Air Freight Operator

Kenny Recruit are working with a freight forwarding business to find an experienced Air Freight Operator to join their air freight team. This is an excellent opportunity for someone with a strong background in air import and export operations, customs procedures and customer service.

You will be responsible for managing air freight import shipments from arrival through to final delivery, ensuring an efficient, cost-effective and customer-focused service. The successful candidate will have strong operational experience, a good commercial understanding and the ability to advise customers and overseas partners on customs and import requirements.

Location: Colnbrook

Working hours: Monday to Friday, 8:30am – 5:00pm (4 days in office, 1 from home)

Salary: £35,000 - £42,000 per annum

Key Responsibilities

Import Operations

• Manage air freight import shipments from pre-alert through to final delivery.
• Liaise with overseas agents, airlines, handling agents, customs brokers, hauliers and customers.
• Monitor flight arrivals, arrange cargo collections and coordinate onward deliveries.
• Check air waybills, commercial invoices, packing lists and other relevant documentation.
• Proactively manage shipment delays, discrepancies and operational issues.
• Ensure shipments are handled efficiently and delivered within agreed timeframes.

Customs Knowledge

• Maintain a strong working knowledge of UK import customs procedures and requirements.
• Advise customers and overseas partners on customs clearance, documentation, duties, VAT and import requirements.
• Resolve customs-related queries and delays.
• Understand commodity codes, customs valuation, country of origin and Incoterms.
• Keep up to date with relevant changes to UK customs procedures and regulations.

Quotations and Commercial Responsibilities

• Prepare competitive air freight import quotations for customers and overseas agents.
• Obtain rates from handling agents, hauliers and other suppliers as required.
• Calculate local destination charges and delivery costs accurately.
• Ensure quotations reflect shipment details, chargeable weight, applicable surcharges and agreed profit margins.
• Respond to quotation requests promptly and follow up where appropriate.
• Liaise with the sales team and overseas network to support business opportunities and maintain competitive pricing.
• Monitor shipment profitability and ensure costs and selling rates are accurately recorded.

Customer Service and Partner Network

• Act as a key point of contact for customers and overseas partners.
• Provide timely updates on shipment progress, arrivals, customs clearance and deliveries.
• Offer practical advice on operational and customs matters.
• Build and maintain strong working relationships with customers, suppliers and international agents.
• Resolve queries professionally and deliver a high level of customer service.

Administration and Financial Control

• Maintain accurate shipment records and update the freight management system.
• Check supplier invoices and ensure costs are correctly allocated.
• Raise customer invoices promptly and accurately.
• Monitor additional charges, including storage, handling and other avoidable costs.
• Ensure shipment files are completed in accordance with company procedures.

Requirements

Minimum of 2 years' experience working as an Air Import Operator within a freight forwarding environment.

Strong knowledge of UK customs procedures, import regulations and customs documentation.

Practical understanding of CDS, customs entries, commodity codes, duty and import VAT.

Proven experience preparing quotations.

Experience coordinating shipments from arrival through customs clearance to final delivery.

Strong communication, negotiation and customer service skills.

Commercially aware, with an understanding of margins, job costing and shipment profitability.

Excellent organisational skills, with the ability to prioritise workloads in a busy operational environment.

High attention to detail and a proactive approach to problem-solving.

Confident using Microsoft Office and freight forwarding or shipment management systems.

Next Steps…

If you have the relevant air import experience and are looking for your next opportunity, we would love to hear from you. Shortlisted candidates will be contacted regarding this specific role. If you haven't heard from us within a week, please assume you have been unsuccessful on this occasion. We would love to provide feedback to every applicant, but due to the volume of applications we receive, unfortunately this isn't always possible. We will keep your CV on file to contact you about future opportunities and offer advice where possible. Alternatively, feel free to contact us for a chat

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