Assistant Manager - Import Documentation

Department:

Customer Service

Grade:

F

Reporting to:

Branch Manager, SeaLead Shipping India (Gandhidham)

Direct reports:

None

Job purpose:

• Oversee and manage the Import Documentation process to ensure timely and accurate processing of shipping documents in compliance with customs regulations. Coordinate with customers, customs/terminal authorities, and internal stakeholders to facilitate smooth import operations.

Main tasks and responsibilities:

Customer Relations

• Ensure accuracy and timely preparation of Import Shipping Documentation as per regulatory and compliance requirements.

• Process and release Delivery Orders efficiently, ensuring correctness in invoicing and application of import detention tariffs.

• Conduct timely and accurate customs filings to prevent delays and penalties.

• Handle IGM (Import General Manifest) filing and amendments, ensuring compliance with customs regulations.

• Address and resolve documentation-related exceptions, amendments, and discrepancies.

• Ensure that all KYC checks are completed and records maintained as per compliance guidelines.

• Attend customs hearings or inquiries related to import documentation if required

• Make SeaLead easy to do business with, through:

  • Timely Delivery of Documents (Invoice/ Delivery Order).

  • Timely Customs Filing, Cargo clearance and delivery.

  • Pro-Active Notification of inbound shipments.

  • Exception Management.

  • Ensuring data integrity of systems.

• Support any ad hoc tasks assigned by management.

Dispute coordination, follow up on and closure

• Investigate and resolve documentation-related disputes with customers, customs, and internal teams.

• Follow up on invoice disputes and coordinate with relevant departments for resolution.

• Conduct root cause analysis on documentation errors and implement corrective actions.

• Escalate complex documentation issues to management when necessary.

Leadership

• Train, develop and mentor team-members.

• Develop and maintain a Customer focused mindset in the Team.

• Monitor performance of individual Team Members and provide timely feedback for improvements.

• Willingness to provide support and coaching for team members and share Domain knowledge.

• Develop a robust succession plan and ensure people development and growth.

• Lead the team to achieve best-in-class Service.

• Responsible for employee engagement within the team.

Key interactions (Internal | External):

External: Vessel Partners | Customers | Customs | Terminal | Vendors

Internal: Across the Departments | Overseas offices.

Education requirements:

Language requirements:

Bachelor’s Degree or qualified professional.

Good Command of Spoken & Written English.

Background and experience:

Competencies and skills:

• Minimum 10 years’ experience in the Container Shipping industry.

• Import/Export Shipping Processes and Documentation, Customs formalities is a must.

• Minimum 3-5 years’ experience in handling a small team.

• MS Office Applications and ability to prepare reports.

• Basic knowledge of geography and port operations.

• Manage and measure work performance.

• Excellent communication, written and verbal.

• Team Player, strong interpersonal skills.

• Customer Orientated.

• Attention to detail, error free working.

• Work well under pressure in a fast-paced and professional environment.

• Flexible, willing approach to adjust to new Systems/Processes, when applicable.

• Coaching, mentoring of new inductees.