Air Freight Forwarding Manager- Exports

Yusen Logistics•Elk Grove Village, IL

1d•$82,936 - $135,577•Hybrid

About The Position

The AFF Manager - Export position directs and oversees daily air export operations at the branch level, ensuring processes are compliant, efficient, and financial performance. This role supports both tactical execution and strategic development across customs services, branch procedures, vendor negotiations, and client onboarding. The role collaborates directly with branch leadership, sales teams, and GHQ-ARM members to drive innovation and profitability in AFF.

Requirements

Bachelor’s degree preferred; equivalent combination of education and experience will be considered.
5+ years of experience in international freight forwarding/gateway/Logistics, including 4+ years in a management role.
An equivalent combination of education and experience may be considered.
Must possess excellent customer service skills or sales skills with the ability to grasp extensive knowledge while dealing with a variety of people.
Strong knowledge of international freight forwarding business.
Must have organizational and time management skills.
Ability to organize and manage multiple priorities.
Must have strong intention to involve problem solving.
Must have the ability to compose letters, memos, emails and other written documentation clearly and concisely. Be able to present oneself in a highly cooperative and professional manner when meeting both internal and external customers and vendors face to face.
Maintain regular and punctual attendance.
Prolonged sitting at a desk or computer terminal
Frequent use of hands and fingers for typing, filing, and handling documents
Occasional lifting of light items (up to 25 lbs), such as office supplies or mail
Visual acuity for reading and computer work
Walking short distances within the office or building
May require use of personal protective equipment (PPE) in certain environments.
Hybrid work schedule remote and in-office settings.
Office environment - confined workspace or cubicle includes moderate noise (phones, printers, conversations)
Remote workspace should have internet connectivity, be quiet, secure, and ergonomic .
Requires ability to adapt to changing priorities and multitask in a dynamic environment.
Frequently communicates with coworkers and clients to exchange accurate information.
In-office presence may be required on scheduled days or for specific events, meetings, or team activities.
May involve travel or off-site meetings up to 5% of the time.

Responsibilities

Supervise day-to-day air export operations, ensuring timely, accurate, safe, and compliant processing of shipments—including special handling, DG, oversized, and time-critical cargo.
Oversee all Dangerous Goods (DG) compliance for export shipments, ensuring proper classification, packaging, documentation, acceptance checks, and staff training per IATA and federal regulations.
Act as the escalation point for DG-related issues and ensure DG-certified staff are scheduled appropriately to support operational needs.
Coordinate closely with Brokerage teams when export documentation or clearance intersects with inbound workflows to prevent delays and maintain regulatory consistency.
Maintain strict adherence to U.S. and international export regulations, TSA requirements, carrier rules, DG regulations, and internal compliance standards.
Develop, execute, and maintain audit programs, SOPs, DG handling procedures, and process controls to support consistent, compliant operations.
Monitor performance against KPIs, providing hands-on coaching, training, and performance management for Export, Gateway, and Customer Service staff.
Partner with Air Export, Gateway, and Customer Service teams to streamline communication, improve workflow efficiency, and strengthen customer experience.
Oversee creation, maintenance, and continuous improvement of customer-specific export and DG procedures, with special attention during onboarding and process transitions.
Lead the customer service function for export operations, ensuring prompt, accurate communication, proactive problem-solving, and timely updates for bookings, milestones, and exceptions.
Manage escalations related to service issues, DG concerns, customer inquiries, and service failures, providing resolution and communication to internal and external stakeholders.
Collaborate with carriers, vendors, and service partners to ensure service reliability, DG handling capabilities, and cost effectiveness.
Support RFQs, new business development, and customer growth, providing export and DG expertise to strengthen proposals and operational solutions.
Work closely with Sales and Branch Management to ensure customer expectations, SLAs, and service levels are consistently met or exceeded.
Liaise across business units and headquarters to optimize export capacity, space allocation, DG movement planning, cost structures, and network efficiency.
Track, analyze, and report export KPIs, customer service metrics, DG compliance data, and overall performance results, ensuring targets are met.
Oversee shipment accounting, including vendor payables, customer billing, receivables, profitability reporting, and margin analysis.
Support pricing strategies and rate discussions with carriers and 3PL partners, including DG-related surcharges and service considerations.
Direct claims management, ensuring timely reporting, accurate documentation, customer communication, and root-cause follow-up.
Manage and develop Export, Gateway, and Customer Service leaders, including hiring, coaching, training, and performance evaluation.
Ensure all supervisory activities comply with organizational policy, TSA and IATA DG regulations, labor laws, and industry standards.
Serve as the primary escalation point for operational emergencies, DG issues, service disruptions, and strategic decision-making.
Foster strong relationships with internal teams, customers, carriers, and vendors to support operational continuity, customer satisfaction, and long-term business success.

Benefits

Medical, Dental, and Vision beginning the 1st of the month following start date
401k with a company match
Standard 10 days PTO
Eligible for bonus plan
Flexible Spending Accounts, Life and Accidental Death & Dismemberment Insurance, Short & Long Term Disability, Tuition Assistance Program, Commuter Benefits, vacation, and much more
Any and all benefits offered are subject to the eligibility requirements, terms, and provisions set forth in the respective policies and plan documents, which you may request from Human Resources.

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