Description:

Role Overview:

Our client is seeking an experienced and strategic Head Operations to lead end-to-end operational excellence for a fast-moving consumer goods (FMCG) organization. This leadership role is responsible for overseeing procurement, supply chain, inventory management, warehousing, logistics, quality assurance, and cost optimization. The position plays a critical role in ensuring uninterrupted product availability, efficient order fulfillment, strong vendor partnerships, and seamless coordination with sales, finance, and planning teams to support business growth.

Key Responsibilities:

Operations & Supply Chain Leadership

- Lead and manage end-to-end operations including procurement, production coordination, inventory management, warehousing, logistics, and dispatch across multiple locations.

- Drive supply chain planning to ensure optimal product availability while minimizing inventory holding costs and stock obsolescence.

- Develop and manage strategic supplier and vendor partnerships to ensure cost efficiency, quality compliance, and timely supply.

- Oversee demand-supply planning in collaboration with sales and forecasting teams to support market requirements.

Inventory, Logistics & Fulfilment Management

- Establish and monitor inventory control mechanisms to maintain optimal stock levels across warehouses and distribution centers.

- Oversee primary and secondary logistics operations to ensure timely deliveries, cost optimization, and service-level adherence.

- Optimize warehouse operations including storage, picking, packing, and dispatch for improved efficiency and accuracy.

- Lead initiatives to improve turnaround time (TAT), reduce logistics costs, and enhance customer service levels.

Quality, Compliance & Risk Management

- Ensure adherence to FMCG quality standards, regulatory requirements, and internal operational policies.

- Oversee quality control processes, audits, and compliance frameworks across suppliers and internal operations.

- Identify operational risks and implement preventive and corrective measures to ensure business continuity.

Cost Optimization & Performance Management

- Monitor operational KPIs including cost per unit, service levels, inventory turns, fill rates, and wastage.

- Drive cost optimization initiatives across procurement, logistics, warehousing, and supply chain processes.

- Prepare operational dashboards, MIS reports, and performance reviews for senior leadership.

People & Cross-Functional Leadership

- Lead, mentor, and develop the operations team to build high-performance, execution-driven capabilities.

- Work closely with sales, finance, planning, quality, and commercial teams to ensure alignment on business objectives.

- Support new product launches, scale-up initiatives, and expansion into new markets or channels.

Experience Requirements:

- 8 to 12 years of progressive experience in operations or supply chain leadership roles within the FMCG, consumer goods, food & beverage, or allied industries.

- Proven experience managing large-scale supply chain operations, multi-location warehousing, and distributor-led logistics networks.

- Strong exposure to procurement, inventory optimization, logistics cost management, and vendor negotiations.

- Experience working in structured, KPI-driven FMCG environments is highly preferred.

Required Skills & Competencies:

- Deep understanding of FMCG supply chain dynamics, demand planning, and distribution models.

- Strong leadership, people management, and cross-functional coordination skills.

- High proficiency in ERP, MIS, and supply chain planning tools.

- Strong analytical, decision-making, and problem-solving abilities.

- Ability to drive operational excellence in fast-paced, high-volume environments.

Educational Qualifications:

- Bachelors degree in Engineering, Operations Management, or Supply Chain Management.

- MBA / PGDM in Operations, Supply Chain, or Logistics is strongly preferred.

- Professional certifications in supply chain or operations excellence will be an added advantage.