Air Freight Controller / Key Account Manager - Ship Spares

Introduction

We are looking for an ambitious and commercially minded Air Freight Controller who wants to take ownership of key client relationships rather than simply process shipments.

This is a hands-on operational role with a strong focus on air freight and time-critical ship spares logistics . You will manage shipments from instruction through to final delivery while acting as the primary operational contact for a portfolio of important clients.

Ship spares can be demanding. Vessels move, deadlines change, parts are urgent and communication matters. We are therefore looking for someone who is calm under pressure, thinks ahead and takes personal responsibility for getting the job done.

Duties & Responsibilities

You will be responsible for

• Managing international air freight imports and exports from start to finish

• Coordinating urgent and time-critical ship spares shipments

• Acting as the key operational contact for allocated client accounts

• Building strong relationships with clients and understanding their operational requirements

• Coordinating airlines, overseas agents, transporters, customs and other service providers

• Monitoring shipments proactively and identifying problems before they become client problems

• Providing clients with clear, accurate and timely shipment updates

• Managing collections and deliveries to vessels, ports, agents and other nominated locations

• Ensuring documentation and customs requirements are correctly managed

• Escalating operational risks early and taking ownership of their resolution

• Maintaining accurate shipment files and system records

• Identifying opportunities to improve service and strengthen client relationships

Desired Experience & Qualification

You should have

• Solid experience in air freight forwarding

• Previous experience handling ship spares or marine logistics

• A strong understanding of import and export procedures

• Experience managing demanding or high-value client accounts

• Excellent written and verbal communication skills

• The confidence to communicate directly with clients, agents, airlines and suppliers

• Strong organisational skills and attention to detail

• The ability to prioritise multiple urgent shipments simultaneously

• A proactive approach — you should be someone who follows up before being asked

• A strong sense of ownership and personal accountability

Experience in seafreight, project cargo, abnormal cargo or complex logistics movements would be a significant advantage.

CargoWise experience would also be beneficial.

Who Will Succeed in This Role?

This position will suit someone who wants to become known as the person clients can rely on.

You enjoy solving difficult logistics problems. You are comfortable making decisions. You communicate when something goes wrong rather than hiding from the problem. You understand that excellent freight forwarding is not simply about moving cargo — it is about giving clients confidence that their shipment is being managed properly.

We are particularly interested in candidates who are serious about building a career in freight forwarding and who would like to develop from a strong operational controller into a senior key account, operational or management role.

If you want a position where you can take genuine ownership of important clients, handle challenging shipments and build a reputation for exceptional service, we would like to hear from you.

Package & Remuneration

Remuneration: We offer a competitive, market-related package for the right candidate, with remuneration aligned to experience, operational capability and the value you can bring to key client accounts.

Interested?

Please apply via Pnet