Air Logistics Operations Team Leader

About This Role

It's more than a job When you work in Freight Logistics and Operations at Kuehne+Nagel, you play a key role in optimising processes and ensuring that inventory and shipments move efficiently. But that is not all. Your work also helps ensure that vital medicines reach patients on time and supports other essential deliveries, from wind turbines to semiconductors. At Kuehne+Nagel, our contribution counts in more ways than we imagine.

‎ The Air Logistics Operations Team Leader plays a key role in ensuring end‑to‑end operational excellence by overseeing daily air logistics activities including customs clearance, cargo retrieval/handover, documentation, and transport arrangement. This position is based at the Kuehne+Nagel office located at Abu Dhabi International Airport, enabling close coordination with airport authorities, ground handling agents, and operational partners.

The Air Logistics Operations Team Leader is responsible for managing and optimizing the full cycle of air logistics operations. The role ensures seamless coordination of customs processes, cargo handling, documentation, and transportation activities while leading the operational team to deliver high‑quality, timely, and compliant service.

How you create impact

• Manage end‑to‑end air logistics operations, ensuring timely execution of customs clearance, cargo retrieval/delivery, documentation, and transportation processes.
• Coordinate with Ground Handling Agents for cargo retrieval, including delivery order issuance, slot booking, and customs inspection, and nominate customers/agents for direct terminal collection when required.
• Supervise transportation planning and ensure timely cargo pick‑up and delivery while maintaining accurate and timely updates of shipment milestones and documentation in relevant systems.
• Prepare, verify, and control operational documents such as exit/entry forms, claims, and related paperwork, and promptly report any operational disputes or discrepancies to management.
• Lead the operational team, drive process improvement initiatives, and implement corrective and preventive actions to reduce disruptions and recurring service failures.
• Act as an escalation point for issues such as missing cargo, damage reports, and claims, ensuring proactive communication and coordination with all stakeholders.
• Manage customer communication for shipment updates, resolve inquiries related to direct collection shipments, and promote value‑added services such as pre‑clearance, delivery, and collection.
• Control operational costs, ensure accurate billing in coordination with RCC, and support cost‑optimization efforts including vendor onboarding, rate negotiations, and consolidation opportunities.
• Identify opportunities to enhance operational workflows through automation or outsourcing and ensure full compliance with company guidelines, customs regulations, and industry standards related to Quality, Security, Health & Safety, and Environment.

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What we would like you to bring

• Proven experience in air logistics operations and AOG cargo.
• Strong knowledge of customs clearance procedures and air cargo handling.
• Experience in leading teams or supervising operational functions.
• Excellent communication and stakeholder management skills.
• Strong analytical and problem‑solving abilities with a proactive mindset.
• Ability to work under pressure and manage multiple priorities effectively.
• High attention to detail and commitment to operational accuracy.
• Proficiency in shipment documentation and milestone management.
• Valid driving licence.
• Willingness to work in a shift‑based schedule. What's in it for you

You will join a global industry leader in a dynamic airport‑based environment, working closely with international stakeholders and operational partners. The role offers strong opportunities for professional growth, exposure to complex logistics operations, involvement in process improvement initiatives, and a collaborative culture that values ownership, innovation, and continuous development, supported by competitive compensation and benefits.

Who we are Logistics shapes everyday life - from the goods we consume to the healthcare we rely on. At Kuehne+Nagel, your work goes beyond logistics; it enables both ordinary and special moments in the lives of people around the world.

As a global leader with a strong heritage and a vision to move the world forward, we offer a safe, stable environment where your career can make a real difference. Whether we help deliver life-saving medicines, develop sustainable transportation solutions or support our local communities, your career will contribute to more than you can imagine.

We kindly advise that placement agencies refrain from submitting unsolicited profiles. Any submissions of candidates without prior signed agreement will be considered our property and no fees will be paid.

Contact

Kuehne+Nagel Recruitment Team

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