Your Role:

Our client is looking for an experienced and strategic Head - Operations to lead our plant and operational functions as we continue to scale. This role will be responsible for driving operational excellence, procurement, vendor management, quality assurance, and seamless supply chain execution across print and merchandise operations.

Key Responsibilities:

Plant Operations Leadership:

Oversee end-to-end operations across printing, merchandise, kitting, packing, and dispatch. Ensure effective production planning, scheduling, and resource allocation to achieve on-time, in-full (OTIF) delivery. Enhance throughput and turnaround time for faster dispatches, implement packaging and unboxing best practices, and establish strong logistics processes for NDRs, RTOs, and export documentation. Develop and implement SOPs to improve quality, speed, and productivity.

Supply Chain & Procurement:

Lead procurement, vendor management, logistics, and inventory planning. Drive inventory optimization and create performance-based vendor scorecards.

Quality & Compliance:

Build and manage a comprehensive Quality Management System (QMS) for print, packaging, and merchandise. Drive continuous improvement in defect reduction and customer satisfaction. Ensure timely resolution of customer complaints and adherence to ISO, EHS, ESG, and other regulatory norms.

Process & Technology Implementation:

Spearhead the adoption of ERP systems and digital tools. Set clear KPIs and dashboards for performance tracking. Strengthen collaboration between procurement, estimation, and operations teams to streamline processes.

People Leadership:

Lead, mentor, and develop diverse teams. Foster a culture of ownership, transparency, and continuous improvement. Build succession plans and talent pipelines for critical roles.

Customer-Centric Execution:

Partner closely with Sales and Estimation/Sourcing teams to align operational delivery with customer budgets and timelines. Oversee sampling, customization techniques, and end-to-end execution. Proactively identify and resolve operational challenges.

Experience and Qualifications

Experience: 15-20 years in manufacturing, printing, packaging, branded merchandise, or other high-volume operations, with proven leadership in plant operations or large-scale supply chain environments.

Exposure: Strong background in procurement and operations, preferably in a low-inventory, high-order-volume, large-SKU, and high-customization setup.

Track Record: Demonstrated success in scaling operations, implementing strong systems, and driving transformational change.

Education: B.E./B.Tech or MBA preferred; additional training in Supply Chain Management, Lean, Six Sigma, or Quality is an advantage.

Execution Mindset: Highly process-oriented with a strong focus on execution and operational excellence.

Commercial Acumen: Ability to balance cost, quality, and speed while ensuring customer satisfaction.

Leadership Style: Collaborative, customer-focused, adaptable, and skilled at building processes from the ground up.

Integrity & Inspiration: High integrity, strong work ethic, and the ability to inspire, guide, and lead teams effectively.