Air Freight Operations Manager

Company Description Load One, LLC is one of the largest premium transportation and expedite companies in the United States, providing customers with a broad range of asset-based and third-party logistics solutions. The company offers ground expedite, air charter and air freight, truckload, specialized curtainside and flatbed services, blended solutions, LTL, inter-modal management, warehousing, and comprehensive third-party freight management. Backed by advanced technology, modern equipment, and 24/7/365 operations, Load One supports customers with flexible, high-performance transportation services. The organization’s continued growth is driven by experienced logistics professionals who focus on reliability, service quality, and innovation. Guided by the belief that “the future belongs to those who deliver,” Load One emphasizes a results-driven culture and customer-centric approach.

• Role Description

Air Freight Operations Manager is responsible for the day-to-day execution and buildout of the company's air freight business. This role owns carrier relationships and network capacity, operational execution, and regulatory compliance in support of the air freight service line. The Manager ensures full compliance with TSA, IAC, IATA, and DOT regulations governing air cargo operations and serves as the company's primary point of contact for related audits and inspections.

• Develop and execute the strategic plan for air freight operations, including carrier network development, capacity planning, and pricing strategy.
• Negotiate and manage relationships with airline carriers, general sales agents (GSAs), and airport handling partners to secure competitive rates and reliable capacity.
• Oversee day-to-day air freight operations, including booking, tendering, shipment tracking, and exception management.
• Ensure full compliance with TSA, IAC, IATA, and DOT regulations governing air cargo; serve as primary liaison for regulatory audits and inspections.
• Establish and monitor key performance indicators for on-time performance, cost per shipment, and carrier scorecards.
• Partner with Sales to identify and develop new air freight business opportunities and expand air freight service within existing customer accounts.
• Build, lead, and develop an air freight operations team, including dispatch and booking coordination staff, as volume grows.
• Implement and maintain systems and processes that support shipment visibility, tracking, and reporting.
• Partner with IT/systems teams to build and maintain the technology needed to support air freight operations.
• Monitor industry trends, regulatory changes, and competitive dynamics in the air cargo market, and adjust strategy accordingly.

Education: Bachelor's degree in Logistics, Supply Chain Management, Business Administration, or a related field; equivalent professional experience will be considered in lieu of a degree.

Experience: 8 years of progressive experience in air freight or air cargo operations, including experience with an airline, indirect air carrier (IAC), freight forwarder, or third-party logistics provider. Minimum 3 years in a leadership role managing an operations team.

Certifications: IATA and/or TSA-related training or certification preferred. Prior experience serving as a company's on-site contact for TSA compliance audits strongly preferred.

Skills:

• Deep working knowledge of air cargo operations, IATA regulations, and TSA/IAC compliance requirements.
• Proven track record negotiating carrier agreements and managing airline relationships.
• Strong cost and budget management skills, with the financial acumen to manage carrier rates and operating costs.
• Excellent leadership, communication, and cross-functional collaboration skills.
• Proficiency with transportation management systems (TMS) and data-driven decision making.

• On-site presence expected during the initial build and launch phase, with occasional presence required at operational or airport facilities.
• Ability to travel as needed to support carrier negotiations, audits, and business development, typically 15–25%.
• Remote work flexibility will be considered once air freight operations are stood up and running on a stable, predictable basis.

Load One is an Equal Opportunity Employer. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, disability, veteran status, or any other status protected by applicable law.