Reporting to the Chief Operating Officer, the Head of Cargo Operations shall be responsible for the overall management, performance, safety, security, compliance, and growth of AGS cargo operations. The role will provide leadership for import and export cargo operations, cargo warehousing, customer service, regulatory compliance, stakeholder engagement, and cargo business development whilst ensuring the highest standards of operational excellence, customer satisfaction, and regulatory compliance. The incumbent will work closely with airlines, freighter operators, freight forwarders, exporters, importers, regulators, and other stakeholders to support the growth and sustainability of AGS cargo operations.
We seek a dynamic, commercially minded, and results-oriented cargo professional with a strong operational background and a passion for service excellence. The successful candidate must possess excellent leadership, stakeholder engagement, relationship management, and business development skills, with the ability to manage a fast-paced operational environment whilst maintaining a strong focus on safety, compliance, customer satisfaction, and revenue growth. The ideal candidate should be equally comfortable engaging with airline executives, freight forwarders, regulatory authorities, exporters, importers, logistics providers, and operational teams alike.
Job Summary
- Type: full-time
- Location: Harare
- Category: Logistics & Supply Chain
- Closing Date: 2026-06-12
Key Responsibilities
- Lead and manage all import, export, transit, and cargo warehouse operations to ensure safe, secure, efficient, and compliant service delivery.
- Drive operational excellence, service quality, productivity, and continuous improvement initiatives across cargo operations.
- Develop and maintain strong relationships with airlines, freighter operators, freight forwarders, logistics providers, exporters, importers, and other cargo stakeholders.
- Support implementation of AGS cargo growth initiatives and identify opportunities to increase cargo volumes, improve customer retention, and expand revenue streams.
- Ensure full compliance with IATA standards, CAAZ requirements, aviation security regulations, customs requirements, dangerous goods regulations, and other applicable statutory requirements.
- Maintain productive working relationships with regulatory authorities including CAAZ, ZIMRA, Port Health, Ministry of Agriculture, security agencies, and other relevant stakeholders.
- Coordinate cargo-related audits, inspections, regulatory engagements, and corrective action programmes.
- Monitor cargo market developments, industry trends, customer requirements, and competitor activities and recommend appropriate responses.
- Lead, develop, and supervise cargo operational teams whilst promoting a culture of safety, accountability, customer service, and operational excellence.
- Manage cargo service performance, operational KPIs, and customer satisfaction levels.
- Prepare cargo operational, commercial, compliance, and performance reports for management.
Requirements
- Bachelor’s Degree in Logistics and Supply Chain Management, Transport Management, Aviation Management, Business Management, Commerce, International Trade, or a related field.
- A Master’s Degree or studying towards a Master’s Degree will be an added advantage.
- Minimum seven (7) years’ relevant experience in cargo operations, logistics, freight forwarding, airline cargo, warehouse operations, or supply chain management.
- At least three (3) years’ experience at supervisory or management level.
- Strong understanding of air cargo operations, cargo handling procedures, cargo warehousing, and logistics processes.
- Demonstrated experience engaging airlines, freighter forwarders, exporters, importers, logistics providers, and regulatory authorities.
- Sound knowledge of IATA cargo standards, Dangerous Goods Regulations (DGR), aviation security requirements, customs procedures, and trade facilitation processes.
- Strong commercial awareness and business development capability.
- Excellent leadership, communication, negotiation, and stakeholder management skills.
- Strong analytical, planning, and problem-solving abilities.
- Ability to manage multiple priorities in a dynamic operational environment.
- Proficiency in Microsoft Office applications and cargo management systems.
How to Apply
If you meet the above requirements, submit your CV, cover letter, and all academic/professional certificates in one PDF document to [email protected] by no later than 16:30 hours on Friday, 12th June 2026. Please indicate “Ref: Head of Cargo Operations” as the subject of your email. Only applications that meet the above format and requirements will be considered.
About the Company
Aviation Ground Services (AGS) stands as a prominent provider of comprehensive ground handling and support services for the aviation sector in Zimbabwe. With primary operations centered at Robert Gabriel Mugabe International Airport in Harare, AGS is integral to ensuring efficient airline operations and seamless passenger journeys across the nation. The company delivers a broad spectrum of services, including expert ramp handling, attentive passenger assistance, meticulous cargo management, thorough aircraft cleaning, and stringent security protocols, catering to both domestic and international airlines. As a vital component of Zimbabwe's aviation infrastructure, AGS plays a critical role in maintaining high standards of safety and punctuality for aircraft turnaround. Its unwavering dedication to operational excellence is fundamental to supporting the ongoing development and vitality of air travel within the Zimbabwean landscape.
Providing essential ground handling and aviation support in Zimbabwe.