Plant Head - Supply Chain

Description: We are seeking an experienced Plant Supply Chain Head to lead and own the end-to-end supply chain function within a manufacturing plant. This role will be responsible for seamless integration across procurement, production planning, inventory, warehousing, quality, and logistics to ensure superior performance in cost, quality, and delivery timelines.

The incumbent will drive scalability, continuous improvement, and digital transformation while aligning plant-level supply chain operations with overall business and supply chain strategy.

Key Responsibilities:

Strategic Leadership & Governance:

- Define, own, and execute the plant-level supply chain strategy aligned with organizational growth objectives

- Lead and develop high-performing teams across procurement, planning, inventory, warehousing, and logistics

- Drive cross-functional collaboration with manufacturing, quality, engineering, finance, and product teams

- Lead change management initiatives including process standardization and digital transformation (ERP, automation)

Procurement & Vendor Management:

- Source raw materials, components, and indirect materials required for manufacturing operations

- Build strong supplier partnerships; negotiate contracts, commercial terms, and SLAs

- Monitor supplier performance on cost, quality, and delivery; implement corrective actions

- Conduct supplier audits, onboard new suppliers, and develop alternate sourcing strategies to mitigate risk

Demand & Production Planning:

- Translate demand forecasts into executable production and material plans

- Partner with manufacturing teams to ensure capacity readiness and material availability

- Drive MRP, buffer planning, and safety stock optimization

- Balance inventory levels to minimize working capital without disrupting production

Inventory & Warehousing Management:

- Oversee raw material, WIP, and finished goods inventory with high accuracy and visibility

- Track and improve KPIs such as inventory turns, days of inventory, shrinkage, and obsolescence

- Manage warehousing operations including layout design, storage, picking, packing, and dispatch

- Implement lean practices (5S, VSM, Kaizen) to improve warehouse efficiency

Logistics & Distribution:

- Manage inbound logistics from suppliers to the plant (including EXIM/customs, if applicable)

- Oversee outbound logistics to distribution centers, stores, or customers

- Optimize transportation routes, manage freight costs, and negotiate with logistics partners

- Ensure strong delivery performance through metrics like OTD, fill rate, and lead time

Quality, Compliance & Risk Management:

- Ensure adherence to quality standards, regulatory norms, and safety requirements

- Identify and mitigate supply chain risks such as supplier dependency or demand volatility

- Lead root cause analysis for disruptions and implement corrective/preventive actions

- Maintain audit readiness, documentation, and full supply chain traceability

Metrics, Reporting & Cost Optimization:

- Define and monitor KPIs for plant supply chain performance

- Provide dashboards, insights, and variance analysis to senior leadership

- Identify and execute cost optimization initiatives across procurement, inventory, and logistics

- Drive productivity improvements through automation, digitization, and lean initiatives

Projects & Technology Enablement:

- Lead ERP and supply chain technology enhancements and analytics initiatives

- Pilot and scale automation, AI/ML-based forecasting, and predictive analytics solutions

- Manage supply chainrelated capital projects (warehouse expansion, material handling systems)

- Champion continuous improvement programs (Kaizen, Six Sigma)