Cargo Services Manager

✈️ We're Hiring: Cargo Services ManagerLocation: United Arab Emirates (Remote)Employment Type: Full-TimeExperience Level: Mid-Level to SeniorWork Arrangement: Fully RemoteAbout UsWe are an aviation and logistics organization focused on delivering safe, reliable, efficient, compliant, and customer-focused air cargo services across international markets.Our teams collaborate across Cargo Operations, Airport Services, Ground Handling, Flight Operations, Warehousing, Freight Forwarding, Customs, Security, Safety, Commercial, Finance, Technology, and regulatory stakeholders to ensure high-quality cargo operations and dependable supply-chain performance.The RoleWe are seeking an experienced Cargo Services Manager to oversee and optimize air cargo-service operations across acceptance, documentation, handling, warehousing, build-up, breakdown, loading, transfer, delivery, customer service, compliance, and operational performance.The successful candidate will combine air cargo operations expertise, warehouse and ground-handling knowledge, customer service, regulatory compliance, safety management, commercial awareness, data analysis, and team leadership to ensure cargo moves safely, efficiently, accurately, and on schedule.Key ResponsibilitiesCargo Services StrategyDevelop and implement cargo-services strategies aligned with organizational and commercial objectives.Establish operational standards across cargo handling and customer-service activities.Improve cargo reliability, efficiency, service quality, and profitability.Develop short- and long-term cargo improvement plans.Establish operational KPIs and service standards.Identify opportunities for automation and process improvement.Cargo OperationsManage day-to-day air cargo-service operations.Oversee cargo acceptance, handling, storage, build-up, breakdown, transfer, loading, unloading, and delivery.Ensure cargo is processed according to operational and regulatory requirements.Monitor cargo flows and identify bottlenecks.Coordinate with airport and airline operational teams.Resolve operational issues promptly.Cargo AcceptanceEstablish cargo-acceptance procedures.Verify documentation, shipment information, packaging, labeling, and applicable handling requirements.Ensure shipments meet airline and regulatory acceptance criteria.Manage exceptions and rejected shipments.Minimize acceptance errors and operational delays.Cargo DocumentationEnsure accurate and timely cargo documentation.Monitor air waybills, manifests, shipment records, customs documentation, certificates, and other applicable documents.Coordinate with shippers, freight forwarders, customs brokers, and operational teams.Identify documentation discrepancies.Implement corrective actions.Air Waybill ManagementEnsure appropriate processing and validation of air waybills.Monitor data accuracy.Coordinate corrections.Support electronic air waybill adoption.Reduce documentation-related delays and errors.Cargo WarehouseOversee cargo warehouse operations where applicable.Monitor receiving, storage, staging, picking, build-up, breakdown, and dispatch.Optimize warehouse capacity and cargo flow.Maintain appropriate inventory and shipment controls.Ensure warehouse safety and security requirements are followed.Cargo HandlingEstablish standards for safe and efficient cargo handling.Monitor loading, unloading, movement, and storage.Ensure appropriate handling equipment is used.Minimize cargo damage and loss.Investigate handling incidents.ULD ManagementOversee Unit Load Device management where applicable.Monitor ULD availability, utilization, condition, tracking, and positioning.Coordinate ULD requirements with Flight Operations and Ground Handling.Reduce ULD shortages and operational disruptions.Track ULD-related performance.Cargo Build-UpMonitor cargo build-up activities.Ensure shipments are correctly consolidated and prepared for aircraft loading.Verify weight, dimensions, labels, security status, and handling requirements.Coordinate with ramp and flight operations teams.Ensure build-up is completed within operational timelines.Cargo BreakdownOversee cargo breakdown after aircraft arrival.Ensure shipments are safely and accurately separated.Prioritize transfer and time-sensitive shipments.Coordinate with warehouse and delivery teams.Minimize breakdown delays.Aircraft LoadingCoordinate cargo-loading requirements with ramp and flight operations.Ensure cargo is loaded according to approved procedures.Verify weight, balance, load instructions, and applicable restrictions.Escalate loading discrepancies.Support safe and punctual aircraft turnaround.Aircraft UnloadingCoordinate cargo unloading.Ensure safe handling of cargo and ULDs.Prioritize connecting, special, and time-critical shipments.Coordinate movement to warehouse or delivery areas.Key Performance IndicatorsPerformance may be measured through:Cargo throughputExport cut-off complianceImport dwell timeCargo handling timeOn-time cargo readinessShipment accuracyCargo damage rateCargo loss rateULD utilizationWarehouse productivityCustomer satisfactionComplaint rateSLA complianceSafety performanceSecurity complianceRegulatory complianceClaims rateRevenue leakageCost efficiencyStaff productivityDisruption recovery timeContinuous-improvement resultsIdeal CandidateThe successful candidate should have experience in Air Cargo Operations, Cargo Services, Ground Handling, Freight Forwarding, Airport Cargo, Warehouse Operations, Airline Cargo, or related aviation and logistics disciplines.The candidate should demonstrate:Proven experience managing air cargo or airport cargo-service operations.Strong understanding of export, import, transit, transfer, warehouse, and aircraft cargo processes.Experience with cargo acceptance, documentation, handling, build-up, breakdown, and delivery.Strong understanding of ULD and aircraft-loading processes.Experience managing ground handlers, warehouses, freight forwarders, trucking providers, or other logistics partners.Strong knowledge of cargo safety and security requirements.Experience with dangerous goods and special cargo is highly advantageous.Knowledge of pharmaceutical, perishable, valuable, live-animal, or time-critical cargo is advantageous.Strong understanding of applicable aviation and customs requirements.Familiarity with GCAA requirements is highly advantageous.Knowledge of ICAO and IATA cargo standards is advantageous.Experience managing cargo disruptions and operational recovery.Strong KPI, SLA, cost, and operational-performance management skills.Experience with cargo claims and incident investigations is advantageous.Strong customer-service and stakeholder-management capabilities.Experience with cargo-management, warehouse-management, ERP, or airline systems is advantageous.Experience with electronic air waybill and digital cargo processes is advantageous.Strong data-analysis and reporting capabilities.Experience with new-station or new-route cargo setup is highly advantageous.Relevant degree in Aviation, Logistics, Supply Chain, Business, Transport Management, or a related field is highly advantageous.Aviation cargo, IATA, dangerous-goods, warehouse, logistics, safety, or related professional certifications are advantageous.Strong written and verbal English communication skills; Arabic is advantageous for UAE/GCC environments.Excellent leadership, planning, negotiation, problem-solving, analytical, and stakeholder-management skills.Ability to operate effectively in a fast-paced, time-critical aviation environment.Ability to manage multiple shipments, flights, customers, suppliers, operational issues, and deadlines simultaneously.Ability to work independently in a fully remote and internationally distributed environment.Strong safety-first, customer-focused, operationally disciplined, commercially aware, data-driven, compliance-oriented, resilient, collaborative, and results-driven mindset.