Supply Chain Lead - Food

Description:

We are looking for a highly driven and detail-oriented Supply Chain Lead to manage and strengthen the end-to-end supply chain for a fast-growing D2C food brand. This role will be responsible for planning, procurement, inventory management, warehousing, order fulfillment, logistics coordination, and ensuring high service levels while driving operational efficiency.

The ideal candidate should have strong experience in food/FMCG supply chain management, with an understanding of D2C operations, demand planning, vendor management, and distribution excellence in a fast-paced growth environment.

Key Responsibilities:

Supply Chain Planning & Execution:

- Manage the end-to-end supply chain operations including procurement, production planning, inventory, warehousing, and dispatch.

- Ensure timely availability of raw materials, packaging materials, and finished goods to meet business demand.

- Drive demand planning and supply planning in alignment with sales forecasts and business growth plans.

- Create and implement processes to improve supply reliability, agility, and responsiveness.

Inventory & Warehouse Management:

- Monitor inventory levels across raw materials, packaging, and finished goods to avoid stock-outs and overstocking.

- Optimize inventory turnover, stock accuracy, and replenishment planning.

- Oversee warehouse operations to ensure efficient storage, picking, packing, and dispatch processes.

- Maintain high standards of inventory hygiene, FEFO/FIFO compliance, and stock reconciliation.

Procurement & Vendor Management:

- Manage supplier relationships for raw materials, packaging, third-party manufacturers, and logistics partners.

- Work closely with vendors to ensure timely procurement, quality compliance, and cost efficiency.

- Negotiate commercials, service levels, and contracts with key suppliers and service providers.

- Develop alternate vendor sources to reduce supply risks and improve continuity.

Logistics & Fulfillment:

- Oversee order fulfillment for D2C channels, marketplaces, and other distribution streams.

- Coordinate with logistics partners and internal teams to ensure timely and accurate deliveries.

- Monitor delivery SLAs, returns, reverse logistics, and customer service impact related to supply chain issues.

- Drive continuous improvement in fulfillment costs, turnaround times, and service quality.

Process Improvement & Systems:

- Build scalable supply chain processes and SOPs to support rapid business growth.

- Identify bottlenecks and implement solutions to improve efficiency, cost, and service levels.

- Work with internal stakeholders to strengthen planning systems, reporting dashboards, and operational visibility.

- Use data and metrics to drive better forecasting, planning, and decision-making.

Compliance & Quality Coordination:

- Ensure adherence to food safety, quality, and regulatory standards across the supply chain.

- Coordinate with manufacturing, quality, and regulatory teams to ensure compliance in sourcing, storage, and movement of goods.

- Maintain proper documentation and controls for audits and operational governance.

Cross-functional Collaboration:

- Partner closely with sales, operations, finance, manufacturing, and customer experience teams to ensure smooth supply chain execution.

- Support new product launches with effective planning, sourcing, and distribution readiness.

- Align supply chain strategies with business priorities, customer expectations, and growth objectives.

Desired Candidate Profile:

- Bachelors degree in Supply Chain, Operations, Engineering, Business, or related field. MBA/PGDM is preferred.

- 7-13 years of relevant experience in supply chain, logistics, planning, or operations, preferably in D2C food, FMCG, food manufacturing, or consumer brands.

- Strong understanding of demand planning, procurement, inventory control, warehousing, and logistics.

- Experience in handling D2C fulfillment and working with multiple channel partners/3PLs is preferred.

- Familiarity with food safety standards, shelf-life management, and supply chain compliance in the food category.

- Strong analytical, problem-solving, and stakeholder management skills.

- Ability to work in a fast-paced, high-growth, and entrepreneurial environment.