CargoForwarder Global’s ‘Spotlight On…’ series takes a look at the many functions involved in keeping the air cargo industry running. From jobs with airlines, airports, forwarders, software providers, customs, truckers, ground handlers, all the way through to ULD management companies. The latter is the focus of this week’s ‘Spotlight On…’, as CargoForwarder Global hears from Adeliya Sofina (AS), Strategic Procurement Manager at Jettainer GmbH, as to what her job entails, how she came to the industry and what advice she has for those looking to join it.
CFG: What is your current function and company? And what are your responsibilities?
AS: I work as a Strategic Procurement Manager at Jettainer GmbH, now based in Abu Dhabi, UAE, and previously in Raunheim, Germany. I am specialized in the procurement of ULDs and loading accessories with a focus on sustainability. Contract negotiations, tender management and supplier relationship management are my key responsibilities besides the ISO 14001 audit.
CFG: What does a normal day look like for you? (Or is there such a thing?)
AS: There is no such thing as a normal day which makes my job very unique, and I definitely love it! Since Jettainer is an international company based in different countries and being a central point of contact for many colleagues and suppliers from all over the world, I must ensure that all the processes run smoothly. Additionally, we run various procurement-related workshops, meet our suppliers, and visit conferences and exhibitions, which requires a lot of travelling.
CFG: How long have you been in the air cargo industry, and what brought you to it?
AS: I started my career in the MRO industry at the Lufthansa Group. The Lufthansa Group is large and provides many opportunities to explore the aviation industry in different areas. So, I was no exception and joined the air cargo industry in 2019, as a quality manager. A coincidence brought me into procurement, and over the past years, I have developed my skills in this field which I am very happy about.
CFG: What do you enjoy most about your job?
AS: The best part of my job is meeting new people and new cultures. Being a part of Jettainer and such an international airline group, gives you a lot of new opportunities to expand your network and knowledge. And overall, the combination of strategic thinking, negotiation skills, and the opportunity to make a tangible impact on Jettainer’s bottom line makes procurement a fulfilling and enjoyable profession for me.
CFG: Where do you see the greatest challenges in our industry?
AS: Our industry is very male-dominated, and women are underrepresented in many roles. Promoting inclusivity and breaking down barriers to entry for women is crucial for tapping into a broader talent pool and fostering innovation.
CFG: What advice would you give to people looking to get into the air cargo industry? Any particular training they should aim for?
AS: Be open-minded, willingness to learn will help you a lot since this industry is very dynamic and challenging. Don’t give up if something goes wrong. We all started without experience and did not know how to do certain things. Patience and hard work should become your best friends.
CFG: If the air cargo industry were a film/book, what would its title be?
AS: ‘Air Freight Chronicles: Mastering the Crisis’. I just think of the times of corona and some other events when the whole supply chain was literally destroyed, and everyone was struggling to keep the business going. But, as an industry, we made it!
Thank you, Adeliya, for sharing your insights.
If you would like to share your personal air cargo story with our CargoForwarder Global readers, feel free to send your answers to the above questions to cargoforwarderglobal@kopfpilot.at We look forward to shining a spotlight on your job area, views, and experiences.
