Job Description – Ocean Freight Product & Operations ManagerPosition: Ocean Freight Product & Operations Manager-IndiaDepartment: Ocean Freight / OperationsLocation: MumbaiReporting To: Director/Head of Ocean Freight & Commercial DirectorExperience: 8–15 years in freight forwarding / NVOCC / shipping & logisticsEmployment Type: Full-time1. Role PurposeThe Ocean Freight Product & Operations Manager will be responsible for managing and developing the company's ocean freight product across India, ensuring competitive pricing, strong carrier relationships, operational excellence, and profitable growth.The role will oversee end-to-end ocean freight operations, including import, export, FCL, LCL, carrier management, vendor management, customer service, documentation, and operational performance.The position will work closely with Sales, Pricing, Customer Service, Finance, Customs, Warehousing, and overseas offices/agents to deliver reliable and commercially competitive ocean freight solutions.2. Key ResponsibilitiesA. Ocean Freight Product ManagementDevelop and manage the company's ocean freight product strategy for India.Build strong relationships with major shipping lines, NVOCCs, co-loaders, consolidators, and overseas agents.Work closely with Pricing team to attain competitive buying rates, service contracts, free days, credit terms, space commitments, and other commercial conditions.Monitor market trends, carrier capacity, blank sailings, GRIs/PSS, congestion, equipment availability, and schedule changes.Develop and maintain competitive trade-lane solutions for key import and export markets.Identify new trade lanes, services, carriers, and consolidation opportunities.Support the sales team with market intelligence, rate guidance, and product solutions.Review profitability by customer, trade lane, carrier, and shipment type.CFS Management,Transportation managementB. Ocean Freight OperationsManage the complete operational cycle of ocean freight shipments from booking to final delivery.Ensure timely execution of:Booking and space confirmationShipping instructionsBill of Lading / Sea WaybillVGMDocumentationContainer release and pickupCustoms coordinationGate-in / cut-off managementVessel sailing and arrival monitoringTransshipment managementArrival noticesDelivery order and destination coordinationEnsure smooth handling of both FCL and LCL shipments.Monitor shipment exceptions and proactively resolve operational issues.Establish SOPs and ensure adherence across branches and teams.Ensure accurate and timely system updates for all shipments.C.



Carrier & Vendor ManagementMaintain strong working relationships with shipping lines and NVOCCs.Negotiate and manage annual/quarterly service contracts along with Pricing teams .Track carrier performance on:Space availabilityEquipment availabilityTransit timeSchedule reliabilityDocumentationDetention/demurrageClaims and service issuesDevelop alternate carrier and routing options to mitigate operational risks.Evaluate and manage overseas agents, co-loaders, transporters, CFS/ICD operators, and other service providers.D. Team ManagementLead, mentor, and develop the ocean freight operations and product team.Allocate responsibilities and monitor team performance.Establish KPIs and productivity targets.Conduct regular performance reviews and training.Build a strong culture of ownership, customer service, accuracy, and operational discipline.E. Customer Service & Escalation ManagementAct as the escalation point for critical ocean freight operational issues.Ensure prompt resolution of customer complaints and service failures.Work proactively with customers and internal teams to manage:Vessel delaysRolled cargoPort congestionEquipment shortagesCustoms/documentation issuesDetention/demurrageDamage/claimsDelivery delaysDrive continuous improvement in customer experience.F. Compliance & Risk ManagementEnsure compliance with applicable Indian customs, shipping, port, DG, and documentation requirements.Ensure proper handling of Dangerous Goods (DG) and other restricted cargo.Monitor documentation accuracy and minimize operational and financial risks.Ensure adherence to company SOPs, compliance policies, and audit requirements.G. MIS, Analytics & Performance ManagementPrepare and review regular MIS covering:Shipment volumes – TEUs / CBMFCL / LCL volumesRevenue and gross profitGP per TEU / shipmentCarrier performanceSpace utilizationOn-time sailing performanceDetention/demurrage exposureShipment exceptionsCustomer profitabilityTrade-lane performanceVendor performanceUse data and market intelligence to identify opportunities for volume growth, cost reduction, margin improvement, and operational efficiency.3.



Key Performance Indicators (KPIs)Ocean freight volume growth – TEUs / CBMGross profit and GP/TEURevenue growthCustomer retentionNew customer / trade-lane developmentCarrier buying rate competitivenessSpace and equipment availabilityOn-time shipment executionDocumentation accuracyDetention & demurrage controlClaims ratioCustomer complaint resolution timeProductivity per employeeSOP compliance4. Candidate ProfileEducationGraduate degree in Logistics, Supply Chain, Commerce, Business Administration, or a related field.Postgraduate qualification in Supply Chain / Logistics / International Trade is an advantage.Experience8–15 years of relevant experience in ocean freight forwarding, NVOCC, shipping, or logistics.Robust experience in FCL and LCL ocean freight operations.Experience dealing with major shipping lines and overseas agents.Experience in ocean freight pricing, procurement, carrier negotiations, and product management.Prior experience managing a team is preferred.Required SkillsStrong knowledge of Indian ocean freight and logistics operations.Good understanding of major global trade lanes.Strong carrier negotiation and procurement skills.Good understanding of Incoterms, BL procedures, customs processes, port operations, detention/demurrage, and freight surcharges.Strong commercial and analytical skills.Excellent communication and negotiation skills.Strong customer-service orientation.Ability to manage multiple priorities under pressure.Strong Excel/MIS and logistics-system skills.Leadership and people-management capability.5. Preferred Trade-Lane KnowledgeExperience in one or more of the following will be advantageous:India–USAIndia–EuropeIndia–Middle EastIndia–Far East / ChinaIndia–Southeast AsiaIndia–AfricaIndia–Australia / Recent Zealand6. Ideal CandidateThe ideal candidate should combine strong ocean freight operational expertise with commercial/product-management capability. The person should be capable of managing the entire ocean freight product lifecycle—from carrier procurement and rate negotiation to shipment execution, customer service, profitability, and team performance.A strong understanding of the Indian forwarding market, excellent carrier relationships, commercial acumen, and the ability to build scalable processes will be critical to success.7. CompensationCTC: Competitive, based on experience and market standards.Location: MumbaiTravel: Domestic travel may be required for carrier meetings, customer meetings, overseas agent meetings, and industry events.

📌 Air And Ocean Export Manager (Maharashtra)
🏢 ATA
📍 Maharashtra