To lead and optimize the end-to-end supply chain operations across India, including warehouse management (factory & distribution centers), demand planning, transportation (including Freight-on-Road projects), import/export operations, and full compliance with regulatory requirements. This role ensures operational excellence, cost efficiency, and strategic alignment with business objectives across all strategic supply chain nodes in India.

Responsibilities

1. Warehouse Operations (Factory & Distribution Centers):

• Oversee all warehouse operations across plant warehouses and DCs in India, ensuring proper inventory control, space utilization, safety, and productivity.
• Ensure high service levels through optimal stock holding, picking accuracy, and timely dispatch across regions.
• Drive continuous improvement in warehouse layout, systems, and automation where applicable.

2. Demand Planning & Inventory Control:

• Lead the demand forecasting process in collaboration with sales, marketing, and production teams to ensure alignment with business targets.
• Ensure inventory availability in line with forecast and production plans to prevent stockouts and excess.
• Monitor and control inventory levels across all nodes including factory and DCs.
• Analyze stock aging and movement patterns to proactively identify and manage Dead Stock.
• Implement systematic reviews and action plans to reduce or eliminate Dead Stock, ensuring optimal stock turnover.
• Oversee the tracking and resolution of BMR (Broken Material Reports) and DMR (Defective Material Reports), working with QA/QC, procurement, and warehouse teams for root cause analysis and corrective actions.
• Ensure accurate inventory classification (good, blocked, damaged) for reliable reporting and planning.

3. Transportation & Freight-on-Road (FOR) Project:

• Develop and implement national transportation strategies, including route optimization, carrier selection, and cost control.
• Lead Freight-on-Road project rollout and monitor its operational and financial performance.
• Ensure delivery reliability, vehicle utilization, and network efficiency.

4. Import Operations (FG & Raw Material):

• Manage inbound logistics for imported raw materials and finished goods, ensuring cost-effective and timely clearance and delivery.
• Liaise with global supply chain and procurement teams for import schedules and documentation.

5. Export Operations:

• Oversee export processes and documentation to ensure timely and compliant delivery to international customers.
• Coordinate with shipping lines, customs brokers, and export documentation teams.

6. Compliance & Regulatory Management:

• Ensure compliance with all local and international laws related to warehousing, transportation, import/export, and safety standards.
• Maintain updated knowledge of regulatory requirements and drive adherence across all supply chain operations.
• Act as primary liaison with legal, customs, and government authorities on SCM matters.

7. Budgeting & SCM Cost Management:

• Lead annual budgeting process for all supply chain functions including warehousing, transportation, import/export, and demand planning.
• Monitor and control operational expenses across SCM functions to ensure alignment with approved budget.
• Identify and implement cost optimization initiatives across the supply chain without compromising service quality.
• Track key cost drivers and KPIs such as cost per ton/km, cost per order, warehouse cost per pallet, etc.

8. Team Leadership & People Development:

• Provide clear direction, coaching, and performance management to direct reports and broader SCM teams.
• Develop succession planning and training programs to build capabilities and leadership pipelines within the supply chain organization.
• Foster a culture of accountability, continuous improvement, and collaboration across multi-location teams.

9. Technology Adoption & Digital Transformation:

• Drive the adoption of technology solutions across supply chain functions including WMS, TMS, demand planning tools, and SCM analytics platforms.
• Identify digital transformation opportunities to enhance visibility, automation, and data-driven decision-making.
• Collaborate with IT and relevant departments to ensure successful implementation and integration of new systems and tools.

Qualifications:

• Bachelor’s degree in Supply Chain, Logistics, Engineering, or related field; Master’s preferred.
• Strong experience managing warehouse networks, transportation, import/export, and compliance in India.
• Experience with SAP, WMS, TMS, and demand planning tools is highly desirable.