APPRENTICESHIP – Air Logistics Operational Care Specialist - Starting Sept 2025

Are you looking for a challenging and rewarding career? Look no further! Logistics is the behind-the-scenes magic that keeps our world running smoothly. It's the process of moving goods from one place to another, ensuring that parcels arrive at our doors, supermarkets stay stocked, and our favourite foods are always available at restaurants. Whether it's your favourite popstar's concert gear or a football team's equipment, logistics makes it all happen, connecting us globally and making everyday life more convenient.

Your Role

We are currently seeking a motivated and enthusiastic individual to join our Operational Care Centre in Manchester. As an Operational Care Specialist you will be part of a team responsible for coordinating transport activities by executing the necessary air logistics bookings, managing the data entry associated with transport document generation and liaising with our customer care specialists to ensure specific requirements are met (Transit Times, Carrier selection, Routings etc.). This is not just another job, it’s an exciting opportunity to be a part of something big and make a real difference. So, if you are ready to take your career to the next level and work with some of the best in the business, then we want to hear from you!

Your Responsibilities

Our 24-month Apprenticeship programme is designed to provide you with the perfect blend of practical on-the-job training and study towards the Level 3 International Freight Forwarding Apprenticeship. You’ll be learning how to:

1. Coordinate and align customer deliverables with customer care teams, partners and suppliers to manage the transportation of customer's cargo.
2. Manage operational tasks through Business Process Automation tools (BPA) and all related features.
3. Review and ensure alignment of shipping instructions clarifying any deviations/conflicts in contradiction to country regulations, export compliance and rate and routing information.
4. Immediately report problems, operational disputes, or discrepancies to your team leader.
5. Monitor operational performance of carriers and other vendors and escalate/create awareness if performance and commitments are not being delivered.
6. Initiate and resolve any rate or performance discrepancies.
7. Act as a main contact for the services in scope.

Your Skills and Experiences

The minimum entry requirement for this apprenticeship is five GCSEs at grades 3 – 9 / A*-D including Maths & English.

Our company values candidates who are passionate about providing excellent customer service, have a strong work ethic, and can communicate effectively with others. Good planning and organization skills are important, and you will need the ability to multitask and be a self-starter. Previous use of Microsoft Outlook and Excel is beneficial.

Please be aware that this vacancy does not meet the minimum requirements for visa sponsorship and for apprenticeship funding, candidates must have been resident in the EEA for at least the last 3 years.

This position requires enhanced security clearance checks and by applying for this role you are agreeing to participate in the employment screening process. This process will include criminal record checking and identity validation. Any appointment will be strictly conditional upon and subject to the receipt of satisfactory results of these checks.

This is an entry-level training position. If you are already qualified or experienced in this area of work, this is unlikely to be the position for you. However, we would welcome your application for one of our other vacancies which can be found at https://jobs.kuehne-nagel.com/uk/en.

Key Information:

• Apprenticeship Contract: Fixed Term 2 years
• Working hours: Monday – Friday, 8.5 hours per day 09:00-17:30 (inc 1 hour lunch break)
• Place of work: On site – World Freight Terminal, Manchester M90 5NA

Recruitment Process:

1. Applications will be reviewed on a rolling basis.
2. Shortlisted candidates will be invited to complete a telephone screening call with a member of our Talent Acquisition team. This is a great opportunity to find out more about the business and for us to understand why you are interested in this apprenticeship and what you feel you can bring to the role.
3. A final shortlist of candidates will be invited to an interview onsite with two members of the hiring team.
4. All candidates will receive telephone feedback after their interviews and if offered will be invited to return to the office for a further site tour and to provide right to work documentation.

Good Reasons to Join

We are thrilled to offer you a chance to join our amazing group of apprentices. You can expect a competitive starting salary of £15,500 in year one with an increase after 12 months, and a great bonus once you have completed your apprenticeship. But that’s not all! You will also receive attractive benefits and an Apprentice NUS discount card. We understand that starting a new job can be daunting, but don’t worry! You will be supported throughout your journey by a network of mentors, line managers and previous apprentices. They will help you achieve your qualifications and progress along your apprenticeship journey. Don’t miss out on this fantastic opportunity! Apply now and take the first step towards a bright future.