Job Description: CFA Manager (Carrying & Forwarding)
About the Role
We are looking for an experienced CFA Manager to manage and optimize Carrying & Forwarding (C&F) operations and the Third-Party Logistics (3PL) network. The role will be responsible for C&F partner sourcing, vendor onboarding, commercial negotiations, contract management, warehousing, inventory control, and distribution operations.
The ideal candidate should have strong expertise in logistics, vendor management, warehouse operations, and cost optimization, with the ability to drive operational efficiency and ensure seamless supply chain execution.
Key Responsibilities
1. C&F and 3PL Vendor Management
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Manage C&F agents and 3PL partners to ensure operational efficiency and service quality.
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Monitor vendor performance, service levels, compliance, and adherence to agreed SLAs.
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Build and maintain strong relationships with logistics partners.
2. C&F Sourcing and Vendor Onboarding
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Identify and evaluate potential C&F partners based on location, infrastructure, operational capabilities, service quality, and commercial viability.
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Lead vendor assessment, onboarding, and operational readiness.
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Ensure appropriate logistics network coverage to support business requirements.
3. Commercial Negotiation and Contract Management
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Lead commercial negotiations with C&F and 3PL partners to secure competitive rates and favorable service terms.
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Manage contract creation, renewals, amendments, and documentation in coordination with internal stakeholders.
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Ensure adherence to contractual terms, agreed rates, and service commitments.
4. Warehousing and Inventory Management
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Oversee warehouse operations, inventory accuracy, stock reconciliation, and space utilization.
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Ensure proper storage, handling, and movement of finished goods.
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Monitor stock discrepancies, damages, and operational losses, and implement corrective actions.
5. Order Processing, Dispatch and Distribution
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Ensure timely order processing, picking, packing, dispatch, and delivery of finished goods to distributors and customers.
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Coordinate with internal teams and logistics partners to meet delivery timelines.
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Resolve dispatch delays and distribution-related operational issues.
6. Transportation and Logistics Management
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Coordinate transportation and distribution activities for efficient and cost-effective movement of goods.
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Monitor transportation performance, freight costs, vehicle utilization, and delivery timelines.
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Identify opportunities to improve route planning and transportation efficiency.
7. Cost and Performance Optimization
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Track logistics expenditure, warehouse productivity, vendor performance, and operational KPIs.
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Identify opportunities for cost reduction and process improvement.
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Prepare periodic performance reports and recommend corrective actions.
8. Compliance and Documentation
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Ensure compliance with applicable statutory requirements, company policies, and operational procedures.
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Maintain accurate records relating to inventory, dispatches, transportation, and vendor operations.
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Ensure proper documentation and audit readiness across C&F and 3PL operations.
9. Stakeholder Management
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Work closely with Sales, Finance, Procurement, Manufacturing, and other internal teams to ensure seamless supply chain operations.
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Coordinate with stakeholders to resolve operational challenges and improve service levels.
10. Continuous Improvement
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Identify and implement improvements in warehouse efficiency, logistics costs, distribution networks, and service quality.
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Standardize operational processes and establish performance monitoring mechanisms.
Key Requirements
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Strong experience in Carrying & Forwarding (C&F) operations and 3PL vendor management.
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Hands-on experience in sourcing, evaluating, and onboarding C&F/3PL partners.
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Proven expertise in commercial negotiations, freight cost management, and vendor governance.
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Experience in contract negotiation, creation, renewal, and management.
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Good understanding of warehousing, inventory control, distribution, transportation, and order fulfillment.
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Experience in monitoring operational KPIs, SLAs, logistics costs, and vendor performance.
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Strong analytical, problem-solving, negotiation, and stakeholder management skills.
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Ability to manage multiple vendors and drive operational efficiency.
Preferred Candidate Profile
A results-oriented professional with strong knowledge of logistics and distribution operations, commercial management, and vendor development, capable of managing a C&F and 3PL network while maintaining high service standards and controlling operational costs.
