Air Export Supervisor

About DHL Global Forwarding:

DHL Global Forwarding (DGF) is the air, ocean, and road freight transportation division of DHL Group, operating across more than 220 countries and territories worldwide. DGF manages the end-to-end flow of goods and information across complex global supply chains using multi-modal transport networks, customs brokerage services, and specialized warehousing hubs.

Position Purpose:

The Air Export Supervisor plays a vital operational and product leadership role within DHL Global Forwarding in Chicago, Illinois. This position is directly responsible for the end-to-end operational performance, service quality, customer experience, and overall profitability of the local Air Freight Export department.

Key Responsibilities & Operational Expectations:

1. Operations & Product Leadership:

– Direct, oversee, and supervise daily operations to manage end-to-end Air Freight Export workflows, booking procedures, cargo consolidation, and carrier capacity allocation.

– Serve as the senior point of escalation for complex air export shipment queries, operational disruptions, and key customer issues.

– Establish, communicate, and track operational KPIs to ensure SLA adherence, high customer satisfaction, and optimal service delivery.

2. Financial Management & P&L Oversight:

– Assume direct accountability for department financial results, participating in month-end financial reviews, P&L reporting, and budget management.

– Monitor open Accounts Payable (AP) and Accounts Receivable (AR) balances, job costing accuracy, and revenue leakage controls.

– Collaborate with the US Air Freight Product team to resolve carrier performance issues and optimize buy/sell operational margins.

3. Stakeholder Collaboration & Business Development:

– Work closely with internal operational stakeholders (Gateways, local trucking networks, and airport cargo handling teams) to streamline process flows.

– Engage directly with the commercial sales team by joining client calls and business reviews to drive account growth and operational retention.

4. Team Management & Regulatory Compliance:

– Supervise, train, coach, and mentor operational staff (including unionized personnel where applicable), assigning workloads and conducting performance appraisals.

– Ensure strict compliance with TSA safety standards, IATA Dangerous Goods Regulations (DGR), FAA export controls, and internal DHL operational safety policies.

Qualifications, Required Experience & Core Competencies:

– Academic Credentials:

* Bachelor’s Degree (BA/BS) preferred, or an equivalent combination of education and industry experience.

– Required Experience:

* Minimum 2 years of supervisory or team lead experience within logistics, air freight forwarding, or international transportation.

* Comprehensive functional knowledge of end-to-end Air Freight Export processes, export documentation, and customs compliance.

* Previous experience supervising staff in a unionized labor environment is highly desirable.

– Systems & Technical Skills:

* Strong proficiency in MS Office (Excel, Word, PowerPoint, Outlook).

* Working knowledge of CargoWise (CW1) or corporate TMS platforms is preferred.

– Soft Skills:

* Exceptional verbal and written communication, executive presentation, leadership, and team-building capabilities.

Compensation & Benefits Package:

– Base Pay Range: $79,777.50 – $106,370.00+ annually (commensurate with experience).

– Comprehensive healthcare, dental, and vision insurance options.

– 401(k) retirement plan with company matching contributions.

– Generous paid time off (PTO), paid holidays, and tuition reimbursement options.

– Continuous learning pathways, leadership training programs, and global career progression within DHL Group.