Manager Ocean Operations

ATA Freight; Pune District; On-site; INR 4,000,000 - 7,000,000; Full time

Job summary

ATA Freight in Pune seeks a seasoned Manager Ocean Operations to lead end-to-end Ocean Import and Export operations for FCL and LCL shipments. You will ensure booking, execution, documentation, customs coordination, and delivery while maintaining service quality and regulatory compliance.

The role requires 12–15 years in Ocean Freight Ops, with 4–6 years in a managerial capacity, and strong vendor, carrier, and customer-facing experience. ERP/TMS proficiency and leadership skills are essential.

Qualifications

• Bachelors degree required; MBA preferred for advancement.
• 12–15 years in Ocean Freight Operations, with 4–6 years in a managerial role.
• Strong exposure to import/export ocean operations (FCL/LCL) and customer-facing ops.

Responsibilities

• Lead end-to-end Ocean Import and Export operations for FCL/LCL.
• Ensure booking, execution, docs, customs coordination and delivery.
• Monitor schedules, milestones, and cargo movement timelines.
• Coordinate with shipping lines, NVOCCs, overseas agents, CHA, and partners.
• Manage escalations, exceptions, and project cargo handling when required.
• Develop and mentor Ocean Operations team; drive performance reviews.
• Support carrier negotiations and vendor management; ensure SLA adherence.
• Drive process improvements and ERP/TMS automation initiatives.
• Oversee compliance with DGFT/Customs and internal SOPs.

Skills

Ocean Import & Export Operations

FCL & LCL shipment management

Freight Forwarding

Shipping Line coordination

Customs Clearance & docs

Incoterms & trade regs

Vendor & Carrier Management

Advanced MS Excel

MIS Reporting

ERP / TMS systems

Leadership & team management

Customer relationship management

Analytical & problem-solving

Education

Bachelor's Degree in Logistics/Supply Chain/Commerce/Business Administration

MBA / PGDM in Logistics & Supply Chain Management

Tools

ERP / TMS

Job description

Manager Ocean Operations

The Manager Ocean Operations is responsible for leading end-to-end Ocean Import and Export operations, ensuring seamless execution of FCL and LCL shipments while maintaining operational excellence, customer satisfaction, and regulatory compliance. The role acts as the central point of coordination between customers, shipping lines, overseas agents, customs brokers, transporters, warehouses, and internal stakeholders to ensure timely cargo movement. The position also drives process improvements, team development, cost optimization, and service delivery in line with organizational objectives.

Key Responsibilities

1. Ocean Operations Management:

• Lead end-to-end Ocean Import and Export operations for FCL and LCL shipments.
• Ensure timely booking, shipment execution, documentation, customs coordination, and cargo delivery.
• Monitor vessel schedules, shipment milestones, cargo movement, and operational timelines.
• Coordinate with shipping lines, NVOCCs, overseas agents, CFS, ICDs, transporters, and Customs House Agents (CHA).
• Manage shipment exceptions, operational escalations, and ensure timely resolution.
• Handle special cargo including project cargo, hazardous cargo, and reefer shipments, where applicable.

2. Customer & Stakeholder Management:

• Build and maintain strong relationships with customers, overseas offices, carriers, and business partners.
• Ensure proactive communication regarding shipment status, delays, and operational updates.
• Participate in customer review meetings and support key account management.
• Resolve customer queries and escalations while ensuring high service standards.

3. Documentation & Compliance:

• Oversee preparation and verification of Bills of Lading, Shipping Bills, Delivery Orders, invoices, and shipping documentation.
• Ensure compliance with Customs regulations, DGFT guidelines, international trade regulations, and company SOPs.
• Maintain complete operational documentation for audit and compliance purposes.
• Ensure documentation accuracy to minimize operational risks and delays.

4. Team Leadership & Resource Management:

• Lead, mentor, and develop the Ocean Operations team.
• Allocate responsibilities and monitor team performance.
• Conduct regular performance reviews and identify training requirements.
• Promote a culture of operational excellence, accountability, and continuous improvement.

5. Carrier & Vendor Management:

• Develop strong relationships with shipping lines, NVOCCs, transporters, warehouses, and logistics partners.
• Monitor vendor performance and ensure agreed service levels are maintained.
• Support commercial and procurement teams during carrier negotiations.
• Ensure efficient utilization of transport and warehouse resources.

6. Process Improvement & Operational Excellence:

• Drive continuous improvement initiatives to enhance operational efficiency.
• Implement standardized processes and workflow improvements.
• Optimize turnaround time and improve shipment visibility.
• Support automation initiatives and effective utilization of ERP/TMS platforms.

7. Cost Control & Financial Management:

• Monitor operational costs and improve shipment profitability.
• Minimize detention, demurrage, storage, and other avoidable expenses.
• Coordinate with Finance for timely billing, invoicing, and revenue realization.
• Support annual budgeting and operational cost optimization initiatives.

8. Reporting & Performance Monitoring:

• Prepare and review daily, weekly, and monthly MIS reports.
• Monitor operational KPIs including shipment turnaround time, documentation accuracy, SLA adherence, and customer satisfaction.
• Present operational performance reports and improvement plans to senior management.
• Ensure achievement of departmental objectives and business targets.

Required Skills & Qualifications

Education:

• Bachelor's Degree in Logistics, Supply Chain Management, Commerce, Business Administration, or related discipline.
• MBA / PGDM in Logistics & Supply Chain Management will be preferred.

Experience:

• 12-15 years of experience in Ocean Freight Operations, Freight Forwarding, or Logistics.
• Minimum 4-6 years of experience in a managerial/team handling role.
• Strong exposure to Import & Export Ocean Operations (FCL/LCL) and customer-facing operations.

Skills Required:

• Strong knowledge of Ocean Import & Export Operations.
• Expertise in FCL & LCL shipment management.
• Freight Forwarding and Shipping Line coordination.
• Customs Clearance and International Trade Documentation.
• Incoterms and global shipping regulations.
• Vendor and Carrier Management.
• Advanced MS Excel and MIS Reporting.
• ERP / TMS system knowledge.
• Leadership and Team Management.
• Customer Relationship Management.
• Analytical and problem-solving skills.
• Excellent communication and stakeholder management.
• Ability to work under pressure and manage multiple priorities.