Freight Forwarding Manager

#Urgenthiring #Freight Forwarding #Chennai #Import #Export #Manager

Job Title: Freight Forwarding

Designation

Location

Qualification

Experience

Notice Period : Immediate/ Max 30 Days.

The Customs & Transportation Operations Manager will oversee all customs import/export activities for the organization, ensure compliance with HS codes, notifications, laws and rules concerning customs procedures, maintain and grow customer relationships (both existing and new), and supervise transportation operations to deliver trouble-free service to customers. The role will also support the General Manager in reporting and overall operational performance.

Key Responsibilities

Customs / Import-Export Compliance

• Advise on correct HS (Harmonised System) codes for imported and exported goods, ensuring accurate classification.
• Stay updated on and interpret customs notifications, regulatory changes, rules, and laws relating to import/export procedures, duties, duties deferment, bonded cargo, etc. (import/export). For example, classification, valuation, origin rules, duties, bonding.
• Ensure that all shipments (import and export) comply with relevant customs and trade regulations, both domestic and international.
• Coordinate with customs brokers, government agencies, freight forwarders, shipping lines to ensure timely clearance of goods.
• Maintain documentation and records of customs filings, duty payments, clearance files, audits, and prepare reports for management.
• Identify and mitigate risks or compliance gaps in customs operations; recommend improvements in classification, procedures, cost savings (duties/taxes) and process controls.

Customer Relationship & Sales Support

• Retain existing customers by maintaining strong service levels, regular visits, understanding their import/export and transport needs, and acting as their point of escalation for customs/transport issues.
• Support the development of new customer business assist sales team with transport/logistics/customs input, highlight value-added services (customs expertise, smooth clearance, and cost savings).
• Collaborate with sales and operations teams to prepare proposals, quotations and ensure promises to customers (customs & transport) are deliverable.

Transportation & Operational Oversight

• Oversee transportation operations (inbound and outbound) to ensure goods move smoothly in coordination with customs clearance, carriers, internal logistics, thirdparty logistics providers (hauliers, trucking, shipping lines).
• Ensure that shipments are scheduled, tracked, delivered in line with customer requirements and service levels, with minimal disruptions (delays, demurrage, and clearances).
• Monitor KPIs (transit times, clearance times, delivery performance, cost of transport & customs) and drive continuous improvement.
• Liaise with warehouse, CFS, terminal, port agencies, transporters and internal teams to coordinate the full flow from clearance to delivery.

Competencies & Behaviours

• Customer-centric: demonstrates proactive service, visits clients, understands their business and challenges.
• Compliance mind set: ensures regulatory adherence, mitigates risks, and keeps up with legal/notification changes.
• Operational excellence: drives efficiency, cost reduction, supports smooth flow from clearance to delivery.
• Team player and cross-functional collaborator works across sales, operations, transport, customs teams.
• Analytical & strategic: able to interpret data, identify cost/drivers, and propose improvements.
• Integrity & professionalism especially when dealing with customs authorities, clients and operations.