Assistant Manager - Imports Planning

Purpose of Role :

Manage and execute end-to-end import operations for medical devices, consumables, and spare parts in a 100% import-driven, highly regulated environment.
The role ensures timely imports, regulatory compliance, cost control, and uninterrupted supply across multiple ports, CFS locations, and Free Trade Warehousing Zones (FTWZ).

This position acts as a key interface between global supply planning, regulatory teams, logistics partners, customs authorities, and local business teams, ensuring seamless execution of import activities aligned with company policies and statutory requirements.

Enhance import and trade compliance processes to ensure accurate communication, audit readiness, and risk mitigation.
Support continuous improvement initiatives to reduce lead time, improve compliance robustness, and optimize costs.

Responsibilities in Detail                     :

Import Operations & Execution

• Manage end-to-end import operations across air and ocean modes for multiple locations in India, including FTWZ and CFS.
• Coordinate with suppliers, freight forwarders, and CHAs for import documentation (Invoice, Packing List, AWB/BL, COO, etc.).
• Ensure timely customs clearance through BOE filing, ADC NOC, duty payment, and checklist approvals.
• Plan and execute MRP and regulatory labelling operations at FTWZ and CFS locations.
• Monitor shipment status and provide GIT visibility to business and customer service teams.

Regulatory & Trade Compliance

• Ensure compliance with Indian Customs, DGFT, CDSCO, FTAs, and internal global trade compliance policies.
• Maintain correct HS classification, valuation, country of origin, and duty applicability.
• Coordinate with QA/RA and regulatory teams to respond to customs and ADC queries related to labelling, end use, and product compliance.
• Support audits, inspections, and regulatory reviews with complete and accurate documentation.

Vendor & Cost Management

• Manage performance of freight forwarders, CHAs, and logistics service providers in line with global and local contracts.
• Validate freight, duty, and clearance invoices and coordinate with Finance for accruals and cost control.
• Timely submission of cost sheets to GBS (Global Service Centre) for bill booking and vendor payments.
• Identify opportunities for freight optimization, cost reduction, and process efficiencies.

Cross-Functional & Global Coordination

• Work closely with Global Supply Planning, Procurement, QA/RA, Finance, Warehousing, and Customer Service teams.
• Support New Product Introductions (NPI), regulatory variations, and urgent imports through proactive risk assessment.
• Act as the local point of contact for global trade compliance and logistics teams.
• Serve as a bridge between business, customer service, and supply chain for shipment visibility and issue resolution.

Continuous Improvement & Digitalization

• Drive initiatives to reduce lead times, improve compliance robustness, and enhance service levels.
• Support automation, reporting, and digitization initiatives in import operations and trade compliance.
• Prepare and present import dashboards and KPIs (customs clearance TAT, labelling TAT, vendor SLAs) on a monthly/quarterly basis.

Job Environment   :

This position requires high interaction with global and local stakeholders, including Global Supply Planning, Regulatory Affairs, Finance, Warehousing, Customer Service, and external partners such as CHAs, freight forwarders, and customs authorities.

The role operates in a matrix, time-sensitive, and compliance-driven environment with direct impact on business continuity and revenue realization.

Qualifications, Experience & Characteristics required                 :