Head - Supply Chain - Manufacturing/Precision Industry

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