Heavy Lift operations, Port operations, Vessel Operations
AJAY KUMAR
Manager- Trade Transport And Logistics
Bengaluru,KA
Summary
Seasoned Logistics & EXIM leader with 18+ years of expertise in heavy lift, multimodal transport, and global trade compliance. Expert in driving digitalization, optimizing complex routes, and building governance frameworks that enhance efficiency, reduce risk, and deliver sustainable value.
Managerial professional with proven record of streamlining processes and leading high-performing teams. Known for strong analytical skills and commitment to achieving results. Teams rely on collaborative leadership and adaptability to changing needs.
Overview
3
3
Languages
6
6
Certifications
19
19
years of professional experience
Work History
Manager- Exim Operations, TTL CoE-India
Hitachi Energy
07.2024 - Current
- Lead the national EXIM function with responsibility for TTL governance, multimodal planning, heavy-lift risk assessment, CO₂-optimized routing, compliance, and digital transformation.
- Plan medium-to-long-term resource allocation for EXIM & TTL teams aligned with tender forecasts and execution schedules.
- Ensured adherence to global trade compliance, customs, DGFT, GST, FEMA, sustainability, HSE & integrity requirements, mitigating risk of non-compliance.
- Supported strategic TTL initiatives focused on cost reduction, Incoterm advisory, duty optimization & digital workflows, enhancing operational effectiveness.
- Coordinated with project managers, engineering, suppliers, global TTL & 3PLs, facilitating safe execution of critical shipments and improving delivery timelines.
- Drive automation using Power BI dashboards, digital tracking, workflow standardization & control tower visibility.
- Achievements:
- Achieved full compliance across statutory (FEMA, DGFT, GST), documentation
- Implemented centralized EXIM document repository covering 7 manufacturing locations and 15,000+ shipment records annually, reducing document retrieval time by 80%.
- Automated high-volume workflows using AI-enabled document processing, reducing turnaround time.
- Improved RoDTEP, Drawback, GST refund realization through automated tracking & reconciliation dashboards.
- Standardized customs and trade processes across multiple plants, reducing detention and demurrage costs by INR 3 million annually.
- Led cross-functional teams to enhance project delivery and operational efficiency.
- Developed strategic plans aligning with company objectives, fostering growth and innovation.
- Streamlined processes to improve productivity, reducing turnaround times for key initiatives.
- Implemented risk management strategies to mitigate potential project challenges proactively.
- Analyzed market trends to inform strategic decisions and drive competitive advantage.
- Coordinated stakeholder communications to ensure alignment on project expectations and deliverables.
- Enhanced customer satisfaction by resolving disputes promptly, maintaining open lines of communication, and ensuring high-quality service delivery.
Manager- Trade, Transport and Logistics
ABB India Limited
08.2016 - 06.2024
- Led country level TTL operations including heavy-lift, multimodal routing, port coordination & project cargo handling while working in Process/Industrial Automation Division.
- Managed team development, hiring, and performance reviews to build capabilities and ensure succession planning.
- Negotiated contracts, RFQs, service level agreements with 3PLs, freight forwarders & heavy-lift carriers.
- Executed high-risk heavy-lift operations with rigging teams, transporters, and ports, coordinating with global stakeholders for successful project delivery.
- Created logistics CoE with SOPs, governance frameworks, KPIs & continuous improvement models.
- Led cross-functional teams to implement process improvements, enhancing operational efficiency.
- Led cross-functional teams to implement process improvements that streamlined operations and reduced delays.
- Managed team development, hiring, capability building, performance reviews & succession planning.
Supervisor- Ocean Products & Order Mgt
Expeditors International India Private Limited
08.2008 - 07.2016
- Manage ocean freight and order management operations for key global customers.
- Coordinated carrier rate negotiations, space bookings, and capacity planning to optimize shipping operations.
- Implemented operational strategies that improved service delivery and customer satisfaction.
- Executed consolidation strategies to improve margins.
- Analyzed performance metrics to identify areas for process enhancement and cost reduction.
- Streamlined workflow processes, enhancing efficiency and reducing turnaround times for order fulfillment.
- Implemented operational strategies that elevated service delivery standards and boosted customer satisfaction.
- Managed liner payments, BL controls, and documentation accuracy.
Sourcing Specialist
IHS Inc. (BPO) Implant (Adarsh Solutions)
04.2007 - 07.2008
- Managed sourcing data for Rohs components, ensuring alignment with client requirements and specifications.
- Dealt with suppliers based mainly in Europe and the Americas.
- Collaborated with cross-functional teams to align sourcing initiatives with strategic organizational objectives.
Education
MBA -
Dayananda Sagar University
Bengaluru, India 04.2001 -
Skills
Customs Ops
Multimodal Logistics
Compliance
Heavy-Lift Operations
Operations management
Vendor Management
Strategy Execution
Project planning
Complex Problem-solving
Team Management
Delegation skills
Strategic planning
Relationship building
Accomplishments
- Implemented centralized EXIM document repository covering 7 manufacturing locations and 15,000+ shipment records annually, reducing document retrieval time by 80%.
- Standardized customs and trade processes across multiple plants, reducing detention and demurrage costs by INR 3 million annually.
- Volumes Managed:
- Managed logistics spend of USD 20M+
- Managed customs and trade compliance across 35+ countries.
a. 8,000 Import shipments annually
b. 6,000 Export shipments annually
Certification
Export–Import Management – IIFT Delhi
Interests
Timeline
Manager- Exim Operations, TTL CoE-India
Hitachi Energy
07.2024 - Current
Manager- Trade, Transport and Logistics
ABB India Limited
08.2016 - 06.2024
Supervisor- Ocean Products & Order Mgt
Expeditors International India Private Limited
08.2008 - 07.2016
Sourcing Specialist
IHS Inc. (BPO) Implant (Adarsh Solutions)
04.2007 - 07.2008
MBA -
Dayananda Sagar University
04.2001 -