Associate Director - Procurement

Role: Associate Director Procurement

Location: Chennai

Experience: 10 to 15 Years

Employment Type: Full-time

Job Description:

Job Summary:

This position is responsible for leading and managing procurement, shipping & logistics operations, and service delivery. The role involves driving continuous improvement, building capabilities, and aligning with organizational objectives. The candidate will interact closely with external vendors and internal stakeholders.

Team Leadership:

- Lead a team of 5 to 6 members; mentor and coach the team for top performance.

- Manage internal and external stakeholders effectively.

Shipping & Logistics Operations:

- Handle Letters of Credit (At sight, Usance), BFC, CAD, TT payments, imports/exports documentation (Sea & Air Freight), shipment tracking, and transportation.

- Process purchase orders, sales contracts, billing, and procurement operations using SAP (MM Module).

- Monitor import shipments, coordinate with vendors, and ensure timely delivery.

- Manage inventory using ROP, JIT, VMI, MRP models.

- Communicate effectively across teams and maintain periodic updates and reports.

Procurement & Vendor Management:

- Manage end-to-end vendor lifecycle: identification, approval, onboarding, auditing, and relationship management.

- Conduct supplier evaluation, performance monitoring, and corrective actions.

- Ensure SLA adherence, KPI tracking, and cost optimization.

- Drive continuous improvement across procurement and logistics functions.

Operational Excellence:

- Oversee tactical procurement, order processing, and contract management.

- Lead benchmarking, vendor negotiations, and productivity improvements.

- Ensure high-quality service delivery through process governance and stakeholder alignment.

Process Transition:

- Facilitate seamless knowledge transfer and process transition.

- Identify process gaps and implement best practices.

Profile Description:

Work Experience:

- 10 to 15 years in procurement, logistics, and vendor management, preferably in Food & Agribusiness, FMCG, or related industries.

- Minimum 5+ years in a managerial role handling mid-sized teams.

- Strong experience in import/export operations, shipment documentation, and vendor coordination.

- Proficient in SAP (MM Module).

Expertise Requirements:

- Strong stakeholder management and leadership skills.

- Strategic thinking with proven analytical and problem-solving capabilities.

- Experience in process improvement, project management, and cost optimization.

- Proficiency in MS Office (especially Excel) and data analysis.

- Ability to work under pressure and meet deadlines.

- Agile, motivated, and collaborative with a result-oriented mindset.

Education:

- Graduation/Post-Graduation in any discipline.

- Specialization in Supply Chain Management, Business Studies, Engineering, or Agribusiness preferred.

- Candidates from Tier-I or premier management/engineering institutes are desirable.