Assistant Manager - Transport & Distribution Operations - Economic Zones - Chennai

Job Description

ROLES & RESPONSIBILITIES

Job Purpose/Objective

The Assistant Manager – Transport is responsible for driving business performance, ensuring cost efficiency, maintaining compliance, and improving operational efficiency within the transportation function. The role focuses on maximizing asset utilization, controlling costs, and ensuring seamless container movement operations. Developing Transport Vendors for Trailer Operations, LCL, FTL, Tranks, Low Bed & High Bed Trailer, Refers and Truck requirements as per Biz Needs. Timely Deployment Trucks and Trailer for Port to ICBP, ICBP to Port and DTA on time.

Key responsibilities

Business Performance & Profitability

Contributing Transport EBITDA as per ICPB
Monitor and control operational costs to improve margins.
Implement strategies to reduce Opex costs against the approved budget.
Optimize route planning, fuel efficiency, and resource allocation to minimize expenses.
Transportation cost Savings with effective Rate negotiations.
Ensure zero complaints from Government authorities and Customs.
Maintain high audit standards with no “High” risk ratings in internal transportation audits.
Ensure timely vendor payments:
Payments to be cleared within the agreed time from the transaction date.
Ensure MIS data alignment with Finance for accuracy and transparency.

Operational Efficiency

Developing Transport Vendors for Trailer Operations, LTL, FTL, Tank, Low Bed & High Bed Trailer, Refers and Truck requirements as per Biz Needs.
Timely Deployment Trucks and Trailer for Port to ICBP, ICBP to Port and DTA on time.
Understanding DO Validity and Picking the Containers on time before Do expiry without Extension
Understanding empty Validity and Ensuring the Returning the Containers to allocated Empty Yard before expiry without Extension
Within 3 working days Empty Container Feedback to be collected from Transporter and to be submitted to CHA/Regulatory for Container Deposit refund.
Achieve container movement within free days from Port to ICPB.
Ensure 100% utilization of OTM (Oracle Transportation Management) software for planning and tracking.
Timely Vendor Bill Collection and Process the same within the Credit Period and ensure Payments Release.
Coordinating and Supporting the Finance and Accounts Team for Periodic / Yearly Balance Confirmation for Audit.
Daily Circulation of Transport MIS with all relevant Details and capturing relevant Vendor Bill Details
Time to Time supporting the CRM/Sales / BDM’s for Rate Quotes for Biz Proposals
Ensure all the Trailer / Truck Deployment with the Rate approved by CPT and as per PO
Coordinating with Internal stakeholders – CRM /BDM/Operations for smooth Transport Operation flow for loading and unloading.
Updating customer-wise Vehicle deployment both in/outbound to CRM and stakeholders for follow-ups
Time to time taking Exceptional approvals from BU Head in-advance for Detention / Halting and other specific cases.
QUALIFICATIONS & COMPETENCIES

Skills and Competencies

Any Degree , BE , or Degree in Logistics, Supply Chain Management and Transport & Distribution Operations
12–20 years of experience in Transport & Distribution Operations
Proficiency in Oracle ERP (GRN, PO, Vendor Management modules).
Experience in container movement, port operations, or CFS operations is an added advantage
Strong exposure to vendor management and fleet operations
Strong knowledge of transportation, logistics, and fleet operations
Financial acumen with focus on cost control and profitability (EBITDA)
Expertise in route planning, fleet utilization, and trip optimization
Good understanding of compliance, audits, and statutory requirements
Proficiency in MIS reporting and data analysis
Hands-on experience with OTM (Oracle Transportation Management) or similar systems
Strong problem-solving and decision-making skills
Excellent communication and coordination abilities
Leadership skills with the ability to manage teams and vendors effectively

Stakeholder

Internal: Operations Team (Port, CFS, Warehouse) Operations/Logistics Team and Finance

External: Transport Vendors / Fleet Owners, Drivers and Contract Workforce, Port Authorities, Customs Officials, Customers / Clients & Service Providers (maintenance, fuel, etc.)

Educational Qualification (min)

Degree in Logistics, Supply Chain Management and Transport & Distribution Operations

Preferred Certifications If Any

NA

Range/ Min no of years - of overall Experience required

12 to 20 years

Min no of years of Industry specific experience required, if any & the industry type

Minimum 05 years in Transport & Distribution Operations