Associate Manager Import Planning and Logistics

Confidential; Bengaluru; On-site; INR 1,200,000 - 1,800,000; Full time

Job summary

Confidential in Bengaluru seeks an experienced Import Logistics Lead to manage end-to-end import operations—from forecasting to delivery—ensuring uninterrupted material availability at optimal landed cost while maintaining full compliance.

You will coordinate with Sales, Purchase and Finance, track shipments, oversee customs clearance, and negotiate with CHAs and freight forwarders to optimize costs and service levels.

Qualifications

• Hands-on experience with ICEGATE, DGFT portal and ERP (Tally/SAP); strong Excel skills.

Responsibilities

• Lead import forecasting and planning in coordination with Sales, Purchase and Finance teams.
• Track shipments from supplier dispatch to delivery using a live tracker and manage delays.
• Oversee Bill of Entry filing, HS classification, duties, and compliance with regulations.
• Negotiate rates and manage CHAs, freight forwarders, shipping lines and insurers; maintain SLAs.
• Prepare monthly reports on import performance, on-time arrival, clearance time and landed cost.
• Coordinate port-to-warehouse movement and ensure timely, damage-free delivery; control freight costs.

Skills

Excel

Tools

ICEGATE

DGFT portal

Tally

SAP

Job description

Role & responsibilities

ROLE PURPOSE

To lead end-to-end import supply chain operations, from demand forecasting and procurement planning through customs clearance and delivery. The role ensures uninterrupted material availability at optimal landed cost, while maintaining full compliance and building a robust forecasting and planning system.

KEY RESPONSIBILITIES

1. Import forecasting and planning

• Develop rolling import forecasts in coordination with Sales, Purchase and Finance teams.
• Plan order quantities, shipment schedules and inventory cover based on demand, lead times and supplier capacity.
• Maintain a long-term view on supplier risks, duty changes and recommend action.

2. Shipment tracking and control

• Track shipments from supplier dispatch to final delivery through a live tracker (ETD/ETA, vessel, container status, free days).
• Proactively elevate delays and disruptions and implement corrective action.

3. Customs clearance and compliance

• Oversee Bill of Entry filing, assessment, examination and duty payment with the CHA.
• Verify HS classification, applicable duties, BIS/anti-dumping requirements and FTA benefits.
• Ensure compliance with Customs, DGFT, FEMA and other regulations.

4. Vendor management

• Negotiate rates and manage CHAs, freight forwarders, shipping lines and insurers.
• Maintain service-level scorecards.

5. MIS and reporting

• Prepare monthly reports on import performance: on-time arrival, clearance time, demurrage, landed cost and supplier performance.

6. Overall Logistics

• Coordinating port-to-warehouse movement and dispatches to customers, with timely, damage-free delivery.
• Selecting and negotiating with transporters, and controlling freight costs.
• Coordinating with Warehouse, Sales and Accounts on dispatch schedules, delivery confirmation and freight billing.
• Driving continuous improvement in turnaround time and service levels.

Preferred candidate profile

• Hands-on experience with ICEGATE, DGFT portal and ERP (Tally/SAP); strong Excel skills.
• Strong negotiation, analytical and communication skills.