Manager Operations
Freight Links International
Total years of experience :17 years, 9 Months
Manage Freight operations including developing strategy, overseeing logistics & transportation, client account management & customer services to improve revenues and maximising client retention. Key responsibilities include:
• Develop & manage the global operations strategy including quality of customer service, issue tracking, quotation management, profitability, import / export for air or ocean in line with the company’s overall strategic goals.
• Manage Financials, HSE & Reports freight operations while complying with government & company regulations
• Oversee client account management by providing technical expertise, reporting & communication regularly with a keen focus on continuously monitoring & improving Client Satisfaction.
• Manage the structured planning process of operations and troubleshooting challenges to ensure productivity is maximised, service recoveries are minimised and shipments processed on a timely basis
• Coach, counsel, and mentor the associates to ensure that they remain motivated to drive a high performance business, comply with the SOP’s and deliver to their KPI’s in the areas of service, productivity, and quality
Manage the Air Freight operations including strategy planning, overseeing logistics, warehousing, transportation and customer services with a view to delivering on the set profitability budgets. An additional responsibility included the setup and operations of Customs Brokerage team as well. Key responsibilities include:
• Responsible for the overall Air Freight P&L by ensuring productivity and profitability in the day-to-day operations within Qatar including managing projects and initiatives, all aligned to support the Regional and Global Air Freight Policy as well as managing the local relationships with global service providers.
• Being the first point of contact & proactively identifying areas of compliance risks, conducting risk assessments and developing plan of action to eliminate / mitigate risks for Customs & Trade Compliance related issues.
• Monitor performance against annually agreed Product KPI’s and initiate corrective actions including reporting to the managing director, regional headquarters & customers in a timely manner on air import / export performance, updates on client related freight shipping events, etc.
• Participating in responding to global tenders, RFQs, global bids and other Tender Management activities with relevant commercial & operation inputs on buying rates, consolidation opportunities, and network constraints.
• Taking ownership of the provision of competitive end-to-end rates; additionally, support sales team with business development and client relationship activities with existing & prospective customers.
• Collecting and communicating to internal and external stakeholders on the Qatar & global customs requirements, import, export processes, legal and regulatory requirements
• Marketing, contracting, negotiating and managing client account relationships within Qatar while ensuring service obligations are adhered to and where necessary following-up for outstanding payments
• Directing, optimizing & coordinating the full order cycle including keeping track of quality, quantity, stock levels, warehousing, cataloguing, route planning, delivery times, transport costs, dispute resolution and efficiency.
• Monitor and manage the operations including supervising the 24 hours shift rostering & overtimes, running the Transportation fleet, maintaining the Custom Broker company license every year, and resolving issues related to custom approvals (EPC approval, Civil Defence approval, ICT approval), Wrongly consigned shipments from Origin, clearance issues, damaged goods, lack of sufficient paper work, disposal of shipments etc
• Setting up, hiring and managing the Operations & Customs Brokerage team that is responsible for customs clearance, as well as the safe handling of Dangerous Goods while complying with national & international standards (IMDG Code), as well as road regulations at all times for on time delivery.
• Performance managing the team through daily stand-up & weekly meetings for reviewing all outstanding issues while tracking against department and company KPI and ensuring revenue from local fee-based services are maximised (e.g. local charges, customs clearance)
• Liaising with Finance on the weekly forecast on expected shipments, closing of all files, timely invoicing, providing a forecast of funds required to pay duty and DO charges to expedite smooth clearance as well as ensuring proper accruals are maintained
• Strategizing and further developing the Air Freight business with Senior management and work with other country heads to introduce new products / services to further evolve and grow the local market
• Monitor operational performance (sub-contractors, productivity, quality of service, data, incident handling) and initiate, implement and control corrective actions; escalate the Regional Head of Air Freight when needed.
Logistics & Procurement Specialist (December, 2010 - to date)
Freight Links International
To identify, evaluate and manage vendor relationships on behalf of clients, procuring a portfolio of raw materials, goods and services in a professional manner taking into account vendor capability and relevant market opportunities. Key responsibilities include: • Professional negotiation to source items within the client portfolio, culminating in completed formal contracts.
• Contacting potential vendors, performing reference checks, reviewing quotations, and evaluating each purchase requisition for the most appropriate method of procurement.
• Ensuring individual raw materials, goods and services are supplied at "best overall value" to end users without disruption with due consideration given to; vendor selection, agreed business standards, specifications, agreed service levels, cost, lead-time, legislative conformance, & any other business needs.
• Carrying out periodic & through market analysis; identify, validate, approve and select optimal sources of supply and the most cost effective transportation.
• Managing the relationship and required clearances by close coordination with suppliers, freight forwarders, government agencies, customs department, environment agencies etc.
• Overseeing the timely movement of shipments as well as conduct loss survey for insurance claims in case of transit damage/loss
• Identifying, developing, maintaining and reviewing relationships with suppliers and end users to ensure that purchasing strategies are effectively implemented delivering the intended value and benefit.
• Providing portfolio and supplier intelligence to senior management to preserve the interests of clients and to facilitate wider organizational goals in a timely manner.
• Leading, monitoring, motivating & developing the professional & general skills of nominated staff involved in procurement to enhance overall team capability towards continuous improvement.
Overseas Services Coordinator (May, 2008 - November, 2010)
Freight Links International
Manage and provide support for merchandise sourcing & payment collection with overseas suppliers and clientele within the logistics department. Ensure timely delivery and quality of materials. Key responsibilities included: • Ensuring proper log sheet of all monies due from customers are maintained and regular follow-ups carried out for timely payments.
• Authorizing payment of invoices or return of merchandise from suppliers.
• Maintaining on-going vendor performance metrics, providing vendor feedback, and facilitating vendor performance improvement projects where appropriate.
• Maintain payment terms, transportation arrangements & inventory of merchandise.
• Be the office back-up for the sales team providing information for RFPs / quotes & subsequent purchase orders
• Utilize ERP system reports to monitor & manage compliance for shipments.
• Ensuring all customer related service enquiries are logged & fulfilled to completion by engaging relevant stakeholders - both internal and external.
• Routing and coordinating shipments using best shipping practices to ensure deliveries are handled in most timely and cost effective manner.
Procurement Assistant (August, 2006 - April 2008)
Watch House Traders
Provide support for planning, sourcing and procurement initiatives for watches & electronic goods including ensuring the timely delivery & quality of materials while resolving any sourcing issues. Key responsibilities included: • Working with marketing staff to obtain information about customer needs and preferences.
• Monitoring and analyzing sales records, trends, or economic conditions to anticipate consumer buying patterns and determine what is sold and how much inventory is needed.
• Identifying vendors that can meet customer preferences and needs. Interviewing and working closely with vendors to obtain or develop desired products.
• Examining, selecting, & purchasing at the most optimal price, merchandise according to specification.
• Negotiating prices, discount terms and transportation arrangements for merchandise.
• Organizing and managing inventory including setting up or recommending mark-up / mark-down & selling rates.
• Authorizing payment of invoices or return of merchandise.
• Organizing staff meetings with marketing and customer support personnel to introduce new merchandise.
MBA in Logistics & Supply Chain Management completed
Bachelor of Commerce in Computer Applications (July, 2008 - June, 2011) Dr. CV Raman University, Bilaspur - India
Peevees Public School Nilambur, Malappuram - India
Ideal English School, Doha - Qatar