Head of Airfreight

This role is designed for a locally established airfreight professional with solidcredibility in the Japanese market.

• Nationality: Open

• Language: Fluent / near-native Japanese is essential

• Market Experience: Hands-on airfreight experience in Japan is mandatory

• Profile: Mid-career commercially minded and serious about owning a national product role

Position Overview

Our client is a medium-sized international freight forwarder with a growing presence in Japan and strong connectivity across Asia and global markets. The company is known for its entrepreneurial culture customer-focused approach and ability to deliver tailored logistics solutions particularly in complex and time-critical shipments.

In Japan the business is focused on building a scalable product-driven organization and airfreight is a core pillar of its growth strategy.

As Head of Airfreight you will take full ownership of the airfreight product in Japan with end-to-end P&L responsibility. This role combines strategic leadership with hands-on execution requiring strong local market knowledge and close alignment with regional and global stakeholders.

Key Responsibilities

Product & Business Leadership

• Develop and execute the Japan airfreight product strategy in line with regional and global objectives.

• Full ownership of airfreight P&L with accountability for growth and margin performance.

Procurement & Carrier Management

• Lead negotiations with airlines and GSA partners to secure competitive rates and stable capacity.

• Manage and optimize BSA / CPA agreements and space allocations.

Pricing & Tender Management

• Oversee pricing activities to ensure accurate and timely quotations for the sales organization.

• Support regional and global tenders.

• Monitor market trends capacity changes and rate movements to optimize margins.

Operational Excellence & Compliance

• Ensure compliance with IATA regulations Dangerous Goods (DG) requirements customs rules and internal SOPs.

• Maintain consistent service quality and operational discipline across Japan.

People Leadership

• Directly manage one subordinate providing coaching training and performance feedback.

• Build a reliable and accountable airfreight function.

Stakeholder Management

• Work closely with the Japan Managing Director and regional airfreight leadership.

• Provide regular reporting on KPIs market intelligence risks and business performance.

Qualifications & Experience

• 5 years experience in international freight forwarding with a strong focus on airfreight procurement and pricing in the Japanese market.

• Proven experience dealing directly with airlines and GSAs.

• Prior people management experience preferred.

• Native-level or near-native Japanese and business-level English (written and spoken).

• Strong knowledge of IATA regulations and Dangerous Goods (DG) handling.

• Experience with freight management systems such as CargoWise is an advantage.