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