Branch Manager Sales -Freight Forwarding-Ahmedabad

1. Position Overview

The Branch Manager is a high-impact leadership role responsible for driving the branch's commercial

success, operational excellence, and overall profitability (P&L). We are looking for a Sales-Focused

Leader who can balance hands-on business development with the management of a diverse team of

operations and customs professionals.

Crucially, the Branch Manager acts as the ultimate escalation point for client satisfaction, ensuring that

operational bottlenecks are cleared, and customer issues are resolved with urgency.

2. Key Responsibilities

A. Sales & Strategic Growth (Primary Focus)

Business Development: Proactively identify, target, and acquire new high-value clients across

diverse industry verticals.

Sales Pipeline Management: Build and maintain a robust sales pipeline, ensuring consistent

growth in TEUs (Ocean) and Tonnage (Air).

Personal Sales Contribution: Actively engage in 'hunting' for large accounts and leading

high-level negotiations.

Market Positioning: Monitor market trends and competitor pricing to position the company as a

preferred logistics partner.

B. Client Relations & Problem Resolution

Troubleshooting & Escalation: Act as the primary point of contact for critical client issues.

Troubleshoot complex logistics failures, customs delays, or transport bottlenecks to ensure

minimal impact on the client's supply chain.

Service Recovery: Develop and implement swift corrective action plans when service failures

occur to prevent client churn.

Customer Retention: Conduct regular 'Health Check' meetings with key accounts to gather

feedback and preemptively address potential service issues.

Proactive Communication: Ensure the customer service team provides proactive updates to

clients, especially during volatile market conditions or port strikes.

C. Operational Management & Compliance

End-to-End Oversight: Supervise the logistics lifecycle for Sea, Air, and Land freight to ensure

Service Level Agreements (SLAs) are met.

CHA Coordination: Oversee the Custom House Agency desk for accurate HSN classification,

valuation, and timely filing.

Regulatory Adherence: Ensure total compliance with Customs regulations and port authorities

to prevent delays or penalties.

Vendor Procurement: Negotiate competitive rates with shipping lines and airlines to improve

profit margins.

D. Financial Management & P&L

P&L Ownership: Manage the branch budget, maximizing Gross Profit (GP) and controlling

operational costs.

Revenue Assurance: Oversee billing accuracy and the credit control process to minimize Days

Sales Outstanding (DSO).

Forecasting: Provide accurate monthly/quarterly sales and revenue forecasts.

E. Leadership & People Management

Team Performance: Foster a sales-driven and customer-centric culture. Set clear KPIs and

conduct regular performance reviews.

Mentorship: Lead and coach the branch staff, particularly in handling difficult client negotiations

and complex operational troubleshooting.

3. Required Qualifications & Experience

Education: Bachelor's degree in Business, Logistics, or International Trade. MBA is preferred.

Experience: 1215 years in Freight Forwarding/CHA, with at least 5 years in a Sales

Management or Profit Center Head role.

Proven Track Record: History of meeting sales targets and successfully managing high-

pressure client escalations.

Technical Knowledge: Deep understanding of Global Logistics, Incoterms, and the Customs

Act. Proficiency in Logistics ERPs (e.g., Soft link, Cargo wise).

4. Skills & Competencies

Sales Hunter Mentality: A passion for closing new business.

Analytical Problem-Solving: Ability to quickly diagnose the root cause of logistics delays and

implement solutions.

Resilience: Ability to remain calm and decisive during operational crises or high-stakes client

disputes.

Negotiation & Diplomacy: Skilled at managing expectations between clients, vendors, and

customs officials.

5. Performance Indicators (KPIs)

1. GP Target Achievement: Achieving 100% or more of the assigned monthly Gross Profit target.

2. Client Retention Rate: Percentage of accounts retained year-over-year.

3. Issue Resolution Time: Speed and effectiveness in resolving escalated client grievances.

4. New Business Revenue: Revenue generated from newly acquired accounts.

5. Volume Growth: Year-over-year increase in Ocean TEUs and Air Tonnage.

6. Work Environment

Dynamic and fast-paced.

Extensive local travel (50%+) for client meetings and troubleshooting at port/ICD sites.

Interested candidate can directly call on 8657404497