Import Manager

ONE Step Global Business Solutions; Mumbai; On-site; INR 900,000 - 1,500,000; Full time

Job summary

ONE Step Global Business Solutions is seeking an Import Manager in Mumbai to oversee end-to-end import operations, from PO placement to delivery at the warehouse or factory. The role requires coordinating with overseas suppliers, freight forwarders, customs brokers, and transporters to ensure compliant, timely movement of goods.

Responsibilities include documentation, customs clearance, shipment tracking, and cost control, with a focus on process improvements and regulatory compliance.

Qualifications

• Strong knowledge of international import and logistics operations.
• Working knowledge of customs clearance procedures and import documentation.
• Understanding of Incoterms, international freight, and shipping processes.
• Knowledge of applicable import regulations and customs duties.
• Strong vendor negotiation and coordination skills.
• Excellent planning, problem-solving, and communication abilities.

Responsibilities

• Oversee end-to-end import operations from PO placement to delivery at warehouse or factory.
• Coordinate shipment planning, booking, customs clearance, and inland transportation.
• Monitor shipment schedules and ensure timely delivery of materials.
• Resolve delays, documentation discrepancies, and logistics issues.
• Negotiate freight rates and logistics charges to optimize costs.
• Maintain relationships with logistics partners and service providers.
• Coordinate documentation for licenses, permits, and regulatory approvals.

Skills

Import ops

Logistics coordination

Freight & shipping

Customs clearance

Vendor negotiation

Inventory planning

Documentation

Tools

MS Excel

ERP systems

Job description

The Import Manager will be responsible for managing end-to-end import operations, from purchase order placement to final delivery at the warehouse or factory. The role involves coordinating with overseas suppliers, freight forwarders, customs brokers, shipping lines, and transporters to ensure timely, cost-effective, and compliant movement of imported goods. The candidate will oversee import documentation, customs clearance, shipment tracking, logistics costs, and regulatory compliance.

Key Responsibilities:

1. End-to-End Import Operations

• Manage the complete import cycle, from purchase order placement to final delivery at the warehouse or factory.
• Coordinate shipment planning, cargo readiness, booking, dispatch, customs clearance, and inland transportation.
• Monitor shipment schedules and ensure timely delivery of materials.
• Resolve shipment delays, documentation discrepancies, and logistics-related issues.

2. Supplier and Logistics Coordination

• Coordinate with overseas suppliers, freight forwarders, shipping lines, customs brokers, and transporters.
• Follow up with suppliers for order confirmation, production status, cargo readiness, and shipping documents.
• Negotiate freight rates and logistics charges to optimize transportation costs.
• Maintain effective relationships with logistics partners and service providers.

3. Import Documentation and Compliance

• Review and verify commercial invoices, packing lists, bills of lading, airway bills, certificates of origin, and insurance documents.
• Ensure the accuracy and completeness of import documentation before shipment dispatch and customs clearance.
• Coordinate with customs brokers for preparation and filing of import documentation.
• Ensure compliance with applicable customs regulations, import policies, and other statutory requirements.
• Coordinate documentation for applicable licenses, permits, product certifications, and regulatory approvals.

4. Customs Clearance and Delivery

• Monitor customs clearance activities and resolve clearance-related issues.
• Coordinate with customs brokers to ensure timely filing of bills of entry and payment of applicable duties and taxes.
• Track shipments from origin to destination and provide regular status updates to internal stakeholders.
• Arrange transportation from port, airport, or customs facility to the warehouse or factory.
• Ensure proper handling of demurrage, detention, port charges, and other avoidable logistics expenses.

5. Cost Control and Financial Coordination

• Monitor freight costs, customs duties, insurance, handling charges, and inland transportation expenses.
• Verify freight forwarder, customs broker, and transporter invoices against agreed rates and services.
• Identify opportunities to reduce import costs and improve logistics efficiency.
• Coordinate with Finance and Accounts for duty payments, vendor payments, and import-related documentation.
• Maintain accurate records of shipment costs and import transactions.

6. Inventory and Internal Coordination

• Coordinate with Purchase, Planning, Stores, Production, Quality, and Finance teams to ensure material availability.
• Align shipment schedules with production requirements and inventory planning.
• Maintain shipment trackers, import registers, and delivery records.
• Provide regular reports on shipment status, pending clearances, expected arrivals, and delivery timelines.

7. Risk Management and Continuous Improvement

• Identify and resolve risks related to shipment delays, customs clearance, documentation, and supplier performance.
• Coordinate insurance claims for damaged, lost, or short-shipped cargo, where applicable.
• Monitor supplier and logistics partner performance.
• Develop standard operating procedures and improve import processes to reduce lead times and operational costs.

Required Skills and Competencies:

• Strong knowledge of international import and logistics operations.
• Working knowledge of customs clearance procedures and import documentation.
• Understanding of Incoterms, international freight, and shipping processes.
• Knowledge of applicable import regulations and customs duties.
• Strong vendor negotiation and coordination skills.
• Excellent planning, problem-solving, and communication abilities.
• Proficiency in MS Excel, ERP systems, and shipment-tracking tools.
• Ability to manage multiple shipments and meet strict delivery deadlines.