Job Purpose

The mandate will be to drive operational excellence, strengthen nationwide distribution capabilities, optimize logistics costs, enhance forecasting and planning effectiveness, and build a scalable logistics infrastructure to support the company’s next phase of growth and increasing localization agenda.
The successful candidate will be expected to balance service excellence, cost efficiency, and supply chain agility while partnering closely with cross-functional stakeholders to ensure seamless execution across the value chain.

Key Responsibilities

Strategic Leadership & Operational Excellence

Define and execute the India logistics and planning strategy aligned with business and global supply chain objectives.
Drive logistics cost optimization initiatives across warehousing, transportation, and distribution operations.
Ensure high service levels, scalability, and operational agility to support rapid business growth.

Demand Planning & Inventory Management

Lead end-to-end demand planning and forecasting processes in collaboration with sales and commercial teams.
Optimize inventory levels, reduce slow-moving inventory, and improve working capital efficiency.
Ensure timely stock availability and efficient allocation across regions and channels.

Warehousing & Distribution

Lead warehouse network design and optimization across central and regional distribution centers.
Improve warehousing productivity, throughput, and fulfilment efficiency.
Drive seamless primary and secondary distribution execution across India.

Import, Export & Compliance

Oversee customs clearance, freight forwarding, and import-export operations.
Ensure adherence to statutory, customs, and foreign trade compliance requirements.
Drive efficient shipping and packaging strategies for cost and service optimization.

Vendor & Stakeholder Management

Lead procurement and performance management of logistics partners and service providers.
Manage commercial negotiations, SLAs, and vendor performance improvement initiatives.
Collaborate closely with internal cross-functional teams and global stakeholders.

Digitalization & Process Improvement

Drive adoption of advanced systems including SAP, WMS, TMS, and analytics platforms.
Leverage AI and technology-enabled tools for forecasting, inventory planning, and operational optimization.
Champion continuous improvement, process standardization, and digital transformation initiatives.

Collaborative & Team Leadership

Maintain strong internal collaboration with Controlling, Commercial, Purchase Order, Category Marketing, Sales, Finance, HR, Legal, Customer Service, and GSC-LO for demand planning, cost management, audits, compliance, and business planning.
Externally, the role interfaces with Logistics Service Providers (LSPs), Forwarders, CHAs, OEMs, and other logistics partners for contract negotiations, operational performance, customs clearances, and supply assurance.
Build and develop a high-performance logistics organization, fostering a culture of accountability, agility, and customer orientation.
Drive capability building, succession planning, and team engagement.

Key Skills & Attributes

Strong strategic orientation with the ability to translate strategy into execution.
High accountability and decision-making agility.
Entrepreneurial mindset with a focus on cost and service optimization.
Strong stakeholder management across cross-functional and global teams.
Advanced leadership and people development capabilities.
Continuous improvement, innovation, and digital mindset.
Hands-on, resilient, and execution-oriented leadership style.
Self-driven and result-oriented.
Strong negotiation and problem-solving skills.
Customer-centric approach.
Excellent interpersonal skills.

Qualification & Experience

Postgraduate degree or diploma in Supply Chain Management, Operations Management, Business Administration, or a related discipline.
15+ years of progressive leadership experience in logistics and supply chain management, with responsibility for large-scale, pan-India distribution networks encompassing warehousing, transportation, demand planning, inventory management, and order fulfilment.
Strong expertise across customs clearance, freight forwarding, transportation management, import/export operations, regulatory compliance, and vendor management.
Proven experience operating within an India-focused business environment while collaborating closely with regional and global supply chain organizations.
Demonstrated track record of driving logistics cost optimization, operational excellence, network redesign, and supply chain transformation initiatives.
Hands-on experience with SAP (WMS, MM, SD, and PP modules) and Transportation Management Systems (TMS).
Exposure to AI-enabled forecasting, advanced analytics, digital supply chain technologies, and automation-led planning tools would be an advantage.
Experience in high-growth, fast-paced, and high-pressure environments with the ability to manage complexity, ambiguity, and rapidly evolving business requirements.
Strong leadership and stakeholder management capabilities with experience influencing cross-functional teams and external partners to deliver business outcomes.
Prior exposure to consumer durables, FMCG, retail, e-commerce, or other distribution-intensive industries would be beneficial.

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Regional Head – Planning and Logistics

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