About this role
The AFR Import Manager is responsible for leading the Air Freight Import Operations function, ensuring the delivery of high-quality, compliant, and efficient import services. The role drives operational excellence, customer satisfaction, team development, and business performance through effective leadership, process optimization, and collaboration with internal and external stakeholders.· Develops and executes the AFR Import strategy aligned with country, regional, and global business objectives. · Leads workforce planning, succession planning, and talent development activities within the Import Operations team. · Manages departmental budget, productivity targets, and cost optimization initiatives to ensure operational efficiency and profitability. · Drives continuous improvement projects and Lean process initiatives to enhance service quality, customer satisfaction, and operational productivity. · Establishes and monitors KPIs, ensuring achievement of service, quality, compliance, and financial performance targets. · Collaborates with Sales, Customer Service, Product, Finance, and Operations teams to support business growth opportunities and customer retention initiatives. · Oversees import operational risk management, ensuring proactive identification, mitigation, and resolution of service disruptions and compliance risks. · Acts as the primary escalation point for strategic customers, critical shipments, and high-impact service failures. · Leads supplier and carrier performance reviews, driving accountability and continuous improvement through established service level agreements (SLAs). · Supports contract implementation, customer onboarding, and operational readiness for new business opportunities and key accounts. · Ensures full compliance with local customs regulations, aviation security requirements, corporate policies, and global operational standards. · Drives digitalization, automation, and data quality initiatives to improve visibility, reporting accuracy, and operational efficiency. · Represents the Import Operations department in management meetings, customer reviews, audits, and business projects. · Develops a high-performance culture by coaching, mentoring, and providing regular feedback to team members and supervisors. · Reviews operational and financial performance on a regular basis and implements corrective actions to achieve agreed targets.
• Supports country growth objectives by identifying operational capabilities, capacity requirements, and process enhancements necessary to accommodate business expansion.