Head - Shipping & Export Import Logistics

Role Summary:

We are looking for a seasoned logistics leader to own and drive the organisation's end-to-end logistics function across Ocean Freight, Air Freight and Express/Courier solutions. The role calls for strong carrier relationships, sharp commercial negotiation skills, and the ability to build cost-efficient, time-sensitive supply chains for global shipments, with a particular focus on India-to-USA trade lanes.

Key Responsibilities:

Overall Logistics Leadership:

• Take full ownership of the organisation's logistics operations covering Ocean Freight, Air Freight and Express/Courier solutions.
• Define logistics strategy, service levels and cost-control frameworks aligned with business goals.

Ocean Freight:

• Negotiate and set up contracts with major shipping lines.
• Source competitive LCL rates for consolidation from India to the USA.
• Maintain thorough knowledge of port pairs, the liners operating from each port, and their services, to select the best routing for every shipment.

Air Freight:

• Liaise with major air cargo carriers and negotiate block space agreements.
• Optimise air exports for the least transit time and minimal trans-shipment.

Express / Courier:

• Identify and resolve express and courier bottlenecks, including bifurcating traffic across service types and carriers for faster, more reliable delivery.

Warehousing & Distribution:

• Support the setup and operation of general warehousing to ensure seamless movement of shipments.

Compliance & Regulatory:

• Stay current on export-import regulations, licensing requirements and DGFT schemes, and ensure the organisation uses all applicable benefits.
• Ensure documentation accuracy and statutory compliance across all shipments.

Team & Vendor Management:

• Lead and develop the logistics team, and manage freight forwarders, CHAs, carriers and warehouse partners.
• Track KPIs on cost, transit time, on-time delivery and carrier performance, and report to senior management.

Experience:

• 15 - 20 years in shipping and logistics, with a substantial portion in a leadership role.
• Proven track record of handling large-scale ocean exports and imports as well as air freight operations.

Skills & Knowledge:

• Strong negotiation skills with shipping lines, airlines and consolidators.
• In-depth understanding of trade lanes, port pairs, liner services and routing.
• Working knowledge of DGFT policies, licensing and export incentive schemes.
• Strong analytical and cost-optimisation capability.
• Excellent leadership, stakeholder management and communication skills.