Independent Air Freight Operations Manager

Defense Program Support LLC is seeking an experienced and entrepreneurial Independent Air Freight Operations Manager to help build and grow a specialized international air freight and defense logistics operation.

This is more than a traditional operations role. We are looking for someone who wants to help build a business, develop long-term customer relationships, and establish scalable operating procedures while working remotely with a high degree of autonomy.

The successful candidate will manage the complete lifecycle of international air freight shipments, from customer quotation through final delivery, while ensuring compliance with all applicable U.S. and international transportation regulations.

This position offers the opportunity to contribute to the growth of a rapidly expanding logistics company, with the potential to earn additional responsibilities and equity ownership based on performance and long-term commitment.

COMPENSATION: $100,000-$250,000 annual Possible Company Ownership Stake.

Defense Program Support LLC is a specialized international logistics and trade compliance company focused on supporting defense, aerospace, and government customers worldwide. Our services include international air freight, air charter coordination, export compliance, customs coordination, dangerous goods transportation, and end-to-end logistics management for complex global programs.

As we continue to grow, we are seeking professionals who share our entrepreneurial mindset and want to help build a premier defense logistics organization from the ground up.

We are looking for someone who thinks like an owner—not just an operator.

The ideal candidate enjoys solving logistics challenges, building customer relationships, improving processes, and helping grow a business from the ground up.

This is an opportunity to make a meaningful impact in a small, agile company where your ideas and contributions will directly influence our success.

The Independent Air Freight Operations Manager will be responsible for managing international air freight shipments from origin through final delivery, including:

• Preparing customer quotations and freight proposals
• Procuring and negotiating airline capacity and pricing
• Booking domestic and international air freight shipments
• Coordinating door-to-door transportation
• Creating and reviewing all export documentation
• Preparing Commercial Invoices, Packing Lists, Air Waybills (MAWB/HAWB), Shipper's Letters of Instruction (SLIs), and Powers of Attorney (POAs)
• Coordinating AES export filings
• Managing shipment tracking and customer status updates
• Coordinating pickups, transfers, customs clearance, and final delivery
• Managing return shipments when required
• Working directly with airlines, trucking companies, customs brokers, overseas agents, and government customers
• Maintaining accurate shipment files and operational records
• Assisting in the development of Standard Operating Procedures (SOPs) and workflow documentation to support future company growth

Maintain compliance with all applicable regulations, including:

• TSA Indirect Air Carrier (IAC) requirements
• U.S. Customs and Border Protection (CBP)
• Bureau of Industry and Security (BIS)
• Directorate of Defense Trade Controls (DDTC), when applicable
• Department of Transportation (DOT)
• International Air Transport Association (IATA) Dangerous Goods Regulations
• Export Administration Regulations (EAR)
• Hazardous materials transportation requirements

Ideal candidates will possess:

• 5 years of international air freight forwarding experience
• Experience handling defense, aerospace, government, or project cargo
• Strong understanding of export compliance and customs procedures
• Experience with AES filings and export documentation
• Knowledge of Dangerous Goods shipping requirements
• Experience working with passenger and freighter airline networks
• Familiarity with CargoWise, CargoEZ, or similar freight forwarding software
• Strong communication and customer service skills
• Excellent organizational and problem-solving abilities
• Ability to work independently with minimal supervision

Candidates with the following experience will be highly competitive:

• Established relationships with passenger and cargo airlines
• Knowledge of airline cargo routing and global transportation networks
• Familiarity with airline cargo acceptance policies and commodity restrictions
• Relationships with airline cargo sales representatives and station personnel
• Experience arranging charter aircraft
• Experience supporting Department of Defense (DoD), Foreign Military Sales (FMS), Direct Commercial Sales (DCS), or government logistics programs
• Existing relationships with international freight forwarders and customs brokers