We’re En Route. We’re a welcoming bunch, with a down-to-earth outlook that helps build lasting relationships with customers and colleagues alike.
As global specialists in passenger solutions, supply chain services and sourcing for airlines and airline caterers, we operate globally as part of dnata, one of the world’s largest combined air services providers.
En Route’s expertise is one of the many reasons why we’ve enjoyed more than 20 years as a global food solutions partner, with offices in the UK, USA, Australia and UAE.
Are you ready to become part of our story?
Created by En Route colleagues, our values sit at the very heart of our business.
* Birthday day off
* 25 days off a year
* Company bonus scheme
* Hybrid Working (3 days in office)
* Medical Insurance
* Referral Scheme
* Social Events
* Flexi Time
The Air & Sea Lead is responsible for the day‑to‑day operational management of a third‑party freight forwarding network covering Air and Sea freight. Primary trade lanes include the UK to the Middle East and Far East, with additional movements to North America, Asia, and Australasia. The role provides subject matter expertise across all import and export documentation and ensures robust, compliant processes for working with freight forwarders, carriers, and 3PL partners.
The Lead manages two Coordinators and maintains strong, performance‑driven relationships with all freight forwarders, ensuring efficiency, cost‑effectiveness, and reliable delivery performance. They will identify optimal global distribution methods, support the expansion of the forwarding network, and ensure all required documentation, processes, and controls are in place to deliver goods to final destinations on time and in full. Close collaboration with the wider Stock Control & Logistics team, Supply Planning, and Customer Service is essential to ensure seamless supply chain operations.
Key Responsibilities
* Lead, mentor, and develop two Coordinators, ensuring clarity of responsibilities and high performance.
* Provide coaching on freight processes, documentation standards, and operational best practice.
* Promote continuous learning, operational discipline, and effective stakeholder communication.
* Oversee daily Air and Sea freight movements from UK export hubs to global destinations including the Middle East, Far East, North America, Asia, and Australasia.
* Ensure all import/export documentation is accurate, compliant, and delivered on time (e.g., commercial invoices, packing lists, CoOs, Certificates of Conformity, licences).
* Manage bookings, pre‑alerts, container planning, and carrier communication via freight forwarders.
* Monitor capacity, transit times, and route performance to ensure timely, efficient movement of goods.
* Act as subject matter expert for Incoterms, HS codes, duties, tariffs, and restricted trade requirements.
* Advise teams on customs processes, duty optimisation, and regulatory considerations.
* Develop and maintain compliant documentation processes and ensure adherence to export controls and country‑specific regulations.
* Maintain strong relationships with freight forwarders, carriers, and logistics partners, supporting performance reviews against KPIs and SLAs.
* Support global network development and capability building across supplier and partner relationships.
* Identify the most cost‑effective global distribution methods and review freight rates to drive commercial efficiency.
* Proactively identify operational risks or capacity constraints and communicate clear mitigation plans.
* Support cost‑reduction and continuous improvement initiatives across global freight flows.
* Collaborate with Stock Control & Logistics, Supply Planning, and Customer Service to align freight operations with wider supply chain priorities.
* Act as the primary point of contact for internal stakeholders on freight and customs matters.
* Track and report freight KPIs including cost, transit times, documentation accuracy, and on‑time performance.
* Maintain SOPs, process flows, and compliance documentation for global freight operations.
* Ensure freight activity complies with audit, risk, governance, and regulatory requirements.
* Strong experience in global freight forwarding (Air & Sea), export operations, or international logistics.
* In‑depth understanding of Incoterms, HS codes, customs processes, and export documentation.
* Experience managing freight forwarders and working with 3PL or 4PL partners.
* Ability to interpret duties, tariffs, and regulatory requirements, guiding teams appropriately.
* Excellent communication skills with strong stakeholder and supplier relationship management.
* Experience handling freight flows across Middle Eastern and Far Eastern trade lanes.
* Strong analytical skills with the ability to identify process improvements and cost‑saving opportunities.
* Proficient in ERP, freight management, or export documentation systems.
Desirable
* Experience managing or supervising operational team members.
* Knowledge of restricted goods, controlled exports, or dual‑use regulations.
* Experience within consumer goods, retail, manufacturing, or project‑based logistics.
* Exposure to Lean, Six Sigma, or other continuous improvement methodologies.
If you’re interested in applying for this role, please send a copy of your most recent CV to EnRouteRecruitment@en-route.com
Please no agencies.
We are committed to creating an inclusive, equitable, and diverse workplace where everyone feels valued and empowered to contribute their best. We welcome applications from people of all backgrounds, identities, and experiences, and we are dedicated to ensuring a fair and accessible recruitment process for all candidates. If you require any adjustments or support during the application or interview stages, please let us know – we’re here to help!
Regrettably, due to the high volume of applications we receive, we are unable to respond individually to every candidate. If you have not heard from us within 10 working days of submitting your application, unfortunately you have not been successful on this occasion.
We take your privacy seriously. Any personal data you share with us during the application process will be handled in accordance with applicable data protection laws and used solely for recruitment purposes. Your information will be stored securely and retained only for as long as necessary.
#J-18808-Ljbffr