The Assistant Manager - Export Operations will be the operational backbone of Manorama Industries Limited export function - responsible for seamlessly executing export orders from post-confirmation through to final delivery at the buyer's port. The role demands sharp coordination across internal teams (production, quality, stores, accounts) and external partners (freight forwarders, CHAs, shipping lines, inspection agencies). The ideal candidate combines logistics expertise, documentation accuracy, and a customer-first mindset to ensure every shipment is executed on time, in full, and in compliance.
KEY RESPONSIBILITIES
1. Export Order Execution & Planning
- Receive confirmed purchase orders / LCs from the Export Manager and initiate order execution planning.
- Coordinate with the Production Planning team to schedule manufacturing, packing, and readiness of export lots.
- Prepare and share detailed shipment execution plans including timelines, vessel cut-off dates, and documentation schedules.
- Monitor order progress at every stage -- production, QA clearance, packing, dispatch, and loading -- and escalate delays proactively.
- Ensure all buyer-specific requirements (labelling, packing, marking, lot numbers) are correctly communicated to the production and packaging teams.
2. Freight & Logistics Coordination
- Obtain and compare competitive freight quotations from multiple freight forwarders and shipping lines for FCL/LCL containers.
- Arrange container bookings, stuffing orders, and port movement instructions in coordination with CHA and freight agents.
- Coordinate container stuffing, sealing, and weigh-bridge operations at factory or CFS.
- Ensure timely submission of VGM (Verified Gross Mass), shipping instructions, and SI to shipping lines before cut-off.
- Track vessel movements, ETD, and ETA and provide regular updates to the Export Manager and buyers.
- Handle LCL consolidations, break-bulk shipments, and air freight requirements when applicable.
3. Pre-Shipment Quality & Inspection
- Coordinate with the QA team for pre-shipment quality inspection, sampling, and lab testing of export lots.
- Arrange third-party pre-shipment inspections by agencies such as SGS, Bureau Veritas, Intertek, or COTECNA as per buyer or LC requirements.
- Ensure all export lots meet buyer specifications (FFA, Moisture, Iodine Value, Peroxide Value, etc.) before loading.
- Follow up for timely issuance of COA, inspection reports, and quality certificates.
- Coordinate with FSSAI, Plant Quarantine, and EIC for statutory compliance checks before export.
4. Shipping Documentation Coordination
- Coordinate with the documentation executive for timely preparation of all shipping documents: Commercial Invoice, Packing List, BL, COO, Phytosanitary Certificate, Fumigation Certificate, and COA.
- Review documents for accuracy before submission to bank or buyer -- ensure alignment with LC terms and purchase contract.
- Follow up with shipping lines / agents for issuance of original BL, Telex Release, or Express BL as per buyer instructions.
- Ensure timely submission of Shipping Bill on ICEGATE and obtain LEO (Let Export Order) from Customs.
- Manage document cut-off deadlines and ensure advance copies reach buyers promptly after shipment.
5. Customer Communication & Shipment Updates
- Serve as the primary operational point of contact for international buyers on shipment status, vessel updates, and document dispatch.
- Proactively communicate any delays, vessel changes, or documentation issues to buyers with solutions.
- Send pre-alert documents (scan copies of BL, COA, COO, CI, PL) to buyers immediately after vessel departure.
- Handle buyer queries on shipment tracking, ETA, original document dispatch, and port clearance support.
- Coordinate with overseas freight agents for final delivery, port clearance, and any inland logistics at destination.
6. Export Compliance & Regulatory Coordination
- Ensure all export shipments comply with Indian export regulations, DGFT norms, and destination country import requirements.
- Coordinate with CHA for smooth Customs examination, Shipping Bill filing, and LEO on ICEGATE.
- Manage export-specific regulatory requirements: APEDA registration, EIC certification, FSSAI NOC, Plant Quarantine clearance.
- Monitor and ensure correct HS Code classification for all export products to avoid customs delays or penalties.
- Support the documentation team with RODTEP, Duty Drawback, and e-BRC filing on time.
7. Cost Control & Freight Optimisation
- Continuously benchmark and negotiate freight rates with shipping lines and forwarders to achieve the best landed cost.
- Monitor and control operational costs: freight, CHA charges, port handling, detention, and demurrage.
- Proactively identify and act on opportunities to optimize container utilisation and reduce logistics expenses.
- Raise debit/credit notes for freight differences, short shipments, and insurance claims in coordination with Finance.
8. MIS, Reporting & ERP Management
- Maintain shipment-wise operational tracker covering order, booking, vessel, ETD, ETA, document status, and payment.
- Update ERP system with all operational and logistics data for each shipment for real-time visibility.
- Prepare weekly shipment status reports for Export Manager and management review.
- Maintain records of all freight contracts, forwarder agreements, and rate comparisons for audit and benchmarking.
- Report on vessel performance, port turnaround times, and freight cost trends monthly.
QUALIFICATIONS & EDUCATION
- Bachelor's degree in Commerce, Logistics, Supply Chain Management, International Trade, or related field.
- Diploma / Certificate in Export-Import Management or Freight Forwarding from a recognised institution is preferred.
- Knowledge of Incoterms 2020, EXIM policy, and Shipping Operations is essential.
- Familiarity with ICEGATE, DGFT portal, VGM regulations, and port procedures is required.
EXPERIENCE REQUIRED
- 3 to 5 years of hands-on experience in export operations, shipping coordination, or international logistics.
- Proven experience in coordinating FCL/LCL shipments, container stuffing, and CHA liaison.
- Prior experience in food products, edible oils, specialty fats, agri-commodities, or bulk cargo exports is preferred.
- Experience handling exports to Europe, Middle East, USA, Japan, and South East Asia is an advantage.
- Familiarity with pre-shipment inspection coordination (SGS, BV, Intertek) and third-party certifications is desirable.
Pay: ₹50,000.00 - ₹60,000.00 per month
Benefits:
- Food provided
- Health insurance
- Leave encashment
- Provident Fund
Work Location: In person
