Operations Assistant Air Freight
Job Summary
The Operations Assistant is responsible for managing end-to-end import shipment operations and providing high-quality customer service. The role focuses on coordinating cargo movement, ensuring regulatory compliance, and managing customer account activities effectively. The successful candidate will handle shipment execution, documentation, billing, and exception management to meet service KPIs.
Responsibilities
- Manage end-to-end import shipment operations
- Coordinate with stakeholders and carriers for cargo clearance
- Handle customer inquiries and shipment exceptions
- Process billing, invoices, and operational documentation
- Monitor special cargo and ensure regulatory compliance
Required Skills
- 2-5 years experience in freight forwarding
- Knowledge of air freight and customs documentation
- Proficiency in logistics systems (WFS, Tango)
- Strong stakeholder management and communication
- Problem-solving and multitasking capability
Job Details
ESSENTIAL DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES
Shipment Operations & Coordination
- Manage end-to-end import shipments for key accounts including Credit, Non-Credit, COD, and DDU customers from origin to Singapore delivery.
- Extract shipment pre-alerts, upload data into WFS, and execute shipments according to customer SOP requirements.
- Process shipment activities through Tango system, including updating CUS/TUR and generating delivery instructions.
- Coordinate with overseas stations, airlines, terminals, transport providers, contractors, and vendors to ensure smooth shipment movement and cargo clearance.
- Liaise with Export team on re-export shipment arrangements.
- Support cargo clearance processes at terminals and agent warehouses.
Customer Service & Exception Handling
- Respond to customer inquiries and resolve shipment-related issues and complaints in a timely and professional manner.
- Handle shipment exceptions including cargo discrepancies, short-landed cargo, damages, survey arrangements, and special transportation requirements.
- Support urgent shipment communications with customers and origin stations outside normal office hours where required.
Special Cargo & Compliance Management
- Manage pharmaceutical cold chain shipments, valuable cargo, strong room storage, and escorted cargo requiring enhanced monitoring and status updates.
- Process customer permits by updating permit information, HS codes, descriptions, and documentation into relevant systems.
- Ensure compliance with internal and regulatory requirements throughout shipment handling.
Billing, Customer Setup & Reporting
- Create new customer accounts through Finance systems.
- Generate COD invoices including GST and local handling charges for applicable customers.
- Coordinate with Finance and SGBS teams for COD and customer creation processes.
- Prepare and maintain customer operational reports (daily/weekly), origin discrepancy reports, and KPI reporting.
Business Support
- Handle SME and Connect4air quotations with origin stations and customers.
- Support insurance application processing on behalf of customers.
- Coordinate with IT and support teams regarding system-related issues.
- Provide operational backup coverage during team members’ leave periods while maintaining own account responsibilities.
SPECIFIC ACCOUNTABILITIES
- Ensure shipment execution meets customer SOPs and operational KPIs.
- Maintain shipment visibility and provide timely updates to stakeholders.
- Ensure billing accuracy and compliance with customer and company requirements.
- Drive effective communication across internal and external stakeholders.
- Maintain operational documentation and reporting accuracy.
QUALIFICATIONS
- Diploma or Degree in Logistics, Supply Chain Management, Business Administration, or related field preferred.
- Minimum 2–5 years of experience in freight forwarding, air freight operations, import/export operations, or logistics customer service.
- Strong customer service, communication, and problem-solving skills.
- Proficiency in Microsoft Office applications and logistics platforms (e.g., WFS, Tango or equivalent).
- Ability to work under pressure and manage multiple priorities.
WORKING HOURS
- 5.25 days week with alternate Saturday off.