Deputy Manager - Freight, Logistics & Supply Chain

Visteon Corporation; Chengalpattu; On-site; INR 1,800,000 - 2,400,000; Full time

Job summary

Visteon Corporation in Chennai is seeking a Deputy Manager - Freight, Logistics & Supply Chain to lead global freight operations, international logistics, and customs compliance. The role focuses on optimizing costs, supporting production needs, and driving supply chain efficiency across multiple locations.

The candidate should have 10-13 years' experience in freight management, EXIM operations, and strong ERP skills, including SAP/QAD, and advanced Excel.

Qualifications

• Bachelor's degree in Engineering or related discipline required.
• Professional certifications in logistics or EXIM operations desirable.
• Experience with ERP/logistics systems and advanced Excel preferred.

Responsibilities

• Oversee end-to-end export/import operations and customs compliance.
• Negotiate freight rates and manage international logistics contracts.
• Coordinate with production planning and overseas teams to align transport strategies.
• Manage CKD shipment operations and container utilization.
• Prepare and review logistics KPIs and MIS reports.
• Monitor regulatory compliance and trade documentation accuracy.

Education

Bachelor's Degree Engineering

Tools

SAP

QAD

ICEGATE

Excel

Job description

Job Purpose

The Deputy Manager - Freight, Logistics & Supply Chain will be responsible for managing global freight operations, international logistics, customs compliance, and trade execution activities. The role will ensure seamless movement of materials and finished goods across international locations while optimizing freight costs, maintaining regulatory compliance, supporting production requirements, and driving operational efficiency throughout the supply chain network.

Key Responsibilities

Export-Import (EXIM) & Customs Compliance

• Manage end-to-end export and import operations, including preparation, review, and execution of shipping and customs documentation such as Commercial Invoices, Packing Lists, Certificates of Origin, Bills of Lading, and Air Waybills.
• Coordinate customs clearance activities through ICEGATE and ensure timely filing of Bills of Entry, duty drawback claims, and other statutory declarations.
• Liaise with government authorities, consultants, and internal stakeholders for effective management of EPCG licenses, Advance Authorizations, and related foreign trade compliance activities.
• Ensure compliance with all applicable customs regulations, foreign trade policies, and import-export statutory requirements.
• Monitor documentation accuracy and ensure adherence to audit and regulatory requirements.

Logistics & Freight Management

• Manage international freight operations covering Ocean Freight, Air Freight, Break Bulk shipments, and multimodal transportation.
• Negotiate freight rates, service agreements, and logistics contracts with shipping lines, freight forwarders, and logistics service providers.
• Drive freight optimization initiatives to improve transit performance while reducing overall logistics costs.
• Manage Customs House Agents (CHA), freight forwarders, and transportation partners to ensure service excellence and timely shipment execution.
• Monitor shipment movement, track transit performance, and proactively resolve logistics disruptions.

Supply Chain Planning & Operations

• Coordinate closely with production planning, procurement, and overseas teams to align transportation strategies with manufacturing and customer requirements.
• Support inbound logistics planning to ensure timely availability of raw materials, bought-out components, and engineering spares.
• Manage warehouse and logistics operations to ensure smooth material flow, container movement, and shipment readiness.
• Ensure adherence to port cut-off schedules and shipment timelines to avoid delivery delays.
• Support continuous improvement initiatives across logistics and supply chain functions.

CKD Operations Management

• Oversee Complete Knock Down (CKD) shipment operations and ensure accurate planning, packing, loading, and dispatch execution.
• Monitor order fulfillment accuracy through effective coordination between warehouse, production, and logistics teams.
• Ensure proper container utilization and cargo consolidation to maximize freight efficiency.
• Implement controls to prevent Demurrage and Detention (D&D) costs through proactive shipment monitoring and execution.

Financial & Commercial Operations

• Coordinate Letter of Credit (LC) documentation, negotiations, and compliance requirements with banks and commercial stakeholders.
• Manage banking documentation related to international trade transactions, including GR waiver requirements and export-import documentation.
• Validate freight invoices and logistics-related costs to ensure billing accuracy and cost control.
• Support freight budgeting, cost analysis, and logistics spend optimization initiatives.

Performance Monitoring & Reporting

• Develop and maintain logistics performance dashboards covering freight spend, transit performance, customs clearance timelines, and shipment adherence.
• Generate periodic MIS reports and management reviews highlighting key logistics and supply chain KPIs.
• Analyze logistics trends and identify opportunities for process improvement, cost reduction, and operational excellence.
• Support business reviews with data-driven insights and recommendations.

Qualifications, Skills & Experience

• Experience: At least 10-13 years of experience in Freight Management, International Logistics, EXIM Operations, Customs Compliance, or Supply Chain Management, preferably within the Electronics or Automotive industry. Experience in the Electronics manufacturing industry will be highly preferred.
• Education: Bachelor's Degree Engineering with any specialization or related disciplines.
• Certifications: Professional certifications in Logistics Management, Supply Chain Management, EXIM Operations, or Government-recognized trade certifications are desirable.
• System Proficiency: Strong working knowledge of SAP, QAD, ICEGATE, logistics management systems, and advanced Microsoft Excel.
• EXIM Expertise: Thorough understanding of Customs Regulations, Foreign Trade Policy, EPCG, Advance Authorization, Duty Drawback, GST in Exports, and Import-Export procedures.
• Logistics Knowledge: Expertise in vessel planning, freight negotiations, shipment scheduling, multimodal transportation, and warehouse coordination.

Critical Experiences Required to be Ready for this Job

• Hands-on experience in international freight management and EXIM operations.
• Strong exposure to customs compliance, trade regulations, and foreign trade documentation.
• Experience managing freight forwarders, shipping lines, CHAs, and logistics service providers.
• Proven track record in freight cost optimization and logistics performance improvement.
• Experience supporting manufacturing operations through effective supply chain and transportation planning.
• Advanced proficiency in ERP systems, logistics reporting, and data analysis.

Additional Information

• Work Location: Chennai
• Travel: Domestic and international travel may be required based on business needs, logistics reviews, supplier engagements, and trade compliance activities.