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