Assistant Manager Operations-Cargo & Transportation

Purple Squirrel Consulting services; Mumbai; On-site; INR 800,000 - 1,200,000; Full time

Job summary

Appsierra Group is seeking an Assistant Manager in Mumbai to lead cargo and transport operations. You'll ensure operational excellence across 40+ branches, focusing on timely delivery and low costs.

The ideal candidate will manage branch coordination, optimize delivery routes, and handle vendor negotiations. Strong analytical skills and the ability to work under pressure are essential.

Qualifications

• Ability to handle high-pressure situations effectively.
• Strong commercial acumen for negotiations.
• Experience in managing field staff across locations.
• Proficiency in Excel and ERP reporting.

Responsibilities

• Manage operations across multiple branches for cargo handovers.
• Ensure adherence to delivery schedules and identify route bottlenecks.
• Report and manage branch-level performance metrics.
• Negotiate rates with vendors and onboard new partners.

Skills

Operational Grit

Vendor Negotiation

Team Leadership

Analytical Mindset

Job description

Assistant Manager Operations-Cargo & Transportation

Job Title

Assistant Manager – Cargo and Transport Operations

Role Objective

To maintain operational excellence across 40+ branch locations. You will be responsible for the "on-time, every-time" movement of cargo, managing the delicate balance between high service levels and low operational costs. This role requires a leader who is as comfortable analyzing a KPI dashboard as they are standing on a loading dock at midnight.

Key Responsibilities

1. Network & Branch Coordination
   • Manage operations across multiple branches to ensure seamless cargo handovers.
   • Conduct regular branch visits (approx. 40‑50% travel) to audit physical processes and mentor branch staff.
   • Act as the bridge between the MD’s office and branch-level execution.
2. Delivery & Route Optimization
   • Ensure 100% adherence to route schedules and delivery timelines (TAT - Turnaround Time).
   • Identify bottlenecks in current routes and propose cost‑effective alternatives.
   • Manage end‑to‑end "First Mile to Last Mile" flow to minimize idle time.
   • Own and report on branch‑level metrics: Vehicle Utilization, Loading Efficiency, On‑Time Delivery (OTD), and Damage/Shortage ratios.
   • Implement corrective actions when a branch falls below the established performance baseline.
   • Manage operational budgets; identify and eliminate "leakage" (fuel theft, unnecessary detention charges, etc.).
   • Vendor Development: Identify, vet, and onboard new fleet and delivery partners to ensure capacity during peak seasons.
   • Negotiate rates with vendors to maintain healthy margins.

Desired Skills & Competencies

• Operational Grit: Ability to handle high‑pressure situations, such as vehicle breakdowns or labor issues, without losing focus on the daily targets.
• Vendor Negotiation: Strong commercial acumen to handle transporters and local delivery partners.
• Team Leadership: Proven track record of managing field staff across geographically dispersed locations.
• Analytical Mindset: Basic proficiency in Excel/ERP reporting to understand cost‑per‑kg and route profitability.