Director, Air Carrier and Network Optimization

Position: Director, Air Carrier and Network Optimization

Job Description:

Forward Air is seeking a strategic and results-oriented Director of Air Carrier and Network Optimization to lead the development and execution of initiatives that enhance the efficiency, scalability, and profitability of our air carrier network. This senior-level role will oversee the optimization of route structures, flight schedules, aircraft utilization, and resource allocation, ensuring alignment with organizational goals and customer expectations.

The ideal candidate brings deep industry expertise, advanced analytical capabilities, and a strong leadership presence. This role will drive transformation through data-driven insights, cross-functional collaboration, and operational excellence across our air network. Reporting to executive leadership, this individual will be a key contributor to the long-term success of our air logistics strategy.

Key Responsibilities:

• Strategic Network Design: Lead the design and continuous refinement of the air carrier route network to maximize revenue potential, market coverage, and cost efficiency.
• Schedule and Capacity Optimization: Direct the optimization of flight schedules and capacity planning to enhance on-time performance, fleet utilization, and service reliability.
• Operational Efficiency: Oversee strategies for aircraft scheduling, fleet assignment, and maintenance planning to drive performance and reduce downtime.
• Resource Strategy: Guide the development and implementation of resource allocation models for labor, ground support, and equipment across the air network.
• Advanced Analytics & Modeling: Champion the use of predictive analytics, simulation, and optimization modeling to support high-impact operational decisions.
• Cross-Functional Leadership: Collaborate with Operations, IT, Commercial Strategy, and Revenue Management to execute cross-disciplinary optimization initiatives.
• Performance Management: Establish KPIs and dashboards to monitor operational performance, identify variances, and inform leadership on improvement opportunities.
• Program & Change Management: Lead large-scale projects and transformation initiatives focused on efficiency, growth, and customer satisfaction.
• Innovation & Best Practices: Stay ahead of industry trends, regulatory changes, and technological advancements to ensure Forward Air remains a leader in air logistics optimization.
• Team Development: Build and mentor a high-performing team of analysts and planners, fostering a culture of continuous improvement and analytical rigor.
• Other responsibilities as assigned.

Qualifications:

• 7–10+ years of experience in airline operations, network planning, transportation logistics, or related field, with at least 3 years in a leadership capacity
• Bachelor’s or Master’s degree in Operations Research, Transportation, Industrial Engineering, Data Science, Business, or a related discipline
• Strong grasp of airline economics, scheduling, and operations strategy
• Proven success in leading analytics-driven optimization projects at scale
• Proficiency in modeling languages and tools (e.g., Python, R), SQL, and data visualization platforms (e.g., Tableau, Power BI)
• Experience with airline network optimization platforms and tools preferred
• Excellent communication and executive presentation skills
• Demonstrated success in managing cross-functional initiatives and delivering measurable results
• Strong organizational, project management, and leadership skills

Skills:

• Strategic thinker with deep analytical expertise and commercial acumen
• Exceptional problem solver with a bias for action and measurable impact
• Strong collaborator with experience influencing across functions and levels
• Results-driven with a focus on operational excellence and continuous improvement
• Technically proficient and forward-thinking in leveraging emerging technologies
• Effective leader and mentor, capable of developing talent and building strong teams

Forward Air is an Equal Opportunity Employer.

Since 1990, Forward Air has been a leading provider of ground transportation and related logistics services to the North American air freight and expedited LTL market. We offer surface shipping on an accelerated “time-definite” basis, delivering cargo at a specific time, but under less time-sensitive situations – supplying you with a cost effective, reliable alternative to air transportation. We work with companies of all sizes to develop tangible advantages and build the best products to meet your specific needs. Forward Air presents to the wholesale transportation community (logistics companies, freight forwarders, integrated air cargo carriers, passenger/ cargo airlines, and non-traditional shippers), a single-source provider that can deliver more supply chain services and a superior menu of choices. Throughout the years we have added supplementary lines to our linehaul service, such as full truckload operations (Truckload Services), final-mile coverage (Complete® Cartage), and an Airline Logistics program, and we will continue to expand our services to meet the changing needs and growth of our customer base.

Forward Air is structured to optimize both savings and service to our customers. Direct partnerships with owner-operators and other surface transportation providers, enable us to remain cost-competitive. The Forward Air network is designed with over 90 facilities located at or near major U.S. and Canadian airports, 12 regional sort centers and over 300 beyond points (secondary airports provided through our Complete Cartage service), creating one of the most comprehensive linehaul networks in the industry.

Ranked 3rd in Newsweeks 2022 "Americas Most Trustworthy Companies" publication