to optimize cost and service quality.
• Manage local pricing rights, set monthly top-lane pricing, and participate in regional pricing strategies for major trade lanes (>5,000 kg).
• Ensure timely, competitive pricing delivery and accurate customer quotations.
  
  

Cargo Consolidation & Operational Excellence

• Design and manage consolidation hubs to maximize cargo volume, increase load factors, and optimize profitability on key trade lanes.
• Drive operational efficiency through continuous process improvement, data integrity, and adherence to SOPs and KPIs.
• Oversee on-time, in-full customs and operational execution, ensuring accurate customer information provided for correct updates and invoicing.
• Accountable for tender, implementation, and retention processes, supporting tactical business plans and new product launches.
  
  

Customer Engagement & Retention

• Actively engage with customers, conducting regular visits and calls (8-10 per month) to understand their needs and align solutions accordingly.
• Proactively provide pricing alternatives, routing solutions, and technical assistance to enhance customer satisfaction and retention.
  
  

Team Leadership & Development

• Inspire, support, and develop the airfreight team, ensuring clear roles, expectations, and structured development plans working closely with Airfreight Branch Manager
• Promote open dialogue, team spirit, and a customer-centric culture.
• Lead by example in compliance, integrity, and work ethics, ensuring full adherence to company policies and industry regulations.
  
  

Financial & Performance Management

• Monitor and review P&L, productivity, and business performance, achieving planned net revenue and yield targets.
• Prepare regular reports on product performance, pricing effectiveness, and operational improvements.
• Support the development and execution of tactical business plans for the airfreight team.
  
  

Job Requirements

Key Competencies & Skills

• Self-starter: Able to work independently and proactively achieve goals.
• Commercial acumen: Strong sales support and solution-oriented mindset.
• Excellent communication: Fluent in English, both verbal and written.
• Result-driven: Focused on delivering measurable business outcomes.
• Customer-centric: Deep commitment to understanding and meeting customer needs.
• Team player and leader: Able to motivate, guide, and develop diverse teams.
• Organizational skills: Strong planning, prioritization, and process improvement abilities.
• Technical proficiency: Skilled in Microsoft Office (Excel, Word, PowerPoint) and airfreight management systems.
  
  

Qualifications & Experience

• Minimum 8 years of airfreight product experience, including deep market knowledge of UK and Europe.
• 3-5 years in a managerial position with direct airline/partner procurement responsibility.
• Proven track record in sales development, carrier negotiations, and cargo consolidation to increase tonnage and profitability.
• Graduate from IATA/FIATA introductory course (preferred).
• English proficiency
• Willingness to travel as required.
  
  

This is a high-impact leadership role for a commercially savvy, operationally strong, and customer-focused airfreight expert ready to elevate our product to the next level in the UK and France.