Head of Operations Air Freight

Introduction

Move the world with us! AIT is a global freight forwarding and logistics company headquartered in Chicago. Are you looking for an exciting and varied job? Then you are exactly right for us! Become part of the international supply chain and move the world with us! Does that sound interesting? Then make AIT Worldwide Logistics the next stop on your career ladder!

Overview

As Head of Operations Air Freight, you will lead the Air Import and Export teams, ensuring smooth, efficient, and on-time operational execution while continuously optimizing processes, services, and branch performance. You will drive customer satisfaction and business growth by strengthening existing relationships, developing new business opportunities, and acting as the primary operational contact for key accounts, including Life Sciences customers. Additionally, you will oversee team leadership, operational excellence, safety compliance, and cross-functional collaboration to ensure customer requirements are met and aligned with company policies and performance standards.

Responsibilities

• Lead and develop the Air Freight Import & Export department, ensuring efficient operations across all cargo verticals
• Ensure smooth, compliant, and on-time execution of air freight shipments, including transport coordination and export processing
• Recruit, coach, evaluate, and develop team members while providing day-to-day operational leadership
• Drive continuous improvement of processes, procedures, and operational documentation
• Manage airline relationships, negotiate rates, and oversee air freight procurement and pricing strategies
• Control shipment profitability, costs, accruals, receivables, and contribute to monthly financial closing activities
• Build and maintain strong relationships with customers, agents, airlines, and service providers, providing expert operational support
• Oversee customs clearance, dangerous goods handling, and compliance with all applicable regulations, including GxP, GDP, and IATA requirements
• Lead customer implementations, quality initiatives, issue resolution, and continuous improvement projects to enhance service performance
• Monitor and analyze operational and customer KPIs, prepare business reports, and support strategic decision-making

Qualifications

• Completed trainings as a forwarding agent
• Completed further education in the field of freight forwarding or business
• At least 5 years of professional experience in a similar function in the export and/or import sector of freight forwarding, ideally in Air Freight
• Several years of experience in the management of employees
• Demonstrated work experience in process implementation, customer service and logistics preferably in/for the Life science sector.
• Ability to work independently and in a group environment
• Fluent oral and written English and Italian is a must

What AIT Can Offer You

• Work-life balance perks: a 39-hour work week and flexible working hours in line with the CCNL (National Collective Labour Agreement)
• Meal vouchers to make your lunch breaks easier and more enjoyable
• Smart working allowance to support remote work-related expenses
• Hybrid work model: one day of home office per week for added flexibility
• Private health insurance for extra peace of mind
• Volunteer time: up to 5 hours annually to contribute to causes that matter to you

About AIT Worldwide

AIT Worldwide Logistics is a global freight forwarder that helps companies grow by expanding access to markets all over the world where they can sell and/or procure their raw materials, components and finished goods. For more than 40 years, the Chicago-based supply chain solutions leader has relied on a consultative approach to build a global network and trusted partnerships in nearly every industry, including aerospace, automotive, consumer retail, energy, food, government, high-tech, industrial, life sciences and marine. Backed by scalable, user-friendly technology, AIT’s flexible business model customizes door-to-door deliveries via sea, air, ground and rail—on time and on budget. With expert teammates staffing more than 150 worldwide locations in Asia, Europe and North America, AIT’s full-service options also include customs clearance, warehouse management and white glove services.