Supply Chain Management

Deputy General Manager – Supply Chain ManagementReporting To : Managing Director.Location : ChennaiJob SummaryThe DGM – Supply Chain will oversee and lead end-to-end supply chain operations including warehousing, commercial supply, and import operations. He / she will manage separate functional teams for warehouse operations, domestic & commercial supply, and import/logistics. The role demands a strategic thinker with strong execution skills, capable of optimizing processes, ensuring compliance (including medical device / regulated goods), and supporting growth. The candidate will be expected to lead transformation, cost optimization, and risk mitigation initiatives across the supply chain.Key ResponsibilitiesStrategic & LeadershipDevelop and implement a long-term supply chain strategy aligned with business goals, growth, and regulatory compliance in the medical / healthcare spaceLead, mentor, and build high-performance teams across warehousing, commercial supply, and importsDrive cross-functional alignment — work closely with procurement, quality assurance, regulatory affairs, sales, finance, and operationsBusiness continuity planning, risk mitigation strategies (supplier disruption, regulatory changes, geo-political risk)Warehouse & Logistics OperationsOversee all warehouse operations: inbound receiving, storage, inventory management, order picking, packing, dispatch, returns, reverse logisticsImplement warehouse management systems (WMS), process standardization, automation where applicableOptimize warehouse layout, storage utilization, throughput, cycle time, and overall logistics costMonitor, review, and improve KPIs (e.g. inventory accuracy, order fulfillment rate, on-time dispatch, dwell time, damage rate)Oversee transportation management (3PL / in-house), route optimization, freight negotiationsCommercial Supply / Domestic DistributionEnsure uninterrupted supply to the domestic markets (hospitals, dealers, distributors)Manage demand forecasting, safety stocks, buffer levels, replenishment strategiesCoordinate closely with sales / marketing teams to align supply plans with demand forecasts, promotions, launchesEvaluate and drive improvements in the supply chain responsiveness, lead times, obsolescence managementMonitor performance of commercial supply team (order processing, order tracking, logistics coordination, returns handling)Imports & International LogisticsLead the imports function: manage global suppliers, schedule shipments, negotiate with international freight forwarders, carriers, customs brokersEnsure compliance with all import regulations, duties, licenses, documentation (e.g. import permits, customs clearance) for medical devicesImplement robust processes for landed cost visibility, duty optimization, trade compliance (e.g. HS classification, valuation)Plan and manage ocean/air/land inbound logistics, consolidation, transshipment, cross-dockingManage import-related risk (delays, documentation rejection, regulatory changes)Inventory & Cost ManagementOversee inventory across all locations (central warehouse, regional warehouses, consignment / forward stocking)Drive inventory optimization (reduce excess / obsolete, minimize stockouts)Monitor and control working capital tied up in inventoryDefine and manage supply chain budget, cost reduction programs, continuous improvement (lean, Six Sigma)Quality & ComplianceEnsure that supply chain operations comply with quality systems, regulatory standards (e.g. ISO, FDA / CE / local medical device norms)Coordinate with QA / regulatory teams for product handling, labeling, storage conditions, traceabilityConduct audits (internal & external) on warehouses, third parties, suppliersManage documentation, SOPs, process controls, deviations, CAPAs as necessaryStakeholder Management & ReportingPresent reports and dashboards to senior management on supply chain performance (KPIs, cost, risks, improvement plans)Liaise with external stakeholders (vendors, 3PLs, freight forwarders, customs, government agencies)Drive vendor performance evaluation (on-time delivery, quality, logistics support)Negotiate contracts and SLAs with logistics partners, warehouse service providersQualifications & ExperienceMinimum 15 years of experience in supply chain / operations, with at least 5–7 years in a senior leadership roleStrong experience in handling warehouse operations, commercial / domestic supply, and imports / international logistics via separate functional teamsPrior experience in medical device / healthcare / regulated goods industry is highly desirableDeep knowledge of import/export regulations, customs, duties, international freight, trade complianceWell-versed in supply chain best practices, lean / Six Sigma / continuous improvement methodologiesStrong analytical, financial acumen — ability to model landed costs, variances, budget controlsExcellent leadership, team-building, stakeholder management, and communication skillsProven track record in driving operational efficiencies, cost savings, process transformationsEducation: Bachelor’s degree in Engineering / Supply Chain / Logistics / Operations / MBA — advanced degree is a plus