Crane Worldwide Logistics
Capacity Planning Manager
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Capacity Planning Manager
Capacity Planning Manager
Crane Worldwide Logistics is a leader in supply chain solutions with over 130 locations across 30 countries, providing tailored logistics services to address clients' challenges.
About the Role
The expansion of global supply chain operations for racks is facing mounting challenges due to increasing complexity. Crane is strengthening its cloud services team to manage the intricate movement of cloud infrastructure hardware—industrial server racks, high-value networking gear, and specialised IT equipment—across manufacturing sites, integration centres, and data centres on a global scale.
This cargo presents unique challenges, including:
- High value and density
- Oversized dimensions
- Strict export and dangerous goods regulations
The Capacity Planning Manager will lead air freight network strategy, ensuring seamless, demand-aligned operations through:
- Forecasting demand based on project pipelines
- Securing the right blend of freighter, charter, and Block Space Agreement (BSA) capacity
- Optimising lane capacity usage, aligning with business priorities
Key Responsibilities
Network & Capacity Strategy
- Develop rolling capacity forecasts (weekly/quarterly) for lanes, reconciling customer project pipelines—such as data centre builds, decommissioning, and hardware refreshes—with available air cargo capacity.
- Maintain detailed capacity plans across priority corridors:
- Asia Pacific intra-regional
- China–North America
- China–Northern Europe
- Middle East gateways
- Adjust for seasonality, General Rate Increases (GRIs), and project-driven spikes in demand.
- Model dynamic load factors (balancing weight-utilization and volume-constrained rack/crate shipments).
- Optimise Unit Load Device (ULD)/pallet builds to prevent spoilage and freight backlogs.
- Identify underutilised freighter capacity and recommend charter or wet lease (ACMI) solutions for high-value or time-sensitive shipments.
Carrier & Partner Management
- Negotiate and manage Block Space Agreements (BSAs) and allocation strategies with freight consolidator partners.
- Forge relationships with spot charter brokers, General Sales Agents (GSAs), and ACMI providers to flex capacity per surge or out-of-gauge (OOG) logistics requirements.
- Monitor spot market rates, GRI announcements, and peak season surcharges. Advise commercial and procurement teams on rate exposure and contract timing.
- Vet ground handling capabilities, including:
- Load/unload equipment (forklifts, cranes)
- Airside infrastructure (ramps, climate-controlled facilities)
- Translate customer shipment requirements into booking instructions, balancing chargeable weight efficiency against cost and transit time constraints.
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Coordinate with packaging/crating teams for optimal shock/vibration defences and temperature control—critical for fragile server hardware.
- Ensure shipped crates/pallets align with ULD/pallet size restrictions across available aircraft.
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Develop and implement capacity contingency plans for mechanical failures, weather impacts, geopolitical restrictions. Pre-clear backup air routes for priority lanes.
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Track load factors, transit performance, and capacity utilisation, providing performance reporting against forecasts.
Compliance & Risk
- Maintain proactive awareness of dangerous goods (DG) regulations (e.g., lithium-ion batteries UN 3480/3481) and cross-validate compliance with booking protocols.
- Stay updated on U.S.-controlled export restrictions affecting semiconductors and AI/HPC hardware. Address licensing requirements or stipulated routing restrictions.
- Partner with customs/trade compliance for HS classifications and import documentation for IT/networking equipment.
- Oversee insurance requirements and security protocols for high-value assets.
Cross-Functional Coordination
- Act as strategic capacity liaison between Crane’s global Control Tower, operational logistics, and carriers.
- Provide real-time capacity insights when shaping customer quotes and tender timelines.
- Collaborate with finance on capacity cost forecasting and carrier contract evaluations.
Minimum Qualifications
(Critical: Must demonstrate ALL for consideration)
- 5+ years experience in air freight capacity planning, network planning, or carrier management, ideally in:
- Freight forwarders, airlines, GSSAs, or shipper logistics teams.
- Proficiency in key industry metrics: spot market rates, GRIs, chargeable weight, load factor, and BSA/block pool structures.
- Regional expertise managing capacity on at least one of:
- Asia Pacific intra-regional
- TransPacific
- Asia-Europe trade lanes
- Demonstrable data-driven forecasting and analytical skills.
- Opensource/relevant software mastery: Excel (advanced forecasting) or BI tools.
- Negotiation acumen—direct experience securing Block Space Agreements or charter arrangements.
- Shelf life of strong strategic problem-solving and project prioritisation.
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Preferred Qualifications
(Advantageous for Familiarity With and/or Expertise in)
- Experience in oversized or OOG cargo planning, or project/charterised logistics.
- Dangerous goods compliance knowledge (focus on lithium battery shipments).
- Familiarity with IT infrastructure, semiconductor, or AI/HPC vertical logistics.
- Expertise in export control regulations (e.g., re-export licenses, restricted routing guidelines).
- Proven ability to scale a capacity strategy when expanding into a new business line or critical trade corridor.
Disclaimer
Note: This description outlines the general nature and responsibilities of the position. It is not an exhaustive list, and all employees may be required to handle additional or varied tasks as business needs evolve. Crane reserves the right to modify duties and responsibilities at any time.
Recruitment Agency Policy
All hiring requests must originate through Crane’s internal team. We do not accept unsolicited CVs or profile submissions from agencies or recruitment firms without pre-approved agreements.
- Should appropriate engagement is required, we will involve Certified Partners through sole-sourcing agreements in writing.
- Crane will not be liable for planning fees resulting from unAuthorised submissions.
We kindly request strict adherence to this policy and express gratitude for your compliance.
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