ASHOK SUVARNA
Summary
Logistics and operations manager with 25 years of experience in directing program operations focused on quality improvement and financial success. Demonstrated ability to partner with management and staff to achieve organizational goals through exceptional business acumen and interpersonal skills. Proven expertise in budget oversight, resource management, and team leadership, with a strong record of managing multiple priorities in fast-paced environments. Skilled in complex analytics, problem resolution, and developing detailed reports to support informed decision making.
Overview
31
31
years of professional experience
Work History
SENIOR MANAGER CLEARING AND FORWARDING
STERLING OIL NIGERIA LIMITED
2022.03 - Current
- Leading an active team of 5 expats and 12 Nationals to head import clearance of Rig and project cargo under the free trade zone category and also liaise with customs for shipments under Form M.Actively involved in end-to-end delivery of cargoes from port of discharge to respective warehouses.
- Supervised bulk vessel discharge operations at ENL, Calabar, Port Harcourt, and Warri Ports to ensure efficient unloading and handling of cargo.
- Conducted meetings with stakeholders to review bulk and containerised cargo delivery status and strategise future shipments via sea and air.
- Negotiated freight terms with overseas forwarders, ensuring timely loading of shipments in coordination with shipping lines and air cargo.
- Negotiated flexible freight terms with shipping lines to optimise cost and service delivery.
EXPORT/PROCUREMENT MANAGER
VN COMMODITIES GHANA LIMITED
2020.04 - 2022.01
- Overall accountability of Raw Cashew Nuts, Shea Nuts and Soya beans procurement/selling/trading activities including market search, expansion, commercial activities, management, related administrative activities, etc.
- Monitored procurement processes for raw cashew nuts and soya beans, ensuring alignment with budgetary constraints and delivery schedules.
- Controlling commercial activities pertaining to procurement, sale, credit policy, etc.
- Liaised with shipping lines for freight, transit time, customs, clearing agents, terminal handlers, and transporters to facilitate timely loading from procurement point to end delivery of FCL to container terminal for onward loading onto vessel.
- Reviewed manifest submissions and coordinated with shipping lines and agencies to ensure timely and compliant deliveries to end customers.
- Supervised product quality checks, ensuring compliance with the highest standards of quality and reliability.
SENIOR OPERATIONS MANAGER
AFRICAN ATLANTIC INTERNATIONAL MARITIME LIMITED
2016.06 - 2019.12
- Managed import clearance for commodities, auto, and spares for Stallion Group and third parties, ensuring compliance and efficiency.
- Coordinated export processes for cashew and soya shipments to Fareast and India, facilitating timely delivery and customer satisfaction.
- Supervised activities and functions associated with sales head for agency, port operations, shipping documentation, inland logistics, freight forwarding, and administrative issues for office.
- Communicated with clients and staff at managerial levels to achieve organisational goals.
OPERATION MANAGER
AFRICAN ATLANTIC INTERNATIONAL AGENCIES LIMITED
2011.05 - 2016.05
- Effectively direct all port operations covering major sea ports in Nigeria, Abidjan, Cotonou & Ghana and monitor process for continuous improvement also accommodate organization with constructive opinions.
- Monitored processes to incorporate continuous improvement within the organization.
- Communicated effectively for constructive feedback to accommodate organizational improvements.
- Coordinated with sales and warehouse to optimise stock levels, improving delivery times and reducing transport costs.
- Maintained data to evaluate performance and quality and to plan improvements.
- Allocated and managed staff resources according to changing needs.
- Engaged with customers and suppliers to ensure mutual understanding and agreement.
- Develop business by gaining new contracts, analyzing logistical problems and producing new solutions.
- Delegated to improve and develop business performance within the constraints of legislation, fuel costs and other factors.
- Implemented primary importance to health and safety procedures.
- Managed staff training issues.
- Inspired team to enhance collaboration and productivity.
- Defined measurable objectives to guide team efforts.
- Researched and implemented new supply strategies to optimise logistics.
- Extensively liaised with transporters and planned vehicle routes.
- Managed transportation budget effectively from 2011 to 2016, ensuring compliance with financial targets.
- Onboarded new vendor, resulting in 30% cost reduction.
- Singlehandedly managed the delivery of 200 FCLs in a day with coordination with Terminal Operators, Transporters and Customs officials.
- Successfully handled clearing and delivery of 11,000 empty containers from Volkswagen warehouse to several delivery points in Lagos, Port Harcourt, Warri and Kaduna in 2011–2013.
- Trained local staff to use GPS system for effective shipment monitoring.
- Consistently met cost, productivity, and timeliness targets, between the years 2011 and 2016.
- Implemented a series of health and safety procedures, as a result, decreased operational accidents by 75%.
- Improved delivery efficiency by 50%, by effectively planning and implementing vehicle/delivery routes.
- Successfully troubleshot a massive logistics problem issue with Customs task force and NAFDAC.
- Negotiated with a new vendor, thereby, saved the company $16000 in 2015.
- Improved the reporting system by training local staff to constantly monitor Load movement till final delivery point consequently, increased reporting efficiency.
GENERAL MANAGER
SILVER MARITIME GHANA LIMITED
2007.01 - 2011.04
- Oversaw daily operations, maintaining strict adherence to quality standards and regulatory compliance.
- Managed financial budgets, forecasting, and reporting, ensuring fiscal responsibility and sustainability.
- Controlled expenses and allocated financial resources to reach budget goals.
- Supervised port operations, shipping documentation, logistics, freight forwarding, and administrative functions to ensure smooth office operations.
- Coordinated office activities to support staff training and development initiatives.
OPERATION MANAGER
SILVER OCEAN SHIPPING CO.LTD
LAGOS
2001.11 - 2006.12
- Planned discharge operations at port, coordinated logistics for cargo movement from wharf to stores, and maintained strong relations with NPA and Customs authorities for smooth shipping operations.
- Supervised operational activities, communicated with suppliers and shippers for import documents, prepared lay time, and liaised with port authorities for timely berthing and sailing of vessels.
- Obtained S.E.N, ensured timely vessel berthing without delays, arranged stevedores for discharge, sent disbursement accounts to ship owners for dues to importers, and prepared final disbursement accounts per c/p terms, ensuring prompt recovery of outstanding payments.
SALES CO-ORDINATOR
MAGNUM WATCHES
HONG KONG
2000.01 - 2001.08
- Coordinated sales operations for south East Asia sector, managing orders and distribution channels with watch manufacturers to ensure timely delivery.
- Developed and maintained strong relationships with key clients to foster loyalty and repeat business.
- Resolved customer queries and complaints, providing tailored solutions that improved client satisfaction and retention.
- Streamlined daily sales activities by managing schedules and delegating tasks among team members, improving workflow.
AREA MANAGER
TITAN WATCHES
MUMBAI, MAHARASHTRA
1995.02 - 1999.11
- Managed day-to-day operations of showroom, overseeing procurement, stock management, sales, and services to ensure smooth functioning.
- Motivated sales staff to continuously improve strategies through competitions and personalised coaching plans.
- Evaluated employee performance, identifying high potentials for leadership roles and succession planning.
- Maintained positive, professional working environment to optimise staff and customer satisfaction.
Education
Secondary School Certificate - Science
North Bombay Welfare Society High School
Mumbai, Maharashtra1983-04
Bachelor of Science (BSC) - Physics
Mumbai University
Mumbai, Maharashtra1988-03
Higher School Certificate - Science
Ramniranjan Jhunjhunwala College
Mumbai, Maharashtra1985-03
Skills
- Freight forwarding
- Inland logistics
- Port and vessel operations
- Procurement
- Regulatory compliance
- Inventory management
- Process improvement
- Strategic planning
- Market analysis
- Competitive intelligence
- Client acquisition
- Closing techniques
- Cold calling proficiency
- Client relations
- Training and development
Languages
Afrikaans
Intermediate
B1
Tamil
Elementary
A2
Hindi
Advanced
C1
Marathi
Advanced
C1
English
Proficient
C2
Kannada
Advanced
C1
Malayalam
Advanced
C1
Tulu
Advanced
C1
Gujarati
Upper Intermediate
B2
Telugu
Beginner
A1
Timeline
SENIOR MANAGER CLEARING AND FORWARDING
STERLING OIL NIGERIA LIMITED
2022.03 - Current
EXPORT/PROCUREMENT MANAGER
VN COMMODITIES GHANA LIMITED
2020.04 - 2022.01
SENIOR OPERATIONS MANAGER
AFRICAN ATLANTIC INTERNATIONAL MARITIME LIMITED
2016.06 - 2019.12
OPERATION MANAGER
AFRICAN ATLANTIC INTERNATIONAL AGENCIES LIMITED
2011.05 - 2016.05
GENERAL MANAGER
SILVER MARITIME GHANA LIMITED
2007.01 - 2011.04
OPERATION MANAGER
SILVER OCEAN SHIPPING CO.LTD
2001.11 - 2006.12
SALES CO-ORDINATOR
MAGNUM WATCHES
2000.01 - 2001.08
AREA MANAGER
TITAN WATCHES
1995.02 - 1999.11
Secondary School Certificate - Science
North Bombay Welfare Society High School
Bachelor of Science (BSC) - Physics
Mumbai University
Higher School Certificate - Science
Ramniranjan Jhunjhunwala College