Manager- Procurement and Logistics Full Time

The Manager – Procurement & Logistics will be responsible for end-to-end management of procurement, logistics, inventory, and on-site operations, with a strong focus on start-up and stabilization of a new manufacturing plant. The role requires close collaboration with cross-functional teams, suppliers, logistics partners, and internal stakeholders to ensure cost-effective, compliant, and efficient supply chain operations.

Key Responsibilities1. Operations Related to the Start-up of a New Plant

• Design and establish procurement, logistics, inventory, and field operations systems from scratch for a greenfield plant.
• Formulate material procurement plans, distribution routes, and inventory policies to support stable plant operations.
• Plan and execute warehouse setup including layout design, material flow (inbound/outbound), and field logistics operations.
• Establish standard operating procedures (SOPs) post start-up and drive continuous improvement initiatives after plant stabilization.

2. Material Procurement and Supplier Management

• Develop and implement procurement strategies for raw materials, components, and subcontracted processed goods.
• Identify, evaluate, and finalize suppliers; conduct negotiations on pricing, delivery terms, and contractual conditions.
• Manage supplier contracts, performance evaluation, and relationship development.
• Conduct procurement cost analysis and lead cost-reduction initiatives through value engineering, localization, and supplier optimization.
• Coordinate closely with manufacturing, production planning, quality, finance, IT/systems, and head office procurement teams.

3. Logistics and Customs Clearance Operations

• Design and manage domestic and international logistics networks aligned with operational requirements.
• Oversee import and export customs clearance processes, documentation, and statutory compliance.
• Lead negotiations and performance management of logistics service providers, freight forwarders, customs brokers, and warehouses.
• Optimize transportation cost, lead time, and service quality while ensuring supply continuity.
• Ensure full compliance with applicable trade regulations, customs laws, and corporate compliance policies.

4. Inventory Management

• Develop and implement raw material and finished goods inventory management policies.
• Define optimal inventory levels to balance supply assurance, working capital, and cost efficiency.
• Monitor and analyze inventory discrepancies; identify root causes and implement corrective and preventive actions.
• Design, track, and report inventory-related KPIs, ensuring alignment with accounting and audit requirements.

5. On-site Operations Management

• Manage warehouse operations, material receiving, storage, issuing, and shop-floor distribution activities.
• Define, implement, and continuously improve workflows, work instructions, and operational standards.
• Establish operational rules that ensure safety, quality, productivity, and regulatory compliance.
• Lead, supervise, and develop on-site teams and subcontractors, depending on scale and structure of operations.

6. Management and Continuous Improvement Activities

• Lead continuous improvement initiatives across procurement, logistics, inventory, and on-site operations.
• Set departmental KPIs, monitor performance, and drive corrective actions.
• Build, mentor, and develop a high-performing procurement and logistics team.
• Support organizational initiatives related to cost control, operational excellence, and digitalization where applicable.

Required Profile & QualificationsEducation

• Bachelor’s degree in Business, Commerce, Supply Chain Management, Engineering, or a related discipline (preferred).

Experience

• Minimum 10 years of experience in procurement, logistics, and supply chain functions, preferably in manufacturing environments.
• Hands-on experience in plant start-up or expansion projects is highly desirable.
• Experience working with international organizations, especially Japanese companies or Japanese management, is a strong advantage.

Knowledge & Skills

• Strong understanding of manufacturing business processes and supply chain integration.
• In-depth knowledge of logistics operations, customs clearance, and international trade compliance.
• Proven project management capability to lead cross-functional and multi-site initiatives.
• Strong analytical, problem-solving, negotiation, and stakeholder management skills.
• Effective communication and coordination能力 with internal and external stakeholders.

Language Skills

• Fluency in English and local Indian language(s).
• Japanese language skills are a plus.