Job Description: Zonal Logistics Manager

Role Purpose:

Lead end-to-end logistics operations across the zone, encompassing warehousing, transportation, inventory management, service delivery, compliance, safety and digital adoption. Drive operational excellence through superior customer service, cost optimization, inventory governance, productivity improvement, and scalable logistics processes while ensuring seamless execution across all distribution channels.

Key Responsibilities:

1. Service & Order Fulfilment:

- Ensure seamless order processing, stock transfers, dispatch and delivery across Distributor, Dealer, E-commerce, Marketplace, Institutional, GeM, Government, CSD/CPC, National Modern Trade and Regional Modern Trade channels.

- Deliver agreed OTIF and SLA targets while minimizing logistics-driven returns, cancellations and customer escalations.

- Drive faster response and resolution of service issues to enhance customer experience.

2. Warehouse Operations & Inventory Governance:

- Manage end-to-end warehouse operations, ensuring inventory accuracy across SAP and WMS.

- Optimize warehouse capacity, storage utilization and manpower productivity.

- Drive cycle counting, process compliance, GRN adherence and inventory hygiene.

- Lead systematic liquidation of aged, obsolete, and non-moving inventory through approved disposal and second-sale mechanisms.

- Ensure zero inventory loss, minimal detention and controlled overtime.

3. Transportation & Distribution Excellence:

- Govern primary, secondary and reverse logistics operations across the zone.

- Improve vehicle utilization, freight productivity and transporter performance.

- Ensure timely dispatches, deliveries, POD availability and transit visibility.

- Minimize shortages, damages, delivery failures and logistics claims.

- Drive efficient return pickups and reverse logistics execution.

4. Cost & Productivity Management:

- Deliver zonal logistics cost targets through continuous improvement initiatives.

- Improve productivity metrics including throughput per person, cost per box, vehicle utilization and warehouse efficiency.

- Identify and execute cost-saving opportunities without compromising service levels.

5. Digital Transformation & Process Excellence:

- Ensure 100% compliance and adoption of WMS, TMS and other approved digital platforms.

- Drive automation, data visibility and system-based controls across logistics operations.

- Lead process standardization and continuous improvement initiatives to eliminate manual interventions and improve operational efficiency.

6. People Leadership & Capability Building:

- Lead Branch Logistics Managers and zonal logistics teams through clear KPI management and performance governance.

- Develop a high-performance culture focused on accountability, execution excellence and continuous learning.

- Strengthen succession planning, capability building and employee engagement across locations.

7. Compliance, Safety & Risk Management:

- Maintain audit-ready operations across all warehouses and logistics facilities.

- Ensure compliance with statutory, contractual and company requirements including fire safety, security, environmental and labor regulations.

- Drive 5S, workplace safety and closure of audit observations within agreed timelines.

- Proactively identify and mitigate operational, compliance and business continuity risks.

8. Customer Experience & Reverse Logistics:

- Drive superior customer experience through timely deliveries, issue resolution and service reliability.

- Ensure effective return management, RMA closure and customer compliance adherence.

- Reduce logistics-related customer complaints, shortages, damages and POD-related escalations.

9. Stakeholder & Partner Management:

- Collaborate closely with Sales, Commercial, Supply Chain Planning, Manufacturing, IT, Finance and Customer Service teams to ensure business continuity and service excellence.

- Govern performance of transporters, warehouse partners, CFAs and 3PL service providers through structured reviews and improvement plans.

10. Performance Governance:

- Conduct regular zonal business reviews covering service, cost, inventory, productivity, compliance and customer experience.

- Drive root cause analysis, corrective actions and closure governance across all locations.

- Establish a single source of truth through robust reporting, dashboards and performance management mechanisms.

Span of Control:

Branch Logistics Managers, Regional Transportation Teams, Warehouse Teams, CFA/3PL Operations and Logistics Service Partners across the Zone.

Education:

Engineering and MBA.

Experience:

7 - 10 years of experience with FMCG, FMCD, Retail or Ecommerce companies.