Role Summary

The Head of Supply Chain will be responsible for end-to-end supply chain strategy and execution, including procurement, purchasing, contract management, stores, warehousing, logistics, and PPPIC (Production Planning, Procurement & Inventory Control). The role ensures seamless material flow, cost optimization, vendor reliability, and alignment with production and customer delivery commitments in a precision manufacturing environment.

Key Responsibilities

1. Strategic Supply Chain Leadership

- Develop and implement supply chain strategies aligned with business growth, cost, and service objectives.

- Drive digitalization, process standardization, and continuous improvement initiatives.

- Establish KPIs for procurement, inventory, logistics, and planning functions.

- Lead risk management strategies i.e. supply disruptions, price volatility, compliance.

2. Procurement & Purchasing

- Lead sourcing strategy for raw materials, precision components, tooling, and services.

- Identify, evaluate, and develop reliable vendors (local & global).

- Drive cost reduction through negotiations, value engineering, and alternate sourcing.

- Ensure timely procurement aligned with production plans.

- Monitor supplier performance (quality, delivery, cost, responsiveness).

3. Stores & Inventory Management

- Ensure accurate inventory control (RM, WIP, FG, consumables).

- Implement best practices like FIFO, cycle counting, and inventory optimization.

- Minimize excess, obsolete, and slow-moving inventory.

- Maintain ERP system accuracy and real-time visibility / availability of data.

4. Warehousing

- Oversee warehouse operations including receiving, storage, and dispatch.

- Optimize layout, space utilization, and material handling systems.

- Ensure compliance with safety and quality standards.

- Implement warehouse automation where applicable.

5. Logistics & Distribution

- Manage inbound and outbound logistics (domestic & export).

- Optimize freight costs and transit times.

- Coordinate with transporters, freight forwarders, and customs (if applicable).

- Ensure on-time delivery to customers and plants.

6. PPPIC (Production Planning, Procurement & Inventory Control)

- Lead production planning based on demand forecasts and order pipeline.

- Align procurement plans with production schedules.

- Ensure optimum inventory levels to avoid stockouts or overstocking.

- Coordinate closely with production, sales, and quality teams.

- Drive S&OP (Sales & Operations Planning) process.

7. Cross-functional Coordination

- Work closely with Production, Quality, Finance, and Sales teams.

- Support new product development with timely sourcing.

- Ensure alignment between demand planning and supply capabilities.

8. Team Leadership

- Lead and develop a multi-functional supply chain team.

- Set performance goals and conduct periodic reviews.

- Build a culture of accountability, efficiency, and continuous improvement.

Key Performance Indicators (KPIs )

- Inventory turnover & carrying cost

- On-time delivery (OTD)

- Procurement cost savings

- Supplier performance metrics

- Production plan adherence

- Logistics cost as % of sales

- Stock accuracy & shrinkage

- Lead time reduction

Qualifications & Experience

- Bachelor's degree in engineering (Mechanical/Production preferred)

- MBA / PGDM in Supply Chain / Operations (preferred)

- 12-18 years of experience in supply chain within manufacturing (precision industry preferred)

- Proven leadership experience managing end-to-end supply chain