Senior Manager - Import & Export (Mumbai)

Job Description

Position Summary

Lead all aspects of the organizations import and export operations—ensuring compliance with international trade regulations, optimizing logistics and costs, and driving strategic global trade initiatives.

Key Responsibilities :

Strategic Planning & Policy

• Develop and implement import/export policies aligned with business goals—covering licensing, customs, duties, and tariffs
• Design and optimize international logistics strategies to minimize lead times and control costs .

Compliance & Documentation

• Ensure full compliance with trade regulations, customs protocols, and global shipping laws
• Oversee accurate preparation and verification of documentation: bills of lading, certificates of origin, LC documentation, duty forms, etc..

Operations & Logistics Management

• Manage end-to-end import/export operations, including coordination with freight forwarders, customs brokers, and carriers.
• Monitor shipments closely to ensure timely delivery and resolve issues promptly.

Supplier & Partner Relations

• Build and maintain supplier and freight partner relationships; negotiate rates and service terms.
• Coordinate with internal teams—Procurement, Sales, Finance, Warehouse—to align workflows and schedules.

Financial Oversight

• Manage import/export budgets, track freight and duty expenses, analyze margins.
• Identify cost-saving opportunities and optimize shipping methods.

Risk & Regulatory Management

• Perform risk assessments (e.g., customs delays, trade disruptions) and enact contingency plans.
• Keep updated on changes in international trade regulations and adapt procedures accordingly.

Financial Oversight & Cost Optimization

• Manage import/export budgets, track freight and duty expenses, and analyze margins
• Identify cost-saving opportunities through optimized routing, carrier consolidation, and freight cost benchmarking

Licensing, Customs Duties & Tariffs Management

• Oversee and maintain all necessary import/export licenses, certifications, and registrations
• Monitor and manage customs duties and tariff exposures; implement duty mitigation strategies

Team Leadership & Training

• Lead and mentor the import/export team; define roles and monitor performance.
• Conduct training on compliance, documentation, and logistics best practices.

Reporting & Continuous Improvement

• Generate regular reports on trade activities, KPIs, and cost performance for senior management.
• Propose process improvements to enhance efficiency and compliance.

Qualifications & Skills

• Education

  : Bachelor’s degree in Supply Chain, International Logistics, or related field; MBA or equivalent preferred.

• Experience

  : 12–15+ years in import/export or international trade; 5+ years in a leadership role.

• Trade Knowledge

  : Deep familiarity with customs procedures, tariffs, licenses, and trade documentation.

• Logistics Skills

  : Proficient in shipping coordination, freight rate negotiation, and route planning.

• Financial Acumen

  : Experience in budgeting, cost analysis, and negotiating trade costs.