Transport Manager

Role: Transport Manager

Location: Pune
Department: Supply Chain
Experience: 510 Years
Employment Type: Full-Time
Work Mode: Work From Office

About the Role

We are looking for an experienced Transport Manager to manage end-to-end transportation operations across domestic and international logistics.

The role will be responsible for ensuring the timely, cost-effective, compliant and reliable movement of merchandise across the retail supply chain. This includes managing Courier, PTL, FTL, surface and express transportation, along with import and export shipments across multiple countries.

The role will involve close coordination with logistics partners, freight forwarders, transporters, customs brokers, vendors, stores, distribution centres and internal business teams.

Key Responsibilities

Domestic Transportation

• Manage end-to-end domestic transportation operations across stores, distribution centres, vendors, customers and other business locations.
• Manage Courier, PTL, FTL, surface and express transportation requirements.
• Develop and manage transportation networks based on volume, geography, service requirements and cost.
• Ensure shipments are planned, dispatched, delivered and closed within defined TATs.
• Monitor Dispatch-to-Delivery, Delivery-to-Inward and POD closure TATs.
• Manage store replenishment, inter-DC transfers, vendor pickups, returns and other transportation requirements.
• Track daily shipment movement and proactively identify delayed, stuck and exception shipments.
• Establish effective shipment tracking, escalation and closure mechanisms.
• Drive improvements in on-time delivery, shipment visibility, POD compliance, freight cost and loss/damage recovery.

International Transportation Import & Export

• Manage end-to-end international transportation for imports from multiple countries and exports to international stores/business locations.
• Handle international shipments through Sea Freight, Air Freight, Courier and other suitable transportation modes.
• Coordinate with freight forwarders, shipping lines, airlines, customs brokers/CHA partners, transporters and overseas logistics partners.
• Select the most appropriate transportation mode based on cost, urgency, volume and service requirements.
• Manage shipment documentation, freight quotations, bookings, pickups, customs coordination, clearance and final delivery.
• Monitor international shipment milestones from origin pickup to final destination.
• Ensure compliance with applicable import/export documentation and regulatory requirements.
• Identify consolidation opportunities to optimise international freight costs.
• Manage exceptions including customs delays, documentation issues, demurrage/detention, shipment holds and transit disruptions.

Vendor Management & Negotiation

• Manage a portfolio of domestic and international logistics partners.
• Conduct regular vendor performance reviews based on cost, service levels, TAT, claims, POD and operational compliance.
• Lead commercial negotiations for freight rates, fuel surcharges, accessorial charges and other logistics costs.
• Benchmark market rates and identify opportunities for cost optimisation.
• Negotiate annual rate contracts and performance-linked commercial structures.
• Identify opportunities for shipment consolidation, rate rationalisation and network optimisation.
• Ensure vendor contracts, SLAs and agreed service commitments are effectively implemented.
• Develop alternate vendors and contingency plans to reduce business dependency and operational risk.

Shipment Tracking & Control Tower

• Establish a robust centralised shipment tracking mechanism for domestic and international movements.
• Ensure complete visibility of shipment status from pickup/dispatch through delivery and POD closure.
• Drive proactive escalation and resolution of delayed or exception shipments.
• Develop dashboards, MIS and reports for senior management.
• Analyse transportation data to identify trends, operational gaps and cost-saving opportunities.

Key Skills Required

• 510 years of relevant experience in Transportation, Logistics or Freight Management.
• Strong hands-on experience in both domestic and international transportation.
• Proven experience managing Courier, PTL and FTL operations.
• Strong exposure to Import & Export Logistics.
• Experience managing multiple logistics vendors and large shipment volumes.
• Strong commercial exposure with proven negotiation and vendor management skills.
• Experience in Retail, E-commerce, FMCG, Consumer Goods or high-volume distribution will be preferred.
• Strong understanding of transportation TATs, shipment tracking, POD, freight costing and logistics operations.
• Strong analytical and problem-solving skills.

Technical Skills

• Advanced MS Excel – Pivot Tables, XLOOKUP/VLOOKUP, SUMIFS, dashboards and data analysis.
• Strong MIS and reporting capabilities.
• Working knowledge of import/export documentation and logistics systems.
• Experience with Google Sheets / spreadsheets will be an advantage.
• Ability to automate repetitive reports and improve data visibility and reporting efficiency will be an added advantage.

Qualifications

• MBA/PGDM in Supply Chain Management, Operations, Logistics or a related field.
• Candidates with relevant experience in transportation and freight management will be preferred.

What We Are Looking For

• Strong ownership of end-to-end transportation operations.
• Strong commercial and negotiation skills with the ability to manage logistics partners effectively.
• Ability to manage high-volume shipments and multiple transportation modes.
• Strong focus on cost optimisation, service levels and timely delivery.
• Ability to proactively identify operational issues and drive timely resolution.
• Strong coordination skills across internal teams, vendors and logistics partners.
• Ability to work independently and manage multiple priorities in a fast-paced retail environment.