Operations Lead

We are looking for a dynamic and hands-on Operations Lead to establish and scale the Deposit Refund System (DRS) operations in Kerala . This role demands a true builder—someone who can build the team from scratch, stand up the collection ecosystem, run reverse pick-ups/line-haul, commission sorting & processing centres, and manage dispatches to recyclers with full compliance and digital traceability . The role will be pivotal in ensuring that Kerala’s DRS operates with end-to-end traceability, efficiency, and sustainability impact .
Key Responsibilities
1. Team Build & Leadership
Hire, onboard, and manage high-performing teams including area supervisors, field executives, hub leads, and control tower analysts.
Define SOPs, SLAs, and safety standards; drive a culture of accountability and continuous improvement.
Run structured performance reviews and regular cadence of daily/weekly operational huddles.
2. Collection Ecosystem (Multi-Channel)
Plan and commission collection points (RVMs, QR/app/sound-box, manual booths) across priority clusters including urban centers, tourist hubs, HoReCa, schools, and panchayats .
Monitor uptime, consumables, cash/DRS-value reconciliation, and incident management.
3. Reverse Pick-up & Line-Haul
Design route plans, fleet capacity, cut-offs, and ensure smooth daily dispatch and recovery.
Drive KPIs on on-time pick-ups, first-attempt success rates, route productivity, and cost/ton efficiency.
4. Sorting & Processing Centres
Establish and operate hubs as mini-warehouses handling inbound QC, weighment, grading, baling, storage, and outbound logistics.
Implement EHS compliance, 5S practices, shrinkage control, and throughput targets; manage shift adherence and audits.
5. Dispatch to Recyclers / Brand Partners
Plan and schedule loads, optimize freight, ensure documentation and maintain digital chain-of-custody .
Monitor recycler SLAs (turnaround, quality acceptance) and resolve exceptions effectively.
6. Vendors, Compliance & Stakeholder Management
Contract and govern transporters, O&M partners, and collection agents with bonus/penalty frameworks.
Collaborate with product and tech teams for device uptime, ticketing, dashboards, and process automation.
7. Control Tower & Reporting
Set up live dashboards covering collection point uptime, pick-ups, hub throughput, shrinkage, and safety metrics.
Lead operational reviews, publish RCA and corrective action trackers to ensure continuous improvement.
Qualifications
7–12 years of experience in high-density field operations (logistics/last-mile, FMCG RTM, waste/recycling, warehousing/device operations).
Minimum 3 years of proven experience in building teams from zero to scale .
Strong expertise in vendor contracting, governance, and cost optimization.
Data-driven operator, proficient in Excel/Sheets (PowerBI/Tableau a plus).
Familiarity with routing tools, ticketing systems, and operational dashboards.
Proficiency in Malayalam is a strong advantage.
Core Competencies
Ownership mindset with a strong bias for action, high standards, and frugal execution.
Structured problem-solver with the ability to simplify complexity and resolve conflicts.
Hands-on field leadership , comfortable with early starts, 6-day work weeks, and intra-state travel.
Crisp communication and ability to influence stakeholders across teams and vendors.
Why Join Us?
This is a rare opportunity to build and lead a state-wide sustainability initiative from scratch—impacting communities, driving environmental outcomes, and shaping the future of the circular economy in India . If you thrive in unstructured environments, enjoy solving complex operational problems, and want to create large-scale impact, this role is for you.

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