Air Freight Forwarding Manager- Exports

Yusen Logistics•Elk Grove Village, IL

2d•Hybrid

About The Position

The Air Freight Forwarding Manager – Exports directs and oversees daily branch-level air export operations, ensuring compliant and efficient processes and strong financial performance. The role combines tactical operational leadership with strategic development across customs services, branch procedures, vendor negotiations, and customer onboarding. It works closely with branch leadership, Sales, and GHQ-ARM members to support innovation and profitability in air freight forwarding. The manager leads export operations and customer service, oversees dangerous goods (DG) compliance, develops procedures and audit controls, tracks performance, manages shipment accounting and claims, and develops Export, Gateway, and Customer Service leaders. The position works with internal teams, customers, carriers, vendors, and service partners to maintain reliable service, regulatory compliance, customer satisfaction, and business growth. The role has a hybrid schedule, combining remote and in-office work, and may involve travel or off-site meetings up to 5% of the time.

Requirements

At least 5 years of experience in international freight forwarding, gateway, or logistics, including at least 4 years in a management role.
Strong knowledge of the international freight forwarding business.
Excellent customer service or sales skills and the ability to grasp extensive knowledge while working with a variety of people.
Strong organizational and time-management skills.
Ability to organize and manage multiple priorities.
Problem-solving ability.
Ability to compose letters, memos, emails, and other written documentation clearly and concisely.
Professional and cooperative demeanor when meeting with internal and external customers and vendors.
Ability to meet the position’s physical demands, including regular and punctual attendance, prolonged sitting, frequent typing and document handling, occasional lifting of items up to 25 pounds, visual acuity for reading and computer work, and walking short distances.
Ability to adapt to changing priorities, multitask in a dynamic environment, and communicate frequently with coworkers and clients.
Ability to work in a hybrid arrangement, with in-office presence on scheduled days or for specific events, meetings, or team activities; travel or off-site meetings may be required up to 5% of the time.

Nice To Haves

Bachelor’s degree preferred; an equivalent combination of education and experience will be considered.

Responsibilities

Supervise day-to-day air export operations, ensuring shipments are processed timely, accurately, safely, and compliantly, including special-handling, dangerous goods, oversized, and time-critical cargo.
Oversee dangerous goods compliance for export shipments, including classification, packaging, documentation, acceptance checks, staff training, issue escalation, and scheduling of DG-certified staff.
Coordinate with Brokerage teams when export documentation or clearance intersects with inbound workflows.
Maintain compliance with U.S. and international export regulations, TSA requirements, carrier rules, DG regulations, and internal standards.
Develop, execute, and maintain audit programs, SOPs, DG handling procedures, and process controls.
Monitor KPIs and provide coaching, training, and performance management for Export, Gateway, and Customer Service staff.
Partner with Air Export, Gateway, and Customer Service teams to improve communication, workflow efficiency, and customer experience.
Oversee customer-specific export and DG procedures and their continuous improvement, particularly during onboarding and process transitions.
Lead export customer service, including timely and accurate communications, proactive problem-solving, and shipment booking, milestone, and exception updates.
Manage escalations involving service issues, DG concerns, customer inquiries, and service failures, communicating resolutions to stakeholders.
Collaborate with carriers, vendors, and service partners to support reliable service, DG handling capabilities, and cost effectiveness.
Support RFQs, business development, and customer growth by providing export and DG expertise for proposals and operational solutions.
Work with Sales and Branch Management to meet or exceed customer expectations, SLAs, and service levels.
Coordinate 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.
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 through hiring, coaching, training, and performance evaluation.
Ensure 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 decisions.
Build relationships with internal teams, customers, carriers, and vendors to support operational continuity, customer satisfaction, and long-term business success.

Benefits

Medical, dental, and vision insurance beginning the first of the month following start date
401(k) with company match
Standard 10 days PTO
Eligible for bonus plan
Seven paid holidays
Eligible for overtime pay, if applicable
Flexible Spending Accounts
Life and Accidental Death & Dismemberment Insurance
Short- and long-term disability
Tuition Assistance Program
Commuter benefits
Vacation