Port Logistics manager

Here's a comprehensive Job Description (JD) for a Port Logistics Manager – C&F (Clearing & Forwarding), Mumbai, suitable for a freight forwarding, shipping, import/export, or logistics company.

Job Title: Port Logistics Manager – Clearing & Forwarding (C&F)

Location: Mumbai, Maharashtra

Department: Operations / Supply Chain / Logistics

Reports To: Head – Logistics / Operations Director

Job Summary

The Port Logistics Manager is responsible for overseeing end-to-end port logistics operations, customs clearance, transportation coordination, and documentation related to import and export shipments through Mumbai ports. The role ensures timely cargo movement, compliance with customs and port regulations, cost optimization, and effective coordination with shipping lines, customs brokers, transporters, freight forwarders, port authorities, and customers.

Key ResponsibilitiesPort Operations

• Manage end-to-end import and export operations through Mumbai ports (JNPT/Nhava Sheva and Mumbai Port).
• Monitor vessel schedules and cargo arrivals/departures.
• Ensure timely movement of containers from port to warehouse/customer.
• Coordinate stuffing, de-stuffing, container handling, and delivery schedules.
• Minimize detention, demurrage, and port storage charges.

Clearing & Forwarding

• Supervise customs clearance activities through CHA/Customs Brokers.
• Ensure timely filing and processing of:
• Bill of Entry
• Shipping Bill
• Delivery Orders
• EGM/IGM documentation
• Verify customs documentation and statutory compliance.
• Coordinate inspections by Customs, Plant Quarantine, Drug Controller, FSSAI, or other regulatory agencies where applicable.

Documentation

• Review and approve:
• Commercial Invoice
• Packing List
• Bill of Lading
• Certificate of Origin
• Insurance documents
• Import/Export licenses
• Ensure complete documentation before cargo clearance.
• Maintain accurate shipment records and compliance documentation.

Transport & Warehouse Coordination

• Coordinate with transporters for container pickup and delivery.
• Plan vehicle allocation and routing.
• Work closely with warehouses for inbound and outbound cargo.
• Monitor turnaround time of containers and vehicles.

Vendor & Stakeholder Management

• Liaise with:
• Shipping lines
• Freight forwarders
• Customs House Agents (CHAs)
• Transport vendors
• Port authorities
• CFS/ICD operators
• Customers
• Negotiate service levels and logistics costs.
• Evaluate vendor performance periodically.

Compliance & Regulatory

• Ensure compliance with:
• Customs regulations
• DGFT guidelines
• Port Trust regulations
• ICEGATE procedures
• GST requirements
• Hazardous cargo regulations (if applicable)
• Monitor changes in import/export policies and advise internal teams.

Cost Control

• Monitor logistics expenses.
• Optimize freight, transportation, and clearance costs.
• Reduce demurrage, detention, and storage penalties.
• Prepare monthly cost analysis reports.

Team Management

• Lead and mentor logistics coordinators and documentation executives.
• Allocate work and monitor productivity.
• Develop standard operating procedures (SOPs).
• Conduct periodic training on compliance and operational excellence.

Customer Service

• Provide shipment status updates.
• Resolve operational issues proactively.
• Ensure adherence to committed delivery timelines.
• Handle escalations related to cargo delays and documentation.

Reporting

Prepare and present reports on:

• Shipment status
• Clearance turnaround time
• Container utilization
• Demurrage and detention costs
• Vendor performance
• Logistics KPIs
• Monthly operational MIS

Key Performance Indicators (KPIs)

• Customs clearance turnaround time
• On-time cargo delivery
• Reduction in demurrage and detention costs
• Documentation accuracy
• Customer satisfaction
• Vendor performance
• Cost savings
• Compliance audit score
• Shipment cycle time

Qualifications

• Bachelor's degree in Logistics, Supply Chain, Commerce, Business Administration, or related field.
• Diploma or certification in Shipping, Customs, Export-Import Management, or Logistics is preferred.

Experience

• 8–12 years of experience in port logistics and C&F operations.
• Minimum 3–5 years in a managerial role.
• Experience handling containerized imports and exports through Mumbai ports.
• Strong exposure to customs clearance processes and port operations.

Technical Skills

• Strong knowledge of:
• Customs procedures
• ICEGATE
• DGFT regulations
• EXIM documentation
• Port operations
• Container logistics
• Shipping documentation
• Experience with ERP or logistics management systems.
• Proficiency in Microsoft Excel and MIS reporting.

Soft Skills

• Leadership and team management
• Negotiation and vendor management
• Strong analytical and problem-solving skills
• Excellent communication skills
• Time management
• Decision-making under pressure
• Customer-centric approach

Preferred Industry Experience

Candidates from:

• Freight Forwarding
• Shipping Lines
• Customs Clearing Agencies
• Third-Party Logistics (3PL)
• Import/Export Companies
• Manufacturing with EXIM operations
• Container Logistics

Working Relationships

Internal

• Sales
• Finance
• Procurement
• Warehouse
• Customer Service
• Supply Chain

External

• Customs
• Port Authorities
• Shipping Lines
• Freight Forwarders
• CHAs
• Transporters
• CFS/ICD Operators
• Customers

Success Profile

The ideal candidate should be capable of independently managing high-volume import/export operations, ensuring regulatory compliance, controlling logistics costs, reducing cargo dwell time, and building strong relationships with customs, shipping lines, transporters, and port stakeholders while maintaining high service levels.

Pay: ₹30,000.00 - ₹50,000.00 per month

Benefits

• Cell phone reimbursement
• Flexible schedule
• Provident Fund

Work Location: In person