Export Manager

Job Title: Export Manager – Air Freight

Location & Job Type: Jamaica, Queens, NY (JFK Area) | Full-Time, On-Site

Company Overview
Altius Talent is partnering with an established international freight forwarder with a strong presence at JFK. The company handles high-value, time-sensitive air cargo for a diverse client base and is investing in its air export function as part of a broader push for operational excellence.

Position Overview
The Export Manager – Air Freight is a strategic leadership role responsible for overseeing, restructuring, and optimizing the international air export function at the JFK location. This position is accountable for operational excellence, compliance, team performance, and client satisfaction in a high-value, time-sensitive logistics environment. The ideal candidate will lead with ownership, implement scalable processes, and raise departmental performance to best-in-class standards.

Key Responsibilities

• Lead and manage the day-to-day operations of the air export department, ensuring timely, accurate, and cost-effective shipment execution
• Assess and restructure existing workflows, roles, and reporting lines to build a scalable, high-performing operation
• Develop, document, and implement standard operating procedures (SOPs) that improve efficiency, consistency, and service quality
• Ensure full compliance with U.S. export regulations, including AES/EEI filing, Export Administration Regulations (EAR), and applicable carrier and TSA/security requirements
• Oversee booking, tendering, documentation (AWB, commercial invoices, SED/EEI), and cargo cutoff management across multiple airlines and gateways
• Manage carrier and airline relationships, including allotments, rate negotiations, and performance reviews
• Partner closely with sales, pricing, and customer service teams to support new business and strengthen key client relationships
• Serve as the escalation point for complex shipments, claims, service failures, and customer concerns
• Hire, coach, and develop the export team; set clear performance expectations, KPIs, and accountability standards
• Monitor departmental metrics, including on-time performance, cost control, and error rates, and report to senior leadership
• Drive continuous improvement through system optimization, automation, and better use of the company’s TMS/forwarding platform

Key Skills & Qualifications

• 7+ years of air freight export experience, including 3+ years in a management or team leadership role
• Proven track record of restructuring, scaling, or turning around an operations team or department
• Strong working knowledge of air export documentation, AES filing, EAR/ITAR, dangerous goods handling, and Incoterms
• Established relationships with airlines, consolidators, and handling agents at JFK
• Experience with forwarding systems such as CargoWise or similar TMS platforms
• Strong analytical skills, with the ability to track KPIs and translate data into operational decisions
• Excellent leadership, communication, and conflict-resolution skills
• Ability to thrive in a fast-paced, deadline-driven environment with a high degree of ownership
• Bachelor’s degree preferred; relevant industry certifications (e.g., IATA, TSA IAC, or similar) a plus

What’s on Offer

• Competitive base salary plus performance-based incentives
• Comprehensive benefits package, including medical, dental, and vision
• Paid time off and holidays
• Retirement savings plan
• Genuine opportunity to shape and lead a key department with executive visibility and room for growth

Interested? Reach out to Altius Talent for a confidential conversation about this opportunity.