What are the responsibilities and job description for the Air Import Operations Manager position at DHL Global Forwarding?
Job Title: Air Import Operations Manager
Location: Hebron, Kentucky
DHL Global Forwarding (DGF) manages the flow of goods and information across a customer's global supply chain utilizing air/ocean/ground transportation, customs brokerage services, and dedicated warehousing/distribution centers. We are part of Deutsche Post DHL, the world's leading logistics provider with operations in over 220 countries. Visit our career site on the web at https://www.logistics.dhl/us-en/home/careers.html.
We have an exciting opportunity for an Air Import Operations Import Manager. In this role you will manage and coordinate the activities of employees engaged in air import and customs brokerage operations.
Key Responsibilities
- Lead end-to-end Air Import operations from pre-alert through delivery, POD, billing readiness, and file closure.
- Manage team workload, coaching, training, performance, and daily operational priorities.
- Monitor shipments, milestones, exceptions, escalations, and service risks through resolution.
- Oversee dispatch planning, carrier/driver assignment, appointment coordination, and delivery execution.
- Manage same-day changes, re-deliveries, driver delays, detention risk, site access issues, and final-mile exceptions.
- Proactively monitor and address capacity constraints by collaborating with warehouse leadership, transportation providers, and internal teams to mitigate bottlenecks.
- Develop and maintain strong working relationships with carriers and third-party warehouse providers to support operational efficiency and issue resolution.
- Serve as the primary point of contact and liaison between Operations and Program Management, facilitating communication, aligning priorities, providing operational updates, and driving resolution of customer and service-related issues.
- Respond to customer inquiries and escalations with urgency, ownership, and clear communication.
- Lead performance routines covering shipment status, SLA performance, customs actions, delivery risks, aged files, billing readiness, and RCCA items.
- Partner with warehouse, carrier, brokerage, security, and control tower teams to meet service and compliance standards.
- Promote customer focus, compliance, continuous improvement, and operational discipline.
Skills / Requirements
- 5 years Air Freight Import experience required; strategic customer experience preferred.
- 3 years leadership experience required.
- Strong knowledge of U.S. air import operations, dispatch, customs coordination, POD, billing readiness, and file closure.
- Experience in control tower, key account, or customer operations environments preferred.
- CargoWise experience required or strongly preferred; customer visibility tools and TMS workflows are a plus.
- Proven ability to manage and lead both onsite and remote coordinator teams, driving engagement, accountability, performance, and consistent execution across geographically dispersed workgroups.
- Strong dispatch knowledge, including carrier assignment, appointment coordination, driver communication, accessorials, and final-mile escalations.
- Experience with high-value, technology, DG / Hazmat, security-sensitive, or time-critical freight is a plus.
- Working knowledge of P&L, cost control, billing accuracy, and productivity is a plus.
- Proficient in Microsoft Office Suite and performance reporting tools.
- Strong leadership, communication, customer service, and cross-functional collaboration skills.
- Strong problem-solving, root cause analysis, urgency, flexibility, and continuous improvement mindset.
Pay Range: $93,142.50 - $124,190.00 (Based on Experience)
Benefits (All Non-Union Employees)
- Compensation: Competitive base salary plus role dependent performance-based incentives.
- 401(k) Match: $1-for-$1 match up to 4% quarterly 2% annual base contribution.
- Stock Purchase Plan: Ability to purchase Deutsche Post AG shares at a discounted rate.
- Medical: Comprehensive plans covering preventive care, inpatient/outpatient services, and prescriptions.
- Vision: Optional coverage for exams, frames, and contacts.
- Dental: Optional coverage for preventive, basic, and major services.
- Paid Time Off: 7 major holidays, 8 floating holidays, and accrued vacation/sick days.
Why Join DHL Global Forwarding?
At DHL Global Forwarding, we invest in our employees' growth, providing training, guidance, and career advancement opportunities. We believe in building careers, not just jobs, and empowering our team to develop skills and achieve long-term success.
Be part of DHL Group, the world's leading logistics provider, operating in 220 countries. DHL Global Forwarding (DGF) is a global leader in air and ocean freight, with 30,000 employees ensuring seamless transport and supply chain solutions. Explore careers with us: DHL Careers.
Equal Opportunity Employer
DHL Global Forwarding is committed to equal employment opportunities, evaluating all qualified applicants without regard to race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, disability, veteran status, or other legally protected characteristics.
Work Authorization
Applicants must be legally authorized to work in the United States. Visa sponsorship is not available for this role.
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Salary : $93,143 - $124,190