The Head – Logistics & Operations opportunity is suited to a senior professional with a strong track record of improving operational efficiency, optimising supply chain costs, managing distribution networks and building high-performing teams. The successful candidate will play an important role in strengthening operational systems and processes, supporting business expansion and aligning logistics operations with the organisation’s long-term growth objectives.
Role
Lead the logistics and operations function across inbound and outbound logistics, import-export management, warehousing, material planning, inventory control, assembly operations and facilities management.
The Head – Logistics & Operations role requires a hands-on leader who can establish efficient processes, manage third-party logistics providers, improve service levels and ensure effective coordination across plants, warehouses, dealers and internal stakeholders. The successful candidate will also oversee ERP-enabled operations, sustainability reporting responsibilities and compliance with applicable safety and commercial requirements.
Responsibilities
- Develop and implement the overall supply chain and logistics strategy covering inbound and outbound logistics, imports, exports and warehousing.
- Manage decentralised warehouse operations and oversee third-party logistics (3PL) service providers to ensure operational efficiency and service quality.
- Lead, develop and motivate the logistics and operations team, establishing clear responsibilities, performance expectations and professional development plans.
- Streamline shipping and transportation processes across domestic, import and export operations, ensuring effective documentation and coordination of customs clearance.
- Manage logistics for sales- and dealer-oriented distribution networks, including dealer and sub-dealer channels.
- Optimise transportation operations, negotiate competitive rates with service providers, and manage service-level agreements and performance standards.
- Oversee inventory management and material planning to maintain appropriate stock availability, inventory days and ageing levels, supported by effective physical controls and periodic stock counts.
- Establish and improve warehouse management systems, ensuring optimum space utilisation, productivity, inventory accuracy and operational efficiency.
- Lead assembly operations and related vendor management to support applicable manufacturing and assembly requirements, including Make in India (MII) compliance where relevant.
- Drive effective use and optimisation of ERP systems, preferably SAP S/4HANA, across logistics, inventory, warehousing and related operational processes.
- Coordinate sustainability reporting and compliance activities relating to applicable corporate sustainability reporting requirements, working with global sustainability teams and relevant internal stakeholders.
- Coordinate sustainability data collection and validation, participate in global reporting forums, and ensure timely submission of periodic reports.
- Establish effective communication and information flows between regional teams, dealers, internal departments and external stakeholders.
- Oversee logistics-related commercial and tax matters, including GST, HSN codes and associated documentation and compliance requirements.
- Identify opportunities to reduce supply chain costs and develop cost-effective operating models aligned with local business needs and applicable group standards.
- Establish logistics performance dashboards, KPIs and reporting mechanisms to monitor service levels, cost efficiency, inventory performance and operational productivity.
- Identify process bottlenecks, recommend improvements and benchmark operational practices against relevant industry standards.
- Ensure health and safety standards are maintained across warehouse and logistics operations, including implementation and periodic review of applicable policies, procedures and statutory requirements.
- Oversee facility upkeep, regional office maintenance and asset management through service providers, and lead facility expansion projects as required.
- Work closely with HR to recruit, develop, coach and retain logistics and operations professionals, building a capable and accountable organisation.
- Foster effective working relationships across departments, ensuring smooth business operations and constructive resolution of operational issues.
Qualifications
- Engineering degree; additional qualifications in supply chain management, logistics or operations will be preferred.
- 20–22 years of relevant professional experience in logistics, supply chain, material planning, warehousing and operations, preferably in a manufacturing environment.
- Strong experience managing inbound and outbound logistics, imports, exports, warehousing and inventory planning in a structured professional organisation.
- Experience in a global or sales-oriented organisation with distribution through dealers and sub-dealers will be an advantage.
- Demonstrated ability to manage decentralised warehouses, 3PL service providers, transportation partners and logistics service-level agreements.
- Experience in import-export documentation, customs clearance and logistics-related commercial matters.
- Proven experience in ERP implementation or optimisation, preferably SAP S/4HANA.
- Understanding of assembly operations, vendor management and applicable manufacturing compliance requirements.
- Experience coordinating corporate sustainability reporting, data collection and reporting with cross-functional or global teams will be preferred.
- Strong understanding of inventory controls, material availability, warehouse productivity and supply chain cost optimisation.
- Experience developing operational KPIs, management dashboards and performance reporting systems.
- Knowledge of warehouse and logistics health and safety requirements.
- Demonstrated leadership, people management, stakeholder coordination and problem-solving capabilities.
- Excellent written and verbal communication skills, strong computer literacy and the ability to manage multiple priorities in a demanding operational environment.
If you have extensive experience leading logistics, supply chain and operations in a manufacturing environment, and a track record of improving efficiency, controlling costs and building high-performing teams, we would like to hear from you.
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