Manager - Procurement And Capacity Management

About Air Freight Operations

The Air Freight Operations team plays a pivotal role in managing the import and export of goods by air. Their primary objective is to create and maintain efficient processes, guaranteeing the seamless movement of goods by collaborating with Airline partners, Procurement and capacity management, network offices, vendors, and customs brokers, ultimately contributing to profitability.

Job Summary

As the Airfreight Procurement and Capacity Manager, you play a crucial role in managing the strategic aspects of carrier relationships and optimizing airfreight capacity to meet the demands of the business. Your primary responsibilities include procuring competitive carrier rates, ensuring adherence to service level agreements, and effectively managing shipment capacity to align with customer expectations and organizational objectives.

Key Responsibilities

Overall Airfreight Operational Excellence

• Respond to Airfreight inquiries within 2 working hours for general inquiries and 24 hours for Special Cargo (HAZ, ODC, NON-STACKABLE, COOL CHAIN, HEAVY).
• Provide a minimum of two solutions for each inquiry, including corresponding rates and transit times.
• Source strike rate reports from stakeholders, analyse, and act for improvement.
• Develop strong local carrier engagement with appropriate internal escalations for desired PUSH mechanisms.
• Generate Monthly Regional/Station-level Capacity Reports detailing Carrier, Frequency, aircraft type, volumes, etc.
• Engage in RCA/PRS with carriers and internal teams for consistent service improvements.
• Conduct Monthly LOST OPPORTUNITY Analysis with strategic proposals for improving WIN ratio.
• Identify potential market opportunities and proactively engage with cluster managers for winning business.
• Explore opportunities for positioning soft blocks between lanes.
• Plan daily consolidations using international gateways.
• Create alternate transport model solutions like Air Sea/bonded trucking for gateway solutions.
• Connect with domestic carriers for local alternative solutions.
• Collaborate with stakeholders to design internal airfreight campaigns at stations.
• Leverage carrier strengths for business penetration.
• Provide RFQ support to HOP on decision making and act as a filler for HOP strength.
• Measure HIGH & low margin files and take suitable actions.
• Lead structured Carrier Meetings at station level, including station management of product and P&L.
• Engage in cross-regional PCM for steering and incorporating best practices.
• Regularly engage with RDM for network opportunities, gateway solutions, and best practices.
• Draft Business investment cases appropriately and communicate effectively.
• Responsible for updating MTS rates.
• Lead CASS Reports, Payment/Discrepancy reconciliation, regularizations, CW1 MART.
• Taking charge of all the relevant operations, efficiency optimization, and upholding the standards outlined in the one file, one operator methodology.
  
  
  

• Work closely with multiple internal teams to drive business development and customer delight.
• Build and manage relationships with multiple carriers.
• Handle complaints, establish root causes, and set corrective/preventive action strategies.
  
  
  

• Product Knowledge: In depth product knowledge to forecast demand, negotiate competitive pricing, and contracts, and secure favourable deals.
• Technology Proficiency: Implementing CW1 and other tools for optimizing operations.
• Customs Regulations Acumen: Understanding of customs procedures, tariff and international trade laws for industry regulations and standards.
• Market Research & Finance Acumen: Conduct market research to compare and understand the pricing trends, customer preferences, and competitiveness to support pricing decisions and procurement strategies.
  
  
  

• Agility: Ability to adapt quickly to changing operational needs and environments.
• Continuous Learning: Willingness to learn and improve skills to enhance performance.
• Collaboration: Collaborate with cross-functional teams for seamless operations.
• Attention to Detail: Consistently maintaining accuracy and precision in tasks.
• Quality Orientation: Commitment to delivering high-quality results and services.
• Initiative: Taking proactive steps to improve processes or address issues without waiting for direction.
  
  
  

• Bachelor’s Degree is required.
• 8-10 years of experience in the airfreight forwarding business.
• Background in overseeing or managing operations at the station level.
• Exceptional skills in managing relationships with carriers.
• Proven experience in running smooth operations processes.
• Problem-solving skills to address operational challenges.
• Proficient in Email writing and verbal communication with internal and external coordination.
  
  
  

• Courses and certifications in business administration, operations management.
• EXIM/IATA certification.
• Familiarity with Trade Laws & Regulations.
• Knowledge of the Indian Export & Import Trade, Trade Lanes/Routes, Commodities, and Major Players.