Tanaaz Vakil
Ahmedabad
Summary
Accomplished sales and commercial head with a proven track record at Gateway Distriparks Limited, driving revenue growth and market expansion. Expert in strategic planning and customer relationship management, leveraging advanced data analysis and stakeholder engagement skills to achieve a 20% increase in market share across diverse industry verticals.
Overview
14
14
years of professional experience
Work History
Deputy Manager – Sales & Commercial
Gateway Distriparks Limited
12.2024 - Current
- Lead the commercial, marketing and sales function for Gateway Distriparks Limited's ICD Viramgam, driving business development initiatives that expand market share, strengthen the customer portfolio and increase revenue across multiple industry verticals including Agriculture, Automotive, Chemicals, Engineering and General Manufacturing.
- Develop and execute strategic sales plans focused on acquiring new exporters, importers, freight forwarders, Customs House Agents (CHAs), shipping lines and logistics service providers while nurturing long-term customer relationships through solution-based selling and value-added logistics services.
- Build and maintain strong relationships with strategic customers by understanding their evolving logistics requirements, providing consultative support and delivering integrated supply chain solutions that improve customer satisfaction and retention.
- Identify new commercial opportunities by analysing market trends, customer requirements and competitive landscapes, enabling the organisation to diversify its customer base and generate sustainable revenue growth.
- Conducted detailed market research, competitor analysis and customer segmentation to develop targeted commercial strategies, balancing long-term contractual customers with retail business and ensuring consistent cargo volumes year-round.
- Promoted ICD Viramgam as a modern multi-commodity logistics hub, highlighting over 5,000 square metres of warehousing and operational infrastructure to position the facility as a preferred logistics partner for domestic and international cargo movements.
- Lead the planning, coordination and execution of complex Break Bulk and Over-Dimensional Cargo (ODC) shipments by collaborating with customers, transport partners, operational teams and regulatory authorities to ensure safe, efficient and timely project execution.
- Develop comprehensive project execution plans, establish operational milestones, monitor project progress and implement contingency strategies that minimise risk while ensuring customer commitments are consistently achieved.
- Build robust logistics networks by establishing strategic relationships with shipping lines, freight forwarders, transporters, rail operators, Customs House Agents (CHAs) and industry stakeholders to facilitate seamless domestic and international cargo movements.
- Work closely with Operations, Rail Planning, Yard Management and Warehouse teams to optimise container utilisation, improve operational efficiency and ensure high levels of customer service across the supply chain.
- Participate in commercial discussions, customer presentations and business negotiations by developing customised logistics proposals, preparing commercial quotations and delivering value-driven supply chain solutions that align with customer expectations.
- Supported commercial budgeting, forecasting, sales reporting and pipeline management by monitoring business performance, analysing commercial data and recommending corrective actions that aligned with organisational objectives.
- Represent Gateway Distriparks Limited during customer meetings, trade discussions, industry events and commercial presentations while strengthening the company's reputation as a trusted logistics partner.
- Gateway Distriparks Limited is one of India's leading integrated logistics organisations, providing container rail transportation, Inland Container Depots (ICDs), Container Freight Stations (CFS), warehousing and end-to-end supply chain solutions across domestic and international markets.
Business Development Manager
Alisped India Pvt. Ltd.
Nagpur
01.2023 - 10.2023
- Spearheaded business development initiatives focused on expanding Alisped India's presence across African trade lanes by identifying emerging market opportunities, acquiring new customers and strengthening the organisation's commercial footprint within international freight forwarding.
- Developed and executed targeted market penetration strategies by analysing customer requirements, industry trends and competitor activities, enabling sustainable business growth across multiple trade sectors.
- Established strong relationships with exporters, importers, freight forwarders and multinational organisations through customised logistics solutions that addressed individual supply chain requirements.
- Developed competitive pricing models for LCL, FCL and multimodal transportation solutions by analysing freight market trends and shipping line rates, ensuring commercial competitiveness and profitability.
- Managed consolidation planning and yield optimisation initiatives to maximise container utilisation, improve cargo profitability and strengthen operational efficiency across multiple trade lanes.
- Prepared commercial quotations, managed customer RFQs and participated in tender submissions by developing comprehensive logistics solutions aligned with customer expectations and organisational objectives.
- Worked closely with rail operators, Inland Container Depots (ICDs), shipping lines and transportation partners to optimise cargo movement, improve rail connectivity and minimise operational delays.
- Coordinated double-stack rail operations by monitoring equipment availability, train schedules and cargo planning to ensure efficient utilisation of transportation infrastructure.
- Managed strategic customer portfolios by serving as the primary commercial contact for key accounts, ensuring exceptional customer service, timely communication and long-term relationship development.
- Developed customer engagement strategies that improved service quality and strengthened business relationships, increasing repeat business through proactive commercial support.
- Analysed sales performance, commercial data and operational KPIs to identify business improvement opportunities, support management decision-making and achieve revenue targets.
- Worked closely with Operations, Customer Service, Finance and Overseas Offices to ensure seamless execution of logistics solutions and consistent customer satisfaction.
- Alisped India Pvt. Ltd. is an international freight forwarding and logistics organisation providing integrated multimodal transportation, supply chain solutions and global freight management services across air, ocean, rail and road networks.
Proprietor
Mazda Shipping & Logistics
05.2016 - 12.2022
- Founded and successfully managed Mazda Shipping & Logistics, providing comprehensive freight forwarding, transportation and integrated logistics solutions to domestic and international customers across diverse industry sectors.
- Established and managed an independent freight forwarding and logistics business, overseeing all commercial, operational and financial functions while driving sustainable business growth and customer acquisition.
- Developed long-term business strategies to expand the customer portfolio, increase market visibility and establish Mazda Shipping & Logistics as a trusted logistics partner within the freight forwarding industry.
- Generated revenue growth through strategic sales initiatives and customized logistics solutions for importers, exporters and freight forwarders, strengthening market position.
- Coordinated import and export freight forwarding operations, overseeing ocean freight, inland transportation, customs processes and cargo delivery.
- Designed and managed integrated logistics solutions incorporating ocean freight, rail transportation, road transportation and warehousing to optimise customer supply chains and improve service efficiency.
- Cultivated strong relationships with major shipping lines, overseas agents and logistics partners to negotiate competitive freight rates and enhance service reliability.
- Managed a diverse customer portfolio by delivering personalised logistics solutions, maintaining proactive communication and ensuring high levels of customer satisfaction and retention.
- Prepared commercial quotations, negotiated freight rates, managed customer contracts and developed competitive pricing strategies that balanced customer expectations with business profitability.
- Monitored international freight markets, shipping trends and competitor activities to identify emerging opportunities and implement effective commercial strategies.
- Coordinated shipment planning, cargo movement, transportation scheduling and documentation activities to ensure timely and compliant execution of customer shipments.
- Managed specialized cargo movements including oversized, high-value and time-sensitive shipments by collaborating with transport providers, warehouses and operational stakeholders.
- Oversaw budgeting, cash flow, invoicing and receivables to ensure financial performance aligned with business sustainability and operational efficiency.
General Manager
Chartship Logistics
01.2014 - 02.2016
- Coordinated day-to-day logistics operations, ensuring efficient import and export shipment management while upholding high service standards and meeting customer delivery commitments.
- Supervised shipment planning and transportation schedules by liaising with shipping lines, transporters, Customs House Agents (CHAs), overseas agents, and customers to facilitate seamless cargo movement.
- Implemented process improvements that enhanced workflow efficiency, reduced shipment delays and improved coordination between internal departments and external logistics partners.
- Established strong customer relationships through proactive shipment updates, operational issue resolution, and tailored logistics solutions.
- Acted as the primary point of contact for strategic customers, ensuring prompt resolution of operational issues while maintaining exceptional service standards and long-term business relationships.
- Managed complete shipping documentation including Bills of Lading, Shipping Bills, Delivery Orders, Customs documentation and cargo manifests while ensuring compliance with international trade regulations.
- Ensured all freight forwarding activities complied with customs regulations, shipping requirements and company operating procedures, minimising documentation discrepancies and shipment delays.
- Worked closely with Sales, Operations, Finance and Customer Service teams to ensure smooth execution of logistics services and alignment between customer expectations and operational capabilities.
- Maintained productive relationships with transport providers, warehouse operators, shipping lines and service partners to optimise logistics performance and improve customer satisfaction.
- Chartship Logistics is a freight forwarding and logistics company providing comprehensive shipping, transportation and supply chain solutions for importers, exporters and multinational organisations.
Assistant Manager
Mazda Enterprise
07.2012 - 12.2013
- Mazda Enterprise specialised in freight forwarding and logistics services, providing import, export and transportation solutions for domestic and international customers.
- Supported end-to-end freight forwarding operations by coordinating import and export shipments, preparing shipping documentation and ensuring timely cargo movement.
- Coordinated transportation schedules and facilitated cargo movement between ports, ICDs, transporters and customer locations to optimize logistics operations.
- Communicated regularly with customers on shipment status, documentation requirements and delivery schedules to enhance customer satisfaction.
- Assisted customers in resolving shipment-related concerns by coordinating with operational teams and external logistics partners.
- Prepared shipping documentation, invoices, delivery orders, customs paperwork and operational records while ensuring accuracy and compliance with company procedures.
- Maintained shipment records, customer files and logistics databases, contributing to efficient operational reporting and documentation management.
- Gained hands-on experience in freight forwarding, shipping procedures, customs regulations and multimodal transportation, building a solid foundation for logistics operations.
- Gained valuable exposure to commercial logistics, transportation planning and customer relationship management, establishing a solid foundation for future leadership roles.
Education
Diploma in Shipping Logistics & Freight Forwarding -
Indian Institute of Freight Forwarders (IIFF)
MumbaiMaster of Arts (M.A.) - Yogic Science & Alternative Therapy
Gujarat University
Bachelor of Arts (B.A.) - Psychology
St. Xavier's College
AhmedabadHigher Secondary Certificate (HSC) -
Delhi Public School
AhmedabadSecondary School Certificate (SSC) -
Delhi Public School
AhmedabadSkills
- Transportation management
- Logistics management
- Freight Forwarding
- Supply Chain Planning
- Supply chain optimization
- Freight Forwarding Software
- Shipping Line Portals
- Container Tracking Platforms
- Rail Logistics Planning Systems
- Tender management
- Data Analysis
- Forecasting reports
- Microsoft Excel (Advanced)
- Sales Strategy
- Business Development
- Sales Growth
- Market Penetration
- Strategic Planning
- P&L Management
- Account management
- CRM Systems
- CRM systems
- Team Leadership
- Stakeholder management
- Negotiation skills
- Process Improvement
- Operational Excellence
- Cross-functional teamwork
Languages
- English, Fluent (Professional Working Proficiency)
- Hindi, Native / Bilingual
- Gujarati, Native / Bilingual
- French, Intermediate (B1 Level)
Volunteer Experience
- Affiliated Volunteer, In A Safe HeadSpace – Ahmedabad, Supported mental health awareness initiatives by participating in community outreach programmes and awareness campaigns aimed at promoting emotional well-being.
- Affiliated Volunteer, Rise for Tails – Nagpur, Actively contributed to animal welfare initiatives by supporting rescue, rehabilitation and community awareness programmes.
Core Competencies
P&L Management, Commercial Strategy, Business Development, Revenue Growth, Strategic Planning, Territory Expansion, Sales Leadership, Market Development, Business Transformation, Customer Acquisition, Freight Forwarding, Inland Container Depot (ICD), Container Freight Station (CFS), Rail Logistics, Road Transportation, Multimodal Transportation, Project Logistics, Over-Dimensional Cargo (ODC), Warehousing, Fleet Coordination, Supply Chain Optimisation, Pricing Strategy, Yield Management, RFQ & Tender Management, Contract Negotiation, Procurement, Vendor Management, Customer Portfolio Development, Key Account Management, Budgeting & Forecasting, Cost Optimisation, Market Intelligence, Commercial Reporting, Team Leadership, Cross-functional Collaboration, Relationship Management, Customer Experience, Operational Excellence, Process Improvement, Risk Management, Performance Management, Change Management, Strategic Partnerships
Personal Information
- Relocation: Open to International Relocation
- Title: Deputy Commercial, Sales & Logistics Manager
Timeline
Deputy Manager – Sales & Commercial
Gateway Distriparks Limited
12.2024 - Current
Business Development Manager
Alisped India Pvt. Ltd.
01.2023 - 10.2023
Proprietor
Mazda Shipping & Logistics
05.2016 - 12.2022
General Manager
Chartship Logistics
01.2014 - 02.2016
Assistant Manager
Mazda Enterprise
07.2012 - 12.2013
Diploma in Shipping Logistics & Freight Forwarding -
Indian Institute of Freight Forwarders (IIFF)
Master of Arts (M.A.) - Yogic Science & Alternative Therapy
Gujarat University
Bachelor of Arts (B.A.) - Psychology
St. Xavier's College
Higher Secondary Certificate (HSC) -
Delhi Public School
Secondary School Certificate (SSC) -
Delhi Public School