Director – Export & Import

Job Description

Position: Director – Export & Import
Industry: Maritime / Shipping
Location: [Location]
Experience: 15–20+ Years
Employment Type: Full-Time

Job Summary

We are seeking an experienced Director – Export & Import to lead the company’s complete export and import operations within the maritime industry. The role will be responsible for managing international trade activities, shipping and logistics operations, customs compliance, documentation, freight management, and relationships with global logistics and shipping partners.

The ideal candidate should have strong experience in maritime, shipping, logistics, international trade, and EXIM operations, along with proven leadership and commercial management capabilities.

Key Responsibilities

• Lead and manage the overall Export & Import function of the organization.
• Develop and implement effective EXIM strategies in line with business objectives.
• Oversee international shipments, freight forwarding, customs clearance, and port operations.
• Manage end-to-end export and import documentation and ensure timely processing.
• Ensure compliance with customs regulations, EXIM policies, international trade regulations, and maritime requirements.
• Coordinate with shipping lines, freight forwarders, customs brokers, port authorities, clearing agents, and overseas partners.
• Negotiate freight rates, contracts, service agreements, and commercial terms with logistics and shipping service providers.
• Monitor shipping schedules, transit times, freight costs, demurrage, detention, and other logistics-related expenses.
• Identify opportunities to optimize logistics costs and improve operational efficiency.
• Ensure proper handling of Bills of Lading, commercial invoices, packing lists, certificates of origin, insurance documents, customs documentation, and other trade-related documents.
• Maintain strong relationships with international customers, suppliers, agents, shipping companies, and logistics partners.
• Monitor changes in international trade laws, customs regulations, duties, tariffs, sanctions, and other regulatory requirements.
• Work closely with Procurement, Sales, Finance, Operations, Supply Chain, and Legal teams.
• Develop and monitor departmental budgets, KPIs, and performance metrics.
• Identify and mitigate risks associated with international trade and logistics operations.
• Lead, mentor, and develop the Export, Import, Shipping, and Logistics teams.
• Prepare regular management reports on shipment status, costs, operational performance, compliance, and business opportunities.
• Drive continuous improvement across export-import and international logistics processes.

Candidate Requirements

• Bachelor’s degree in International Trade, Logistics, Supply Chain Management, Business Administration, Maritime Studies, or a related field.
• MBA / Master’s degree in Supply Chain, International Business, or a related discipline will be an advantage.
• 15–20+ years of relevant experience in Export & Import, Maritime, Shipping, Logistics, International Trade, or Supply Chain.
• Proven experience in a senior management / leadership position.
• Strong knowledge of international shipping and maritime logistics.
• Excellent understanding of customs procedures, EXIM regulations, international trade documentation, and compliance requirements.
• Experience managing shipping lines, freight forwarders, customs clearing agents, and international logistics partners.
• Strong commercial and contract negotiation skills.
• Experience in cost optimization and vendor management.
• Excellent leadership, communication, analytical, and stakeholder-management skills.
• Strong knowledge of ERP systems and MS Office.
• Ability to manage multiple international shipments and operations simultaneously.

Key Competencies

• Strategic Leadership
• International Trade & EXIM Management
• Maritime & Shipping Operations
• Customs & Regulatory Compliance
• Logistics & Supply Chain Management
• Commercial Negotiation
• Cost Optimization
• Vendor & Partner Management
• Team Leadership
• Risk Management
• International Stakeholder Management

Reporting to: [CEO / Managing Director / Group Director]

Interested candidate can send cv -mmeindia10@gmail.com

Rachana

MME