Assistant Manager - Import & Export

Role & responsibilities

Job Summary :

We are looking for an experienced Assistant Manager Import & Export to manage end-to-end import and export operations, international logistics, customs clearance, documentation, regulatory compliance, and freight coordination.

Important: We are looking for candidates from a 1PL environment only preferably candidates currently working with manufacturing / OEM / product-based companies managing their company's own import-export operations.

Candidates from 3PL logistics companies, freight forwarding companies, CHA/customs clearance agencies, shipping lines, or logistics service providers will not be considered.

Key Responsibilities:

• Manage end-to-end Import & Export operations for the company's own materials, components and finished products.
• Coordinate import shipments with overseas suppliers, freight forwarders, shipping lines, airlines and customs brokers.
• Ensure timely and compliant customs clearance of imported materials and equipment.
• Handle complete Export documentation and shipment execution.
• Ensure compliance with Customs Act, DGFT regulations and Foreign Trade Policy.
• Verify HSN/HS Codes, duty structures, applicable exemptions and import requirements.
• Prepare and verify Commercial Invoices, Packing Lists, Bill of Entry, Shipping Bills, Certificates of Origin, AWB and Bill of Lading (BL).
• Coordinate with CHA, freight forwarders, DGFT, procurement, finance, warehouse and sales teams.
• Monitor shipment status, delivery timelines and import/export lead times.
• Negotiate freight rates and support logistics cost optimization.
• Maintain accurate import-export records and ensure documentation compliance.
• Prepare MIS reports and logistics performance reports for management.
• Identify operational issues and take corrective action to avoid delays, demurrage and additional logistics costs.
• Preferred candidate profile

Educational Qualification

• Bachelor's Degree in Commerce, International Business, Supply Chain, Logistics, or Engineering.
• Diploma/Certification in Export-Import Management, Customs or Foreign Trade will be an added advantage.

Required Experience

• 4-5 years of relevant experience in Import & Export Operations.
• Mandatory: 1PL experience only.
• Candidate should have experience working in a manufacturing, OEM, electronics, EMS, industrial products or engineering company handling its own import-export activities.
• Strong hands-on exposure to customs clearance, import documentation, export shipments and international logistics is essential.
• Candidates from 3PL / freight forwarding / CHA / logistics service providers are NOT preferred.

Technical Skills

• Import & Export Documentation
• Customs Clearance Procedures
• DGFT Regulations & Foreign Trade Policy
• International Logistics & Shipment Coordination
• HSN/HS Code Classification
• Import Duty & Tax Structure
• Freight Cost Analysis & Negotiation
• Letter of Credit (LC)
• ERP Systems SAP / Oracle / MS Dynamics
• Advanced MS Excel
• Import/Export MIS & Reporting

Key Competencies

• Strong Customs & Regulatory Compliance
• Excellent Documentation Accuracy
• Freight & Vendor Negotiation
• Analytical & Problem-Solving Skills
• International Shipment Coordination
• Vendor / CHA / Forwarder Management
• Cross-functional Coordination
• Ownership & Accountability
• Team Handling & Leadership Skills

Key Performance Indicators (KPIs)

• On-time Customs Clearance
• Reduction in Import Lead Time
• Export Shipment Fulfillment
• Logistics & Freight Cost Optimization
• Zero Customs Penalties / Compliance Issues
• Reduction in Demurrage & Shipment Delays
• Documentation Accuracy

Candidate Profile Mandatory Filter

We are specifically looking for candidates with:

4–5 Years | 1PL Experience | Manufacturing / OEM / Product Company | Import & Export Operations | Customs Clearance | DGFT | International Logistics

Not suitable: Candidates whose primary experience is with 3PL companies, freight forwarders, CHA/customs agencies, shipping lines or logistics service providers.