Import and Export Operations Manager Jobs in Chennai Port and Shipping Company

📋 Job Description

Jobzi is sourcing qualified candidates for Import and Export Operations Manager positions in Chennai's private Port and Shipping Company sector. This is a full-time opportunity with a reputed Port Services and Shipping employer in Chennai offering competitive salary, structured growth, and a professional work environment. Tamil communication skills are preferred alongside English for professional and business interaction in Chennai.

📌 Key Responsibilities

• Lead the import and export operations function of the shipping line or port services company, overseeing all documentation, customs coordination, and customer service activities
• Manage a team of documentation executives, customs coordinators, customer service staff, and vessel planning executives to ensure timely and accurate shipment processing
• Own key customer account relationships for major shipper and consignee clients and resolve operational escalations that cannot be handled at the executive level
• Monitor demurrage and detention exposure across the import container portfolio and implement processes to minimize free time overruns and avoidable charges
• Set and track operations KPIs including B/L issuance turnaround, customs clearance time, delivery order release speed, and customer query resolution rates
• Coordinate with the vessel planning team, stevedoring company, and terminal operator to resolve operational issues affecting vessel schedule or cargo movement
• Drive process improvement initiatives to reduce documentation errors, speed up customs clearance, and enhance customer satisfaction scores
• Prepare monthly operations performance reports for senior management covering volumes handled, KPI achievement, escalations resolved, and process improvement progress

🎓 Qualifications and Requirements

• Graduate degree from a recognized institution; MBA or Diploma in Port Management is an advantage
• 4 - 10 Years of experience in shipping line operations, port services, or freight forwarding with at least 2 years in a team leadership or supervisory role
• Demonstrated ability to manage import and export operations teams of 10 or more people across documentation, customer service, and customs coordination functions
• Strong knowledge of shipping documentation workflows, customs clearance processes, and CHA coordination for import and export cargo
• Good client relationship management skills for handling escalations, resolving disputes, and maintaining accounts in a competitive shipping market
• Experience setting operations KPIs, monitoring team performance, and driving process improvements in a shipping or port services environment
• Excellent communication in Tamil and English for coordinating across internal teams, customers, CHAs, port authorities, and terminal operators
• Good Tamil and English communication skills for team coordination and client interaction in Chennai.

✅ Required Skills