General Manager - Export Logistics & Supply Chain (Agro Commodities)

Position Overview

We are seeking an experienced General Manager - Export Logistics & Supply Chain to lead end-to-end export logistics and shipping operations for our client who is expert in rice and agro-commodities. The successful candidate will oversee containerized and breakbulk/vessel shipments, direct freight procurement, manage port and CHA operations, ensure regulatory compliance, and optimize supply chain efficiency across all international corridors.

Key Responsibilities

• End-to-End Export Logistics: Oversee complete supply chain workflows for Basmati and Non-Basmati rice, from processing mills/warehouses to overseas destination ports.
• Freight Procurement & Negotiation: Conduct strategic negotiations with ocean carriers, NVOCCs, freight forwarders, and surface transport providers to secure competitive freight rates and maximum free-time allowances (detention/demurrage mitigation).
• Shipment & Port Operations: Direct container planning, vessel chartering/nomination, stuffing operations, port movements, laytime calculation, and customs clearance procedures.
• Export Documentation & Regulatory Compliance: Ensure 100% accuracy and compliance in export documentation, including Bills of Lading (B/L), Shipping Bills, Phytosanitary Certificates, Certificates of Origin, Fumigation Certificates, APEDA permits, and DGFT regulations.
• Vendor & Stakeholder Management: Maintain strong relationships with shipping lines, Custom House Agents (CHAs), port authorities, surveyor agencies, and transport fleets.
• Cross-Functional Synergy: Partner with Procurement, Sales, Finance, Quality Assurance, and Commercial teams to align shipment schedules with sales contracts and buyer requirements.
• Risk Management & Cost Control: Monitor real-time vessel tracking, transhipments, and port congestions to proactively eliminate operational bottlenecks, demurrage, detention, and extra storage costs.
• MIS & Executive Reporting: Maintain comprehensive logistics dashboards tracking ocean freight trends, container utilization metrics, logistics cost performance, and pending documentation status for executive leadership.

Candidate Profile

• Industry Experience: 10-20 years of hands-on leadership in export logistics and supply chain management, with specialized expertise in Rice (Basmati & Non-Basmati) and bulk Agro-Commodities.
• Carrier Networks: Established, high-level relationships with major shipping lines, feeder operators, port terminals, and tier-1 CHAs.
• Trade Domain Expertise: Deep mastery of Incoterms (FOB, CFR, CIF), vessel chartering, laytime/demurrage calculations, trade finance instruments (L/Cs, CAD), customs clearance procedures, and international maritime trade law.
• Leadership & Analytical Capabilities: Exceptional negotiation, crisis management, cross-functional coordination, and team leadership skills.

Qualifications

• Education: Bachelors or Masters degree in Supply Chain Management, Logistics, International Trade, Commerce, or a related discipline.