Air Freight Manager - Chicago

Job Description

Air Freight Manager – Chicago

About the role

We are hiring an Air Freight Manager to lead day‑to‑day air freight execution at our Chicago location. This is a fully onsite role focused on operational delivery, team leadership, and performance outcomes within a smaller station setup.

The role reports to the Head of Air Operations & Customer Experience and plays a key part in ensuring reliable and cost‑effective air freight execution for customers.

What you’ll be doing

In this role, you will remain close to daily operations while leading a directly reporting team.

Your responsibilities will include:

• Leading daily air freight operations, ensuring shipment accuracy, timeliness, and compliance
• Managing team productivity, cost discipline, and operational KPIs
• Preventing financial losses through strong operational controls
• Driving adherence to standardized processes and procedures
• Supporting customer growth through consistent service delivery and sales collaboration
• Leading local continuous improvement initiatives
• Promoting a culture of accountability, collaboration, and ownership

What we’re looking for

You are likely to be successful if you bring:

• Strong hands‑on experience in air freight operations (required)
• Prior people management experience within freight forwarding
• Ability to manage operational priorities in a fast‑paced environment
• Strong attention to detail and execution discipline
• Clear communication and collaborative mindset
• Operational systems exposure; CargoWise preferred
• Bachelor’s degree preferred or equivalent experience

Why this role?

• Direct operational impact at a key U.S. air gateway
• Hands‑on leadership scope with visible results
• Opportunity to grow within Maersk’s air operations network
• Stable, execution‑focused leadership environment

Important to know

• This role manages a smaller, directly reporting team
• This is a 100% onsite role
• Flexibility required to support operational needs

Starting Salary: $87,000 - $110,000 USD*

Benefits: Full-time employees are eligible for Health Insurance, Paid Time Off, and 401k Match.

Notice to applicants applying to positions in the United States: You must be authorized to work for any employer in the U.S .

*The above stated pay range is the anticipated starting salary range for the position. The Company may adjust this range in light of prevailing market conditions and other factors such as location. The Company will work directly with the selected candidate(s) on the final starting salary in accordance with all applicable laws.

Maersk is committed to a diverse and inclusive workplace, and we embrace different styles of thinking. Maersk is an equal opportunities employer and welcomes applicants without regard to race, colour, gender, sex, age, religion, creed, national origin, ancestry, citizenship, marital status, sexual orientation, physical or mental disability, medical condition, pregnancy or parental leave, veteran status, gender identity, genetic information, or any other characteristic protected by applicable law. We will consider qualified applicants with criminal histories in a manner consistent with all legal requirements.

We are happy to support your need for any adjustments during the application and hiring process. If you need special assistance or an accommodation to use our website, apply for a position, or to perform a job, please contact us by emailing accommodationrequests@maersk.com.