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Key Responsibilities and Required Skills for Cargo Operations Analyst

💰 $ - $

LogisticsAir CargoSupply ChainOperationsAnalyst

🎯 Role Definition

The Cargo Operations Analyst is a specialist responsible for ensuring efficient end-to-end cargo handling across airfreight and multimodal logistics operations. This role blends operational coordination, documentation control, regulatory compliance (including IATA DGR and customs), systems management (CargoWise, SmartKargo, SAP), and data-driven performance improvement. The Cargo Operations Analyst partners with commercial teams, ground handlers, carriers, customs brokers, warehouses, and customers to optimize load planning, minimize delays, control cost-to-serve, and maintain exceptional service levels for domestic and international shipments.

📈 Career Progression

Typical Career Path

Entry Point From:

  • Cargo Operations Coordinator / Freight Operations Coordinator
  • Freight Forwarding Assistant / Import-Export Clerk
  • Ground Handling or Ramp Operations Coordinator

Advancement To:

  • Senior Cargo Operations Analyst
  • Cargo Operations Supervisor / Team Lead
  • Capacity & Network Planning Analyst
  • Cargo Operations Manager or Head of Cargo

Lateral Moves:

  • Revenue Accounting Analyst (Cargo Revenue Management)
  • Customer Success / Account Manager for Logistics
  • Supply Chain Analyst or Planning Analyst

Core Responsibilities

Primary Functions

  • Coordinate daily air cargo operations including booking confirmations, flight slot allocation, load planning, ULD (Unit Load Device) management, and ramp/ground handling coordination to ensure on-time departures and arrivals.
  • Prepare and validate all shipment documentation — including airwaybills (AWB), commercial invoices, packing lists, certificates of origin, and export/import permits — ensuring compliance with international trade regulations and customer requirements.
  • Manage customs clearance processes by liaising with customs brokers and regulatory authorities, verifying HS codes, duties and taxes, and resolving holds or inspections for both export and import shipments.
  • Review and process Dangerous Goods (DGR) declarations in accordance with IATA DGR regulations, coordinate segregation and packaging requirements, and ensure training and documentation for hazardous shipments.
  • Monitor real-time shipment status across TMS/WMS systems and carrier portals, proactively identify exceptions (delays, misroutes, temperature excursions), and execute corrective actions while communicating status to stakeholders.
  • Execute capacity planning and space control activities: allocate booking capacity, monitor space utilization per flight, optimize load factor across lanes, and negotiate slot adjustments with commercial and operations teams.
  • Conduct detailed revenue integrity and billing support for cargo operations: validate charges, verify rate application, support invoicing and credit note processes, and resolve customer billing disputes.
  • Analyze cargo operations performance data (on-time performance, dwell time, claims, load factor, handling costs), generate weekly/monthly KPI reports, and present insights and improvement recommendations to management.
  • Implement process improvements and standard operating procedures (SOPs) across cargo operations to reduce dwell times, lower damage/claims, and increase throughput while ensuring regulatory compliance.
  • Manage claims lifecycle for damaged, lost, or delayed cargo: document incidents, liaise with insurance and ground handlers, negotiate settlements, and maintain claims trend analysis to prevent recurrence.
  • Interface with sales and customer service teams to confirm special handling requirements (perishables, live animals, pharma, high-value cargo) and ensure temperature-controlled or security-compliant handling across the supply chain.
  • Oversee third-party vendor performance (ground handling agents, trucking partners, warehouse providers) by tracking SLAs, conducting performance reviews, and initiating corrective action plans to improve service quality.
  • Support network and schedule planning by providing operational feasibility input, estimating handling times, capacity constraints, and resource requirements for new routes or schedule changes.
  • Maintain and update cargo operations systems and master data (tariffs, rate tables, customer profiles, flight schedules), coordinate with IT and data teams for system enhancements and data quality improvements.
  • Conduct root-cause analysis on recurring operational issues (mislabels, overbookings, ULD shortages), lead cross-functional problem-solving sessions, and drive corrective projects to eliminate systemic failures.
  • Perform transactional tasks in cargo management systems (CargoWise, SmartKargo, CHAMP Cargospot, or equivalent) including booking entry, house-to-master linking, handling instructions entry, and AWB issuance.
  • Support audits and compliance reviews: prepare operational documentation, evidence of training, declarations, and corrective action plans for IATA, customs, or internal auditors.
  • Execute inventory control for cargo warehouses and transshipment hubs, manage inbound/outbound movements, short/over reconciliation, and ensure appropriate storage and segregation especially for temperature-sensitive shipments.
  • Coordinate interline and multi-carrier transfers, ensuring manifest accuracy, reconsignment instructions, and timely handing over to downstream carriers with full shipment visibility.
  • Lead or contribute to project initiatives such as digitalization of documentation, automation of booking & invoicing workflows, or implementation of new cargo systems—working with IT, process owners, and vendors.
  • Maintain and communicate contingency plans for operational disruptions (weather, strikes, security incidents): re-routing, re-booking, customer notifications, and cost impact mitigation.
  • Provide operational training and mentorship to junior operations staff and temporary teams during peak periods to ensure consistent application of SOPs and quality standards.
  • Ensure consistent application of trade compliance policies including embargoes, sanctions screening, restricted party screening, and export controls across all cargo transactions.
  • Monitor and optimize cost-to-serve metrics: identify opportunities for consolidation, modal shifts, packaging optimization, and negotiated rates with third-party logistics providers.

Secondary Functions

  • Support ad-hoc data requests and exploratory data analysis.
  • Contribute to the organization's data strategy and roadmap.
  • Collaborate with business units to translate data needs into engineering requirements.
  • Participate in sprint planning and agile ceremonies within the data engineering team.
  • Assist commercial teams with operational input for tender responses, route feasibility studies, and SLA commitments.
  • Maintain a knowledge base of operational procedures, best practices, and frequently encountered issues for quick reference and onboarding.

Required Skills & Competencies

Hard Skills (Technical)

  • Deep knowledge of air cargo operations, AWB issuance, air waybill structure, and freight forwarder/carrier processes.
  • Strong experience with cargo management and freight forwarding systems such as CargoWise, SmartKargo, CHAMP Cargospot, or similar TMS.
  • Advanced Microsoft Excel skills (pivot tables, VLOOKUP/XLOOKUP, Power Query, macros) for operational reporting, reconciliation, and ad-hoc analysis.
  • Proficiency in data reporting and visualization tools such as Power BI, Tableau, or Excel-based dashboards for KPI tracking and stakeholder reporting.
  • SQL competency for extracting, transforming, and analyzing operational datasets from databases and warehouses.
  • Familiarity with ERP and financial systems (SAP, Oracle) for billing, revenue accounting, and invoice reconciliation.
  • Working knowledge of IATA Dangerous Goods Regulations (DGR), Incoterms, customs procedures, and export controls.
  • Experience with capacity planning, load planning tools, ULD control, and breakbulk/consolidation strategies.
  • Ability to operate shipment tracking platforms and real-time visibility tools, and integrate carrier/partner data feeds.
  • Understanding of warehouse management systems (WMS), temperature-controlled logistics, and cold chain handling for perishables and pharmaceuticals.
  • Competence in claims handling processes, insurance coordination, and loss prevention methodologies.
  • Knowledge of compliance screening tools for sanctions and restricted party screening is highly desirable.
  • Experience with process improvement methodologies such as Lean, Six Sigma, or continuous improvement practices.

Soft Skills

  • Strong stakeholder management and customer-facing communication skills, comfortable engaging with internal teams, customers, and external partners.
  • Excellent problem-solving and analytical mindset—able to investigate root causes, quantify impacts, and recommend practical solutions.
  • High attention to detail and accuracy when handling documentation, tariffs, and system entries.
  • Ability to work under pressure and prioritize multiple concurrent operational issues in a fast-paced environment.
  • Collaborative team player with experience working cross-functionally across commercial, finance, IT, and ground operations.
  • Initiative-driven: proactive in identifying operational risks and leading improvement initiatives.
  • Strong organizational skills and time management to meet deadlines and SLA commitments.
  • Influencing and negotiation skills to secure capacity, vendor concessions, and dispute resolutions.
  • Adaptability to shifting priorities and evolving regulatory or commercial requirements.
  • Continuous learner mindset with a commitment to professional development in cargo operations and trade compliance.

Education & Experience

Educational Background

Minimum Education:

  • Bachelor’s degree or equivalent diploma in Logistics, Supply Chain Management, Business Administration, Transport & Logistics, or a related field.

Preferred Education:

  • Bachelor’s or Master’s degree in Supply Chain, Logistics, International Trade, Transportation Management, or Business Analytics.
  • Professional certifications preferred: IATA DGR, Certified International Freight Forwarder, Lean Six Sigma, or relevant data analytics credentials.

Relevant Fields of Study:

  • Logistics & Supply Chain Management
  • International Trade / Global Business
  • Transportation & Aviation Management
  • Business Analytics / Data Science
  • Operations Management

Experience Requirements

Typical Experience Range: 2–6 years in cargo operations, freight forwarding, airline cargo, ground handling, or logistics analysis.

Preferred: 3–5+ years handling air cargo operations with demonstrated experience using cargo management systems (CargoWise/SmartKargo/CHAMP), proficiency in Excel and BI tools, and a track record of process improvements, customs compliance, and vendor management.

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