Manager Air Import & Customs Clearance | CHA Operations (Chennai)

Dawn India; Chennai District; On-site; INR 1,300,000 - 2,100,000; Full time

Job summary

Dawn India in Chennai is seeking a Manager - Air Import & Customs Clearance to lead end-to-end air import operations and ensure robust customs clearance. You will oversee documentation, regulatory compliance, and client relations while guiding a team for both air and ocean functions.

The role requires 3+ years in air imports with a CHA/Freight Forwarding background and a proven track record in senior leadership. Chennai-based with growth opportunities in a dynamic CHA environment.

Qualifications

• Graduate or postgraduate in Supply Chain, Logistics, International Business or related field.
• Customs G card holder.
• 3+ years in Air Import & Customs Clearance with CHA/Freight Forwarding.
• 3+ years in a senior leadership role.

Responsibilities

• Lead end-to-end air import operations from pre-arrival to final delivery.
• Monitor turnaround time and ensure adherence to SLAs.
• Oversee customs documentation, assessment, and clearance procedures.
• Ensure compliance with Customs Act, FTP, BIS and allied laws.
• Guide import executives and support staff for both air and ocean functions.
• Foster cross-functional collaboration between customs, customer service and operations.
• Drive training, coaching, and documentation of best practices and updates in customs regulations.
• Prepare and present daily, weekly and monthly MIS reports.

Skills

Leadership

Communication

Regulatory knowledge

Audit & compliance

Education

Graduate in Supply Chain Logistics

Customs G Card holder

Tools

ICEGATE

EDI

Job description

Job Title: Manager Air Import & Customs Clearance | CHA Operations

Department: Operations Air Freight Imports & Customs Clearance

Location: Chennai

Job Summary

The Manager - Air Imports & Customs Compliance Management will be responsible for leading and managing end-to-end air import operations and customs clearance activities in a Custom House Agent (CHA) firm. The role involves ensuring efficient cargo clearance, regulatory compliance, strong client relationships, and operational excellence.

Key Responsibilities

Air Import Operations

• Lead and manage complete air import operations from pre-arrival to final delivery.
• Monitor turnaround time (TAT) and ensure adherence to service-level agreements (SLAs).

Customs Clearance

• Oversee customs documentation, assessment, examination, and clearance procedures.
• Ensure compliance with Customs Act, Foreign Trade Policy (FTP), BIS and allied laws.
• Handle complex customs queries, disputes, and escalations.

Team Leadership & Supervision

• Lead and guide import executives, documentation filing team, and support staff for both air and ocean functions.
• Monitor team performance, address gaps, and ensure skill development through on-the-job training.
• Foster cross-functional collaboration between customs clearance, customer service, and operations.
• Drive team capability enhancement through structured training programs, ongoing coaching, and documentation of best practices and updates in customs regulations.

Client Relationship Management

• Act as primary point of contact for key accounts.
• Handle escalations related to delays, holds, demurrage, detention, and penalties.

Compliance & Risk Management

• Ensure adherence to AEO, KYC, and internal audit requirements.
• Minimize compliance risks.

MIS & Reporting

• Prepare and present daily, weekly, and monthly MIS reports.
• Track performance metrics such as clearance time, error rates, and customer feedback.

Process & System Improvement

• Drive automation through ICEGATE, EDI, and cargo community systems.
• Introduce best practices to improve efficiency and reduce operational errors.

Qualifications & Experience

Education:

• Graduate / Postgraduate in Supply Chain, Logistics, International Business, or related field.
• Custom G card holder.

Experience:

• 3 + years of experience in Air Import & Customs Clearance with a CHA / Freight Forwarding company.
• 3+ years in a senior leadership role.

Skills & Competencies

• Strong knowledge of Indian customs laws and procedures
• Leadership and people management skills
• Excellent problem-solving and negotiation abilities
• Strong communication skills

Preferred Profile

• Exposure to specialized cargo like pharma, perishables, and high-value shipments.
• Candidates currently based in Chennai or willing to relocate immediately preferred.