Air Freight Gateway Manager

The Air Freight Gateway Manager is responsible for overseeing the operational performance, compliance, financial management and strategic development of air freight gateway activities within the assigned region. The role ensures efficient cargo flow, effective consolidation and routing, optimal use of capacity and resources, and alignment with regional and global air freight strategies. Working closely with regional air freight leadership, country operations, carriers, ground handling agents, trucking partners and other internal stakeholders, the position supports reliable, cost-effective and scalable gateway solutions. The role is also responsible for gateway performance, vendor management, operational improvement and selected regional initiatives. Key Responsibilities 1. Gateway Operations Oversee the operational performance of inbound, outbound and transit gateway activities. Ensure timely and accurate handling of shipments in accordance with service standards and operational requirements. Monitor and optimise cargo consolidation, routing, load planning, booking and uplift performance. Coordinate with country operations, airlines, ground handling agents, trucking providers and other service partners. Monitor operational exceptions like cargo rollovers, shipment delays, capacity constraints and irregular operations. Ensure operational issues are escalated and resolved quickly. Develop and maintain contingency plans for peak periods, service disruptions and capacity shortages. Support consistent operating standards across participating locations. 2. Capacity and Carrier Management Monitor gateway capacity, shipment allocation, space utilisation and uplift performance. Work with regional air freight leadership to support airline capacity planning and routing decisions. Maintain effective operational relationships with airlines, general sales agents, ground handlers and other service providers. Participate in airline and vendor performance reviews. Support capacity, rate and service negotiations within delegated authority. Ensure carrier and routing decisions balance service quality, capacity availability, cost and operational risk. Maintain accurate carrier, routing and capacity information. 3. Vendor Management Manage the operational performance of airlines, ground handling agents, trucking providers and other gateway vendors. Support the selection and appointment of service providers. Negotiate operational rates and service terms within delegated authority. Develop and monitor service-level agreements and vendor performance indicators. Conduct regular vendor performance reviews and follow up on corrective actions. Escalate significant service, cost or contractual concerns to regional air freight leadership. Ensure appropriate governance and approval processes are followed for vendor appointments and renewals. 4. Financial Performance Prepare and manage gateway budgets and cost plans. Monitor gateway costs, cost per kilogram, utilisation, recovery and profitability. Review airline, handling, trucking and other operational charges. Identify cost-saving and productivity improvement opportunities. Ensure gateway charges and cost allocations are accurate and appropriately recovered. Prepare forecasts, performance reports and variance explanations. Recommend corrective actions where gateway financial performance is below target. Work with Finance and regional stakeholders to maintain appropriate financial controls. 5. Service Quality and Performance Management Establish and monitor gateway performance indicators like on-time uplift and delivery, transit-time performance, cargo rollover and offload rates, cost per kilogram, capacity and space utilisation, shipment accuracy, operational productivity, claims and service failures, vendor performance and gateway profitability. Conduct regular gateway performance reviews. Analyse operational trends and implement corrective actions. Investigate service failures and recurring operational issues. Support root-cause analysis and preventive action planning. Provide timely operational and financial reports to regional leadership. 6. Compliance, Security and Risk Management Ensure gateway activities comply with IATA and ICAO requirements, dangerous goods regulations, aviation security standards and local regulations. Ensure that relevant customs, trade compliance, and cargo security requirements are followed across participating locations. Maintain appropriate controls for cargo s…