Ocean Import Specialist

Role Description

This is a full-time on-site role for a Ocean Import Specialist at Bali And Company Logistics Private Limited, located in Connaught Place, New Delhi. The selected candidate will lead Ocean Freight Operations + Complete Overseas Coordination under our growing freight forwarding division.

Summary

If you’ve spent 3–5 years in Ocean Freight (Pricing + Operations), you’re likely a strong fit.

We’re looking for someone who knows how cargo actually moves by Ocean (not just on paper).

You’ve:

• Negotiated with shipping lines, NVOCCs, co-loaders, and overseas agents
• Handled FCL, LCL, and special cargo
• Solved breakdowns and fixed it without drama

This is not a role for someone “trying to switch into freight” or “exploring something new.”
This is for someone who already understands ocean freight operations end-to-end and wants to build something meaningful, long-term.

Your Core Responsibilities

You will own and lead Ocean Freight operations for Imports & Exports. Specifically, you will:

1. Plan & Execute Ocean Shipments

• Handle end-to-end shipments for FCL, LCL, and special cargo (import & export).
• Work with shipping lines, NVOCCs, co-loaders, consolidators, transporters, CFS/ICD operators, and our in-house customs team.
• Plan routings, transit times, and sailings in line with customer requirements and carrier options.

2. Negotiate & Close

• Negotiate buy rates with shipping lines and NVOCCs across key trade lanes (China, Europe, Middle East, USA, Far East, etc.).
• Finalize sell rates, ensuring healthy GP, cost control, and recovery discipline.
• Maintain and update rate sheets, tariffs, and trade-lane specific pricing strategies.

3. Documentation & Compliance

• Ensure accurate and timely documentation:
• BL instructions / SI, VGM, invoices, packing lists, declarations, certificates, etc.
• Coordinate with customers and agents for:
• Draft BL approvals, amendments, surrender requests, SWB, telex releases, and related documentation.
• Work closely with CHA/CB team to align customs processes, duty impact, and documentation flows.

4. Monitor & Own Shipment Lifecycle

• Track each shipment from booking to final delivery: including container release, gate-in, loading, sailing, arrival, destuffing, and handover.
• Proactively manage issues like:
• Vessel delays, roll-overs, port congestion, shut-out, short-landed cargo, container damages, or demurrage/detention risk.
• Ensure timely pre-alerts, arrival notices, DOs, and clear communication with all stakeholders.

5. Build & Manage Global Networks

• Build and maintain a strong network of overseas agents, consolidators, and partners.
• Strengthen our ability to quote, execute, and recover across major trade lanes.
• Coordinate nominated, cross-trade, and free-hand shipments with overseas partners.

6. Commercial Ownership

• Keep a close watch on costs, margins, and leakages across shipments.
• Work with accounts for:
• Freight invoicing, credit control, collections, and vendor payments.
• Support management in building profitable trade-lane strategies and key account solutions.

7. Client Communication & Service

• Act as the primary operations contact for shippers and consignees on sea freight.
• Provide clear, timely updates to customers and internal teams.
• Help the commercial team retain and grow accounts by delivering reliable execution.

This Role Is for You If

• You’ve independently handled Ocean Freight Operations end-to-end, not just “supported” or “coordinated” in the background.
• The difference between just moving a container and moving it profitably.
• Rates, GP, free days, detention/demurrage, routings, and execution in one breath.
• Solved time-bound or sensitive shipment issues with shipping lines, NVOCCs, and agents.
• You’ve built strong working relationships with: Overseas Agents, Shipping Lines, NVOCCs, co-loaders, and transporters.

Must-Haves

• 3–5 years of hands-on experience in international Ocean Freight Forwarding
• Demonstrated success in: Rate negotiation with shipping lines/NVOCCs**; GP/margin planning** and cost control; End-to-end operations for FCL and LCL
• Strong exposure to: Port, CFS, and ICD operations; BL processes, SI, VGM, cut-offs, and vessel scheduling; INCOTERMS, documentation, and standard EXIM workflows
• Structured, reliable work ethic with strong commercial and operational acumen.
• Comfortable working in a fast-moving, high-responsibility environment where you own outcomes.

Preferred Qualifications

• Bachelor’s degree in Logistics, Supply Chain, Commerce, Business, or a related field.
• Prior experience at a freight forwarding company with a strong focus on Ocean Freight.
• Experience handling:
• Special cargo (ODC, project cargo, heavy lifts, hazardous/DG, reefer, or high-value shipments).
• Multi-port/multi-country routings and trans-shipments.
• Exposure to:
• Vendor management (transporters, warehouses, CFS/ICD operators).
• Confidence in:
• Client-facing communication, negotiation, and stakeholder management.

Not a Fit If

• You’ve never independently handled Ocean Freight operations or always needed someone above you to close and decide.
• You’re strong at talking and selling, but weak on actual execution, documentation follow-through, and recovery.
• You need constant supervision to keep containers moving and issues under control.
• You’re looking at this as a short-term experiment or “something to try” - we’re building for the long term.

Job Types: Full-time, Permanent

Pay: ₹25,000.00 - ₹60,000.00 per month

Benefits:

• Provident Fund

Ability to commute/relocate:

• New Delhi, Delhi: Reliably commute or planning to relocate before starting work (Required)

Experience:

• international freight forwarding (Air Pricing + Operations): 3 years (Preferred)

Work Location: In person