AFR Import Manager

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.