Chinese-speaking Air Transport Manager - Vietnam (International Freight Forwarder and Logistics Enterprise)

This role requires the candidate to work in Hanoi, Vietnam.

Client Overview

Our client is a well-established international freight forwarding and logistics company specializing in cross-border transportation, air freight solutions, customs brokerage, warehousing, and integrated supply chain management services. With over two decades of experience in the logistics industry, the company has built a strong regional and international network supporting manufacturers, retailers, e-commerce businesses, and multinational enterprises across key global trade corridors.

The organization continues to expand its presence throughout Southeast Asia by strengthening its air cargo capabilities, developing strategic airline partnerships, and enhancing end-to-end logistics solutions. Through its focus on operational efficiency, service reliability, and international connectivity, the company plays a critical role in facilitating global trade and supporting the growing demand for international freight transportation.

Job Role

The Air Transport Manager will be responsible for leading and managing the company's air freight operations in Vietnam, covering capacity procurement, airline relationship management, route development, customs coordination, and branch-level operational performance. This role combines commercial leadership with hands-on operational management to ensure efficient cargo movement, competitive pricing strategies, and service excellence across international air freight activities.

The successful candidate will oversee local air freight teams, develop strategic partnerships with airlines and logistics service providers, and ensure smooth coordination between origin and destination operations. This position is ideal for experienced air freight professionals with strong expertise in aviation logistics, international freight forwarding, customs processes, and team leadership within the Vietnam market.

Key Responsibilities

• Lead and manage end-to-end air freight operations, including route planning, cargo allocation, shipment monitoring, and operational performance management.
• Develop and maintain strategic relationships with airlines, air cargo operators, airport service providers, and logistics partners to secure capacity and optimize commercial terms.
• Oversee air export customs clearance processes and coordinate destination handling activities to ensure efficient and compliant cargo movement.
• Monitor air freight market conditions, pricing trends, and capacity availability to support procurement strategies and business growth initiatives.
• Manage branch operational performance, establish KPIs, and provide coaching, training, and leadership to local air freight teams.
• Prepare budgets, analyze operational costs, monitor profitability, and implement initiatives to improve financial performance and operational efficiency.
• Coordinate with regional and headquarters stakeholders to ensure alignment on operational objectives, customer requirements, and business development strategies.
• Resolve operational disruptions, shipment delays, customs issues, and other time-sensitive logistics challenges while maintaining service quality standards.

Requirements

• Bachelor's Degree or above in Logistics, Supply Chain Management, International Trade, Air Transportation, Business Administration, or related disciplines.
• Minimum 5 years of experience in international air freight forwarding, aviation logistics, or air cargo operations.
• Minimum 2 years of experience managing air freight operations, logistics teams, or business functions within an international or overseas environment.
• Strong knowledge of international air freight processes, including cargo booking, consolidation, airway bill management, cargo tracking, security compliance, and airline capacity procurement.
• Proven experience managing relationships with airlines, air cargo operators, freight partners, customs brokers, and logistics service providers.
• Strong understanding of Vietnam air freight operations, customs clearance procedures, import-export documentation, and airport cargo handling processes.
• Experience in budgeting, cost management, freight rate analysis, and operational profitability improvement.
• Excellent leadership, stakeholder management, negotiation, communication, and problem-solving capabilities.
• Ability to manage multiple priorities and resolve operational issues within a fast-paced international logistics environment.
• Fluent in Mandarin and Vietnamese for daily business communication, stakeholder management, and cross-border coordination.
• Business-level English proficiency for regional communication and reporting.

Job Code: #721