Associate Manager - Import/Logistics & Compliance

Associate Manager - Import/Logistics & Compliance

Description:

The Associate Manager will be responsible for managing end-to-end import logistics operations, ensuring seamless shipment clearance, regulatory compliance, duty optimization, and timely delivery of materials. The role will focus on documentation control, customs coordination, duty planning, and cost optimization while maintaining high compliance standards.

Key Responsibilities:

Import Documentation & Shipment Delivery:

- Maintain an organized system for storage and management of all import shipment documents.

- Coordinate transportation from port/airport to plant, including rate finalization, vendor coordination, and generation of e-way bills.

- Ensure accurate and timely preparation of shipping and customs-related documentation.

Duty Benefits & Optimization:

- Maximize utilization of duty benefit schemes such as Advance Authorization, IGCR, and EPCG, targeting optimal utilization for cost efficiency.

- Monitor licenses and ensure compliance with scheme conditions and timelines.

Duty Payment & Financial Coordination:

- Generate Duty Payment Requests (DPR) for timely customs duty payments.

- Coordinate with finance teams for duty forecasting, advance payments, and reconciliation.

- Manage advance payments and settlements with Customs House Agents (CHA).

Customs Compliance & Risk Management:

- Ensure full compliance with customs regulations and statutory requirements.

- Achieve zero-defect Bill of Entry (BOE) submissions and timely duty payments to avoid interest or penalties.

Clearance & Turnaround Time Management:

- Manage advance BOE filing to ensure timely clearance of shipments.

- Ensure clearance timelines of within 7 days for sea shipments and within 3 days for air shipments.

Cost Control & Detention Management:

- Implement strategies to minimize detention, demurrage, and penalties.

- Drive initiatives to restrict interest/penalty costs to minimal levels through proactive planning and coordination.

Required Experience:

- 10 to 15 years of experience in import logistics, customs clearance, or trade compliance.

- Strong hands-on experience in sea and air import operations, customs documentation, and CHA coordination.

- Proven exposure to duty benefit schemes (Advance Authorization, EPCG, IGCR).

- Experience working with ERP / logistics systems and customs portals.

- Degree in Logistics, Supply Chain Management, Business Administration, or a related discipline.

- Professional certifications in Customs, International Trade, or Supply Chain will be an added advantage.

Key Skills & Competencies:

- Import logistics & customs operations

- Trade compliance & duty optimization

- Documentation & BOE management

- Cost control & detention reduction

- ERP systems & customs portals

- Stakeholder coordination & problem-solving