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Airfreight Exports Supervisor

AGL Africa Global Logistics

Nairobifull time~KES 120k – 180k/moJust now

Quick Take

The Role

Oversee end-to-end airfreight export operations in Nairobi—from airline bookings and cargo collection through customs clearance and uplift—while leading and developing a small operations team.

You Need

Hands-on experience managing airfreight exports, deep knowledge of IATA regulations and Kenyan customs procedures, and proven ability to lead and mentor operational teams.

You Get

Competitive salary (KES 120–180k/mo) with a reputable global logistics leader (MSC-backed, 23,000+ employees across 50 countries), clear supervisory responsibilities, and impact on East African trade operations.

Job Description

Role Overview

AGL (Africa Global Logistics), Africa's reference multimodal logistics operator and a proud member of the MSC family, is seeking a dynamic and experienced Airfreight Exports Supervisor to join its Nairobi operations team. With a presence in 50 countries and over 23,000 employees globally, AGL connects Africa to the world through port, ocean, logistics, and railway solutions — and this role sits at the heart of that mission.

As the Airfreight Exports Supervisor, you will take full ownership of end-to-end airfreight export operations — from booking through to uplift — ensuring every shipment is executed on time, in full compliance with IATA and customs regulations, and to the highest standard of customer satisfaction. You will lead a dedicated exports team, manage key airline and ground handler relationships, and uphold AGL's reputation for operational excellence across the East African market.

Key Responsibilities
  • Plan, coordinate, and monitor airfreight export shipments from booking confirmation through to final uplift at the airport.
  • Organise airline bookings and send timely shipment notifications to all relevant stakeholders.
  • Allocate export files to team members and enforce adherence to operational timelines and SOPs.
  • Liaise with airlines, ground handlers, and transport providers; coordinate collection of export cargo from clients' premises.
  • Oversee preparation and verification of all export documentation including Air Waybills (AWBs), commercial invoices, packing lists, and certificates of origin.
  • Ensure full compliance with Kenya Revenue Authority customs regulations, IATA requirements, and individual client SOPs.
  • Prepare accurate, competitive quotations for clients and validate billing accuracy against approved quotations.
  • Serve as the primary point of contact for export clients, providing proactive shipment status updates and resolving operational disruptions promptly.
  • Supervise, mentor, and train the export team on operational processes, documentation standards, and compliance requirements.
  • Validate supplier invoices, prepare draft client invoices, and monitor operational costs against approved budgets.
  • Identify process gaps and implement continuous improvements across the export cycle.
  • Prepare and submit monthly KPI reports, periodic sales returns, and operational performance metrics to management.
Required Skills & Experience
  • Demonstrate hands-on experience managing airfreight export operations end-to-end, including airline booking systems and cargo tracking tools.
  • Apply working knowledge of IATA regulations, Dangerous Goods handling requirements, and Kenyan customs export procedures.
  • Prepare and verify export documentation (AWB, invoices, packing lists, certificates) with a zero-error standard.
  • Communicate effectively with airlines, ground handlers, transporters, and international clients in a fast-paced environment.
  • Lead and develop a small operations team — allocating workload, monitoring performance, and providing structured coaching.
  • Analyse operational cost data, identify deviations from approved quotations, and escalate appropriately.
  • Use freight management systems, MS Office Suite (Excel, Word, Outlook), and airline portals proficiently.
  • Hold a Diploma in Clearing and Forwarding, Logistics, or Supply Chain Management.
  • Hold a valid IATA Dangerous Goods Certification (a mandatory requirement).
  • Bring a minimum of 3 years' experience in airfreight exports, preferably within a freight forwarding or logistics company operating in the Kenyan market.
Salary & Benefits

AGL offers a competitive compensation package commensurate with experience and aligned with the Kenyan freight forwarding industry standards. The estimated monthly gross salary for this role ranges between KES 120,000 and KES 180,000 depending on qualifications and depth of experience. Additional benefits typical to AGL's employment structure within its African subsidiaries apply.

Who Should Apply

This role is ideal for a detail-oriented, results-driven logistics professional who has grown through airfreight operations and is ready to step into or consolidate a supervisory capacity. You thrive under pressure, communicate confidently with clients and airline partners, and take personal ownership of team performance and compliance standards. You understand the Kenyan regulatory environment and have demonstrated experience handling DG cargo.

Please do not apply if: you have fewer than 3 years of airfreight exports experience, lack an IATA Dangerous Goods Certification, or have only handled import or sea freight operations with no airfreight background. This is not an entry-level position.

How to Apply
  • Visit the AGL Africa Global Logistics careers portal or the job board where this posting is listed.
  • Prepare an updated CV highlighting your airfreight exports experience, IATA DG certification, and any supervisory responsibilities held.
  • Submit your application with a concise cover letter explaining why you are the right fit for this role at AGL Nairobi.
  • Shortlisted candidates will be contacted for an initial screening interview followed by a technical assessment.
  • Note: Never pay for any notarisation, certificate, or assessment as part of any recruitment process. If in doubt, contact AGL directly through official channels.

Requirements Breakdown

Must Have

  • End-to-end airfreight export operations experience (minimum 3–5 years in similar role)
  • Proficiency with airline booking systems and cargo tracking tools
  • Working knowledge of IATA regulations, Dangerous Goods handling, and Kenyan customs export procedures
  • Expertise in export documentation (AWB, commercial invoices, packing lists, certificates of origin)
  • Proven team leadership and mentoring capability

Nice to Have

  • Experience with MSC or other multimodal logistics operators
  • Certification in IATA Dangerous Goods or customs brokerage
  • Familiarity with East African trade corridors or regional logistics
  • Demonstrated track record of process improvement and cost control

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Salary Context

Competitive market rate for Airfreight Exports Supervisor in Nairobi's logistics sector

The posted range of KES 120–180k/month is in line with supervisory-level logistics roles in Kenya's airfreight hubs, with variation driven by experience, team size, and operational complexity. Senior supervisors at tier-1 operators like AGL command the upper end of this range.

About AGL Africa Global Logistics

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AGL Africa Global Logistics is Africa's leading multimodal logistics operator and part of the MSC (Mediterranean Shipping Company) family, operating across 50 countries with over 23,000 employees. Based in Nairobi, AGL specializes in port, ocean freight, rail, and integrated logistics solutions that connect African exporters and importers to global markets. The company is known for operational excellence and reliability in East Africa's competitive logistics landscape, making it an attractive employer for professionals seeking scale, stability, and international exposure.

Likely Interview Questions

  • 1

    Walk us through a complex airfreight export shipment you managed end-to-end—what were the key compliance challenges and how did you resolve them?

  • 2

    Tell us about a time you identified a process gap in your export operations and led implementation of an improvement. What was the impact?

  • 3

    How do you manage relationships with airlines, ground handlers, and customs authorities when there are competing priorities or delays?

  • 4

    Describe your approach to training and developing an export team member who struggled with IATA or documentation standards.

  • 5

    What KPIs or metrics do you track to measure export team performance, and how do you report these to management?

Application Tips

  • Quantify your airfreight experience: mention the volume of shipments managed, number of airlines handled, and regions covered (e.g., 'managed 500+ monthly exports across East and West Africa').

  • Highlight specific compliance wins—e.g., 'achieved zero AWB errors for 12 consecutive months' or 'successfully navigated KRA regulatory changes with zero shipment delays'.

  • Emphasize leadership achievements: detail team size managed, training programs you've led, and improvements you've implemented that reduced costs or turnaround time.

Career Path

Roles that lead here

Airfreight Export Coordinator or Senior Airfreight Export Officer
General Cargo Operations Supervisor or Freight Forwarding Operations Assistant
Customs Clearance Officer or Air Cargo Handler (with progression into supervisory airfreight role)

Where this leads

Airfreight Operations Manager or Regional Exports Manager (overseeing multiple stations)
Head of Airfreight or Logistics Area Manager (broader P&L responsibility)
Supply Chain or Logistics Director at a shipping or 3PL company

Skills & Keywords

airfreight exportsfreight forwarding kenyalogistics supervisor nairobiiata dangerous goodsair waybillcustoms compliance kenyasupply chain supervisorcargo operations

Honest Assessment

Green Flags

  • Part of MSC group, a world-class shipping company—signals financial stability, international standards, and exposure to global best practices.
  • Clear, detailed role description with specific KPIs and responsibilities—suggests mature operations and good management alignment.
  • Explicit mention of team leadership and development—indicates investment in mentoring and career growth, not just task execution.
  • Operations hub in Nairobi with presence across 50 countries—strong potential for regional transfer, secondments, or expatriate opportunities.

Watch Out

  • Job description cuts off abruptly mid-sentence ('providing' without completion)—suggest asking HR for the full, finalized version to confirm all duties and requirements.
  • No mention of benefits (health insurance, pension, training budget, flexible working)—common in Kenyan logistics roles, but worth clarifying during interview.
  • Broad salary range (KES 120–180k, a 50% spread) without clarity on what drives placement within it—ask about progression, review cycles, or performance bonuses during negotiation.

A Day in the Life

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Your mornings typically start with a 15-minute stand-up with your export team to review that day's shipment pipeline, airline slot availability, and any client escalations. Mid-morning, you're coordinating with ground handlers on cargo collections and validating AWBs prepared by your team—zero tolerance for errors—before attending a call with a major export client to confirm flight details and delivery timelines. Afternoons often involve supplier invoice reconciliation, preparing competitive quotes for new business, and mentoring a junior coordinator through a complex Dangerous Goods shipment. You'll also spend time in the IATA and KRA compliance space, staying current on regulatory changes. Weekly, you're compiling KPI reports on shipment volumes, turnaround times, and cost performance for senior management.

Frequently Asked Questions

What qualifications and experience do I need to be an Airfreight Exports Supervisor at AGL Africa Global Logistics?

You need 3–5+ years of hands-on airfreight export operations experience, proficiency with airline booking and cargo tracking systems, and solid knowledge of IATA regulations and Kenyan customs procedures. Team leadership experience and expertise in export documentation (AWBs, invoices, certificates) are essential.

Is the Airfreight Exports Supervisor role at AGL Africa Global Logistics based in an office or remote?

This role is based in Nairobi and is full-time office-based. The position requires hands-on coordination with airlines, ground handlers, and cargo operations at the airport, so remote working is not feasible.

What is the salary range for an Airfreight Exports Supervisor at AGL Africa Global Logistics?

The posted salary range is KES 120,000–180,000 per month, depending on experience, team size, and performance. This is competitive for supervisory-level logistics roles in Nairobi's airfreight sector.

What are the career growth opportunities after this Airfreight Exports Supervisor role?

Natural progression paths include Airfreight Operations Manager, Regional Exports Manager (overseeing multiple stations), or Head of Airfreight. With AGL's presence across 50 countries, there are also opportunities for regional transfers, management roles, or cross-functional moves into supply chain leadership.

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