Assistant/Deputy Manager - Air Freight Procurement (Energy Vertical)

Overview

This role will be responsible for managing air freight procurement, carrier negotiations, capacity sourcing, and operational execution for Energy, Oil & Gas, and Project Logistics customers. The role will drive cost‑effective and reliable transportation solutions, support critical and time‑sensitive shipments, ensure compliance with UAE customs and trade regulations, and collaborate with airlines, customers, vendors, and global teams to deliver operational excellence and superior customer service.

Responsibilities

• Develop and implement air freight procurement strategies to achieve competitive pricing, service excellence, and operational efficiency.
• Manage airline contracts, rate agreements, and capacity allocations to ensure availability and cost‑effective solutions.
• Oversee daily air freight export operations, ensuring shipments are processed accurately and delivered on time.
• Coordinate and manage energy and project logistics shipments, including urgent, critical, oversized, and time‑sensitive cargo movements.
• Ensure compliance with UAE Customs regulations, IATA standards, airline requirements, and all applicable trade regulations.
• Monitor carrier performance and service levels, identifying opportunities for improvement and cost savings.
• Liaise with airlines, global offices, customers, customs authorities, and other stakeholders to ensure smooth shipment execution.
• Provide expertise on carrier capabilities, routing options, transit times, and air freight solutions for complex logistics requirements.
• Resolve operational issues proactively and support customers with effective and timely solutions.
• Maintain accurate shipment documentation and ensure adherence to company policies and quality standards.

Additional Responsibility

• Ensure all dangerous goods shipments are handled, documented, packed, and transported in compliance with IATA DGR, airline requirements, and applicable regulatory standards.
• Act as the focal point for DGR‑related inquiries and maintain compliance with current dangerous goods regulations and certification requirements.

Qualifications

• Bachelor's or Master's Degree in any domain.
• Minimum 5 years of experience in Air Freight Export Operations within a freight forwarding, airline cargo, GSA, or logistics environment.
• Previous experience working with a General Sales Agent (GSA) or Airline Cargo Sales organization is highly preferred.
• Strong knowledge of air export procedures, including booking, documentation, customs clearance, and shipment execution.
• Proven understanding of airline carrier capabilities, capacity management, routing options, transit times, and rate structures.
• Sound knowledge of IATA regulations, air cargo security requirements, and international air freight procedures.
• Valid IATA Dangerous Goods Regulations (DGR) Certification with practical experience in handling, acceptance, documentation, and transportation of dangerous goods shipments.
• Ability to ensure compliance with all DGR, airline, customs, and regulatory requirements.
• Experience in rate negotiation, carrier management, and capacity procurement with airlines and GSAs.
• Knowledge of UAE Customs regulations and export compliance requirements.
• Experience handling energy, project logistics, critical, time‑sensitive, and charter shipments is a strong advantage.
• Strong communication, negotiation, and customer service skills.
• Ability to work under pressure, manage multiple priorities, and meet tight deadlines.
• Ability to work within defined strategies while contributing practical, execution‑focused insights.
• System proficiency preferred, including CargoWise.
• Effective coordination and stakeholder management skills

What AIT Can Offer You

In addition to base compensation, AIT offers a growing suite of competitive benefits to help our teammates realize their full financial, well‑being, personal and professional potential.

• Vacation/holiday time
• Global employee support program
• Mindfulness tools
• Professional development
• Company events and gatherings
• Five paid volunteer hours through our AIT Cares program

Our competitive employee benefits packages may vary by region and country.

AIT Worldwide Logistics is an Equal Opportunity Employer – M/F/Veterans/Disabled. If you are unable to apply online due to a disability, contact Human Resources at 630-766-8300 ext 5218.