Job Description

Role Profile: Logistics Manager – International Freight Forwarding (IFF)

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Location: Pune, India

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Reports to: Head – Logistics

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About Spiro

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SPIRO is a Time 100 Influential Company 2024. Our mission is to accelerate access to affordable, clean energy technology in the mobility sector through excellent customer service and continued agility.

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Currently building manufacturing and assembling facilities, SPIRO will be the first company to manufacture e-bikes and batteries in Africa, helping to solve import-export imbalances, unlocking economic growth and sustainable development. SPIRO is the largest EV company in Africa and is uniquely focused on Africa's clean industrialization through e-mobility technologies. Designed around swappable batteries and connected to SPIRO's extensive charging infrastructure, our different motorcycle models deliver clean transport built-for-purpose to address local market challenges.

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Role Purpose

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The Logistics Manager – International Freight Forwarding (IFF) will lead Spiro's global freight forwarding operations, managing the end-to-end execution of ocean, air, and multimodal shipments from international suppliers to Spiro's manufacturing and assembly facilities across East and West Africa.

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The role is responsible for freight procurement, RFQ management, carrier and freight forwarder relationships, shipment execution, freight cost optimization, container demurrage & detention management, logistics compliance, and operational excellence. The incumbent will lead the International Freight Forwarding team while ensuring timely deliveries, cost efficiency, shipment visibility, and continuous process improvement.

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Key Accountabilities

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International Freight Procurement & Carrier Management

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- Lead international freight procurement activities covering ocean, air, road, and multimodal transportation.
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- Develop and execute RFQ strategies to ensure competitive pricing and reliable service.
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- Evaluate commercial and technical proposals, benchmark freight rates, and recommend carrier selections.
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- Build and maintain strategic relationships with shipping lines, freight forwarders, NVOCCs, and logistics partners.
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- Drive quarterly business reviews and continuous improvement initiatives with logistics partners.
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Shipment Planning & Execution

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- Manage end-to-end shipment bookings aligned with production schedules and inventory requirements.
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- Coordinate with suppliers, freight forwarders,



customs brokers, and inspection agencies to ensure seamless cargo movement.
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- Ensure timely documentation, booking amendments, cargo loading, vessel departures, and shipment milestone updates.
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- Monitor shipment progress from origin through final delivery to manufacturing facilities.
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Container Demurrage & Detention Management

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- Own the end-to-end monitoring and reduction of demurrage and detention costs across international shipments.
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- Maintain daily D&D; trackers and proactively manage containers approaching free-time expiry.
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- Coordinate with country logistics teams, shipping lines, customs brokers, and transporters to minimize storage-related costs.
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- Investigate root causes, validate D&D; invoices, and implement preventive actions to eliminate recurring issues.
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Freight Cost Management

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- Monitor freight spend against budgets and identify cost optimization opportunities.
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- Validate freight invoices, resolve billing discrepancies, and support finance during reconciliations.
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- Maintain freight savings trackers and analyze logistics cost trends.
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Operational Performance & Reporting

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- Define, monitor, and improve logistics KPIs including shipment visibility, carrier performance, transit times, customs clearance, and plant deliveries.
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- Prepare weekly shipment reports, logistics dashboards, freight spend analysis, RFQ updates, carrier performance reports, and management presentations.
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- Drive data-driven decision-making through accurate reporting and operational insights.
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Compliance & Governance

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- Ensure compliance with international shipping regulations, Incoterms, customs requirements, dangerous goods regulations (IMDG/IATA), procurement policies, and audit standards.
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- Support internal and external logistics audits while maintaining documentation and governance standards.
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Process Improvement

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- Standardize logistics processes through SOPs, automation initiatives, and workflow optimization.
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- Enhance shipment visibility, reporting capabilities,



and collaboration with suppliers and logistics partners.
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- Drive continuous improvement to improve operational efficiency and reduce logistics costs.
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Team Leadership

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- Lead, mentor, and develop the International Freight Forwarding team.
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- Allocate workload, define KPIs, conduct performance reviews, and build succession plans.
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- Foster a culture of accountability, collaboration, and operational excellence while ensuring business continuity through cross-training.
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Experience

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- 8–12 years of experience in International Freight Forwarding and Global Logistics.
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- Minimum 3 years of experience managing logistics teams.
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- Strong expertise in ocean freight operations with exposure to air freight and multimodal transportation.
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- Experience managing freight procurement, RFQs, carrier negotiations, and logistics service providers.
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- Experience working with shipping lines, freight forwarders, customs brokers, and international suppliers.
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- Experience across East and West African logistics corridors is highly desirable.
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Capabilities

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- Strong leadership and team management skills.
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- Excellent procurement and negotiation capabilities.
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- Strong commercial acumen with focus on logistics cost optimization.
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- Expertise in shipment planning, execution, and operational risk management.
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- Solid analytical and problem-solving abilities.
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- Excellent stakeholder management and cross-functional collaboration skills.
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- High attention to detail with strong execution capabilities.
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- Ability to drive process improvements and operational excellence.
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- Excellent communication and presentation skills.
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Education

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- Bachelor's Degree in Supply Chain Management, Logistics, International Business, or a related discipline.
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- Professional certifications such as CILT, APICS/ASCM, FIATA Diploma , or equivalent will be an added advantage.
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- Project Management certification is desirable.
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Technical Knowledge

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- International Ocean Freight
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- Air Freight & Multimodal Transportation
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- Freight Procurement & RFQ Management
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- Carrier & Freight Forwarder Management
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- NVOCC Operations
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- Shipping Documentation
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- Import & Export Operations
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- Incoterms 2020
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- Customs Clearance Processes
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- Freight Cost Analysis
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- Shipment Tracking & Visibility
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- ERP/TMS Platforms
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- Advanced Microsoft Excel
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- Power BI or similar reporting tools (preferred)
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📌 Logistics Manager - International Freight Forwarding (IFF) (Pune Division)
🏢 SPIRO
📍 Pune Division