Director - Rice Procurement & Excellence

Job Description

- Design and execute comprehensive rice procurement strategy across all major varieties (basmati, parboiled, raw, specialty) and regional preferences

- Map end-to-end value chain from farmer to consumer, identifying strategic intervention points for margin capture and efficiency gains

- Eliminate inefficiencies across farmer mandi miller wholesaler retailer touchpoints through direct relationships and technology integration

- Build innovative sourcing models that bypass traditional intermediaries while ensuring farmer income stability and quality consistency

- Build and lead a team of 4-6 Regional Rice Buyers strategically positioned across key production zones (Punjab/Haryana for Basmati, Andhra Pradesh/Telangana for varieties, West Bengal for specialty rice)

- Transfer hands-on buying expertise to regional teams including negotiation techniques, supplier evaluation methods, and deal structuring approaches

- Establish dual reporting matrix where Regional Rice Buyers report functionally to you and operationally to Regional CEOs for local execution

- Design cross-regional sourcing strategies, particularly for premium varieties like Basmati that serve multiple regional markets

- Coach regional buyers on seasonal buying strategies, market timing, and commodity volatility management based on your field experience

- Implement monthly regional buyer reviews focusing on procurement performance, supplier relationships, and regional market support

- Establish customer-back quality standards that ensure consistent product experience for kiranas and their end consumers

- Build sophisticated pricing models that optimize gross margins while maintaining competitive market positioning

- Partner with Supply Chain team on regional fulfillment optimization, logistics cost minimization, and multi-channel inventory management that supports regional growth targets

- Own rice category KPIs including procurement cost optimization, quality metrics, supplier performance, and fill rates

Preferred candidate profile

- Crisis-tested procurement leadership with demonstrated ability to navigate major supply disruptions, market volatility, and competitive pressure

- Scale economics expertise with experience leveraging large buyer volumes (>100Cr annual procurement) to secure preferential supplier terms and competitive advantages

- Financial sophistication including working capital optimization, commodity risk management, and procurement financing structures

- Advanced negotiation mastery with track record of structuring complex deals that deliver measurable cost savings and margin improvements under timeline pressure