Role Overview:

Our client is seeking a proactive, detail-oriented, and solutions-driven Supply Chain & Distribution Specialist to manage day-to-day logistics and transportation operations within a structured supply chain environment. This role focuses on transporter management, scheduling, operational execution, compliance, and continuous improvement across primary and secondary distribution networks. The ideal candidate will bring strong execution capabilities, stakeholder coordination skills, and hands-on logistics experience to ensure uninterrupted material movement and service reliability.

Key Responsibilities:

Transportation & Vendor Management:

- Identify, evaluate, onboard, and manage transport vendors to ensure adequate fleet availability across operating locations.

- Optimize truck utilization through route planning, triangulation, and load optimization techniques to improve logistics efficiency.

- Monitor transporter compliance with statutory, safety, and contractual requirements, and address performance gaps through corrective actions.

- Conduct regular performance reviews of transporters and logistics service providers (LSPs), sharing insights and improvement plans with central logistics teams.

Logistics Operations & Execution:

- Plan and execute daily logistics schedules for purchase orders, ensuring vehicle docking as per FIFO norms and zero pendency of planned orders.

- Manage end-to-end operational issues including loading, unloading, decantation, enroute delays, vehicle breakdowns, incidents, accidents, and route diversions.

- Handle exceptions related to off-spec materials, quality and quantity discrepancies, proof of delivery (POD) delays, and documentation issues, with timely escalation where required.

- Ensure timely POD closures and reconciliation for all dispatched and received materials in line with operational plans.

- Coordinate reverse logistics and pickups from multiple locations to ensure smooth material flow and cost efficiency.

Coordination & Stakeholder Management:

- Work closely with sales, planning, terminals, depots, transporters, and internal teams to ensure seamless logistics execution and dispute resolution.

- Ensure uninterrupted supply to key accounts and prevent dry-outs or lost sales due to logistics or scheduling issues.

- Support safety, compliance, and central logistics teams during accident or incident investigations and corrective action planning.

Reporting, Process Improvement & Risk Management:

- Prepare, analyze, and publish daily, weekly, and monthly logistics MIS reports in a timely and accurate manner.

- Track key performance metrics related to service levels, transit time, fleet utilization, cost efficiency, and vendor performance.

- Contribute to logistics process improvements, network optimization initiatives, and technology adoption using logistics SaaS platforms.

- Develop contingency plans and intervene proactively during transport disruptions to minimize business impact.

- Support freight and transportation rate negotiations in coordination with logistics leadership and vendors.

- Manage marine or transit insurance processes and facilitate dispute resolution where applicable.

Experience Requirements:

- 3 to 6 years of relevant experience in supply chain, logistics, transportation, or distribution operations.

- Hands-on experience managing transporters, fleet operations, and logistics service providers in a high-volume environment.

- Prior exposure to primary and secondary distribution networks, terminal operations, or depot-based logistics is preferred.

- Knowledge of export-import (EXIM) logistics and documentation will be an added advantage.

Required Skills & Competencies:

- Strong execution and problem-solving skills with the ability to manage complex, time-sensitive logistics operations.

- Excellent stakeholder and vendor relationship management capabilities.

- Patience, resilience, and the ability to work effectively with last-mile logistics partners.

- Strong attention to detail and process adherence.

- Good written and verbal communication skills, including professional email communication.

- Working proficiency in MS Excel or Google Sheets for data tracking, MIS preparation, and performance analysis.

Educational Qualifications:

- Bachelors degree in Supply Chain Management, Logistics, Operations, Engineering, or a related discipline.

- Postgraduate qualification or professional certification in logistics or supply chain management will be an advantage.