Supply Chain Management

Deputy General Manager – Supply Chain Management

Reporting To : Managing Director.

Location : Chennai

Job Summary

The 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 Responsibilities

Strategic & Leadership

• Develop and implement a long-term supply chain strategy aligned with business goals, growth, and regulatory compliance in the medical / healthcare space
• Lead, mentor, and build high-performance teams across warehousing, commercial supply, and imports
• Drive cross-functional alignment — work closely with procurement, quality assurance, regulatory affairs, sales, finance, and operations
• Business continuity planning, risk mitigation strategies (supplier disruption, regulatory changes, geo-political risk)

Warehouse & Logistics Operations

• Oversee all warehouse operations: inbound receiving, storage, inventory management, order picking, packing, dispatch, returns, reverse logistics
• Implement warehouse management systems (WMS), process standardization, automation where applicable
• Optimize warehouse layout, storage utilization, throughput, cycle time, and overall logistics cost
• Monitor, 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 negotiations

Commercial Supply / Domestic Distribution

• Ensure uninterrupted supply to the domestic markets (hospitals, dealers, distributors)
• Manage demand forecasting, safety stocks, buffer levels, replenishment strategies
• Coordinate closely with sales / marketing teams to align supply plans with demand forecasts, promotions, launches
• Evaluate and drive improvements in the supply chain responsiveness, lead times, obsolescence management
• Monitor performance of commercial supply team (order processing, order tracking, logistics coordination, returns handling)

Imports & International Logistics

• Lead the imports function: manage global suppliers, schedule shipments, negotiate with international freight forwarders, carriers, customs brokers
• Ensure compliance with all import regulations, duties, licenses, documentation (e.g. import permits, customs clearance) for medical devices
• Implement 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-docking
• Manage import-related risk (delays, documentation rejection, regulatory changes)

Inventory & Cost Management

• Oversee 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 inventory
• Define and manage supply chain budget, cost reduction programs, continuous improvement (lean, Six Sigma)

Quality & Compliance

• Ensure 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, traceability
• Conduct audits (internal & external) on warehouses, third parties, suppliers
• Manage documentation, SOPs, process controls, deviations, CAPAs as necessary

Stakeholder Management & Reporting

• Present 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 providers

Qualifications & Experience

• Minimum 15 years of experience in supply chain / operations, with at least 5–7 years in a senior leadership role
• Strong experience in handling warehouse operations, commercial / domestic supply, and imports / international logistics via separate functional teams
• Prior experience in medical device / healthcare / regulated goods industry is highly desirable
• Deep knowledge of import/export regulations, customs, duties, international freight, trade compliance
• Well-versed in supply chain best practices, lean / Six Sigma / continuous improvement methodologies
• Strong analytical, financial acumen — ability to model landed costs, variances, budget controls
• Excellent leadership, team-building, stakeholder management, and communication skills
• Proven track record in driving operational efficiencies, cost savings, process transformations
• Education: Bachelor’s degree in Engineering / Supply Chain / Logistics / Operations / MBA — advanced degree is a plus