Job Title: Manager Air Import & Customs Clearance | CHA Operations

Department: Operations Air Freight Imports & Customs Clearance

Location: Chennai

Job Summary The Manager - Air Imports & Customs Compliance Management will be responsible for leading and managing end-to-end air import operations and customs clearance activities in a Custom House Agent (CHA) firm. The role involves ensuring efficient cargo clearance, regulatory compliance, strong client relationships, and operational excellence.

Key Responsibilities

Air Import Operations

- Lead and manage complete air import operations from pre-arrival to final delivery.
- Monitor turnaround time (TAT) and ensure adherence to service-level agreements (SLAs).

Customs Clearance

- Oversee customs documentation, assessment, examination, and clearance procedures.
- Ensure compliance with Customs Act, Foreign Trade Policy (FTP), BIS and allied laws.
- Handle complex customs queries, disputes, and escalations.

Team Leadership & Supervision

- Lead and guide import executives, documentation filing team, and support staff for both air and ocean functions.
- Monitor team performance, address gaps, and ensure skill development through on-the-job training.
- Foster cross-functional collaboration between customs clearance, customer service, and operations.
- Drive team capability enhancement through structured training programs, ongoing coaching,



and documentation of best practices and updates in customs regulations.

Client Relationship Management

- Act as primary point of contact for key accounts.
- Handle escalations related to delays, holds, demurrage, detention, and penalties.

Compliance & Risk Management

- Ensure adherence to AEO, KYC, and internal audit requirements.
- Minimize compliance risks.

MIS & Reporting

- Prepare and present daily, weekly, and monthly MIS reports.
- Track performance metrics such as clearance time, error rates, and customer feedback.

Process & System Improvement

- Drive automation through ICEGATE, EDI, and cargo community systems.
- Introduce best practices to improve efficiency and reduce operational errors.

Qualifications & Experience

Education:

- Graduate / Postgraduate in Supply Chain, Logistics, International Business, or related field.
- Custom G card holder.

Experience:

- 3 + years of experience in Air Import & Customs Clearance with a CHA / Freight Forwarding company.
- 3+ years in a senior leadership role.

Skills & Competencies

- Strong knowledge of Indian customs laws and procedures
- Leadership and people management skills
- Excellent problem-solving and negotiation abilities
- Robust communication skills

Preferred Profile

- Exposure to specialized cargo like pharma, perishables, and high-value shipments.
- Candidates currently based in Chennai or willing to relocate immediately preferred.

📌 Manager Air Import & Customs Clearance | CHA Operations (Chennai)
🏢 DAWN INDIA
📍 Chennai