Deputy Manager/Manager - Foreign Trade India

Role Overview

The Manager / Senior Manager – Foreign Trade India will be responsible for leading and managing all Foreign Trade, Customs, Export Control, and Trade Compliance activities across MAHLE India operations. The role will ensure complete compliance with customs laws, DGFT regulations, export control legislation, and international trade requirements while optimizing duty structures, leveraging government incentive schemes, and supporting business growth through efficient trade processes.

The incumbent will serve as the key interface with Customs Authorities, DGFT, Government Agencies, Logistics Service Providers, and internal stakeholders to drive compliance, cost optimization, risk mitigation, and continuous process improvements across the organization.

Your ContributionForeign Trade & Customs Management

• Lead all customs and foreign trade activities across MAHLE India entities.

• Ensure legally compliant import and export operations at the lowest lawful cost.

• Manage customs clearance processes, import/export documentation, tariff classification, and valuation activities.

• Drive optimization of customs duties through applicable schemes and regulatory provisions.

• Coordinate with Customs Authorities, DGFT, Chambers of Commerce, and other government bodies.

• Manage customs brokers, consultants, and logistics service providers.

• Ensure robust and compliant inbound and outbound customs processes.

Export Control & Trade Compliance

• Ensure compliance with global and local Export Control Regulations.

• Manage Export Control classifications for products, technology transfers, and software.

• Implement and govern:

• Sanctioned Party Screening

• Embargo Country Checks

• End-use Verification

• Export Authorization Requirements

• Conduct periodic audits and compliance reviews across locations.

• Provide guidance to business functions on export control obligations.

• Possess authority to stop transactions or exports that violate export control regulations.

Government Incentives & Trade Programs

• Drive implementation and effective utilization of government export incentive schemes.

• Manage:

• RoDTEP

• Duty Drawback Schemes

• AIR and Brand Rate Schemes

• Section 74 Refund Claims

• Ensure timely claim filing and maximize incentive realization with minimum pendency.

• Support implementation of AEO, MOOWR, and similar trade facilitation programs.

Regulatory Compliance & Risk Management

• Monitor changes in customs, DGFT, and international trade regulations.

• Evaluate regulatory impact on business operations and advise management accordingly.

• Handle legal notices, investigations, summons, SCNs, DRI and SIIB matters.

• Mitigate customs and trade compliance risks through robust internal controls.

• Lead external audits and ensure timely closure of audit findings.

Process Improvement & Digitalization

• Drive standardization and continuous improvement of foreign trade processes.

• Identify opportunities for cost savings and operational efficiencies.

• Support digitalization initiatives and automation of trade compliance activities.

• Define regional requirements and integrate them into global standards.

• Develop sustainable solutions for customs and trade-related challenges.

Stakeholder Management

• Collaborate closely with Purchase, Sales, Operations, Logistics, Finance, Legal, IT, and Engineering teams.

• Act as the primary liaison for trade compliance matters with authorities and external agencies.

• Support strategic business initiatives involving international trade activities.

• Regularly communicate compliance status, risks, and improvement initiatives to management.

Leadership Responsibilities

• Lead, coach, and mentor the Foreign Trade team.

• Build organizational capability in customs and export control compliance.

• Conduct training and awareness programs across business functions.

• Promote a culture of compliance and continuous improvement.

• Provide guidance to plant Export Control Officers and other compliance stakeholders.

Your Experience and Qualification

• 10+ years of experience in Foreign Trade, Customs, Export Control, and Trade Compliance.

• Strong experience managing import/export operations in a manufacturing environment.

Expertise in:

-

• Customs Laws and Procedures

• DGFT Regulations

• Export Control Legislation (EU, US and India)

• Origin Management and Free Trade Agreements

• Government Export Incentive Schemes

• Experience handling customs investigations, audits, legal notices, and regulatory interactions.

• Knowledge of AEO, MOOWR, and other trade facilitation programs preferred.

• Strong exposure to working with government authorities and regulatory agencies.

• Proven people leadership and stakeholder management capability.

• Graduate or Post-Graduate in Foreign Trade, International Business, Commerce, Finance, Supply Chain, Logistics, or related disciplines.

• Professional certifications in Customs, Trade Compliance, Export-Import Management, or Supply Chain Management will be an advantage.

Our Offering.

We will provide a collaborative environment working on exciting assignments, along with ongoing personal & career development opportunities.

We encourage you to apply even if you don't meet every single requirement. You may just be the right candidate for this or other roles!

After receiving your online application, the interview process will typically be, once your profile will get shortlisted.

#DiversityMatters with our inclusive culture, we welcome applications from all social, religious & ethnical backgrounds, disabilities both mental and physical, identities (gender) and neurodivergent people.

Do you have any questions?

Mukund.Dighe@MAHLE.COM