Area Operations Head

Job Description Position Overview: The Area Operations Head will be responsible for ensuring timely, efficient, and profitable delivery of shipments across the assigned area. This role requires strong leadership to manage service centers, PUD/DC operations, and fleet utilization, while driving operational excellence, cost optimization, and customer satisfaction. Job Purpose: To lead and oversee end-to-end operations in the area, ensuring service quality, adherence to SOPs, expansion into new markets, and compliance with financial and regulatory guidelines, while building high-performing teams to achieve business objectives. Key Roles & Responsibilities: - Financial Management & Cost Control - Partner with the Area Head to develop annual budgets for the area. - Ensure adherence to approved capital and operational expenditure limits. - Monitor and analyze key cost metrics, including Operating Cost per Movement (OCPM) and Operating Cost per Kilogram (OCPK), implementing corrective measures as needed. - Identify opportunities for cost optimization without compromising service quality. - Service Delivery & Operational Excellence - Ensure timely, accurate, and profitable delivery of shipments in line with contractual service standards. - Oversee the performance and efficiency of all Service Centers and PUD Centers within the area. - Drive key operational metrics such as on-time delivery, adherence to transit times, reduction in RTOs, and SOP compliance. - Implement execution excellence initiatives to enhance process accuracy and reduce operational deviations. - Maintain strict adherence to shipment safety and security protocols. - Network Expansion & Infrastructure Development - Support reach enhancement initiatives including expansion into Tier 2/Tier 3 cities and development of RSPs. - Assess infrastructure requirements against business growth targets and prepare CAPEX or capacity expansion proposals. - Coordinate with relevant teams for timely approvals and implementation of infrastructure projects. - Capability Building & Training - Facilitate the planning and delivery of functional training programs for Service Centre and PUD operations teams. - Promote a culture of continuous improvement by upskilling employees in operational best practices and emerging technologies. - Fleet & Resource Optimization - Ensure optimal productivity and utilization of feeder and milk-run fleets across the area. - Monitor fleet deployment efficiency to reduce idle time and improve cost efficiency. - People Leadership & Performance Management - Provide clear direction, guidance, and support to area team members to enable high performance. - Monitor team performance regularly, recognizing and rewarding high achievers. - Mentor, coach, and develop team members to strengthen capabilities and maintain a strong succession pipeline. Qualifications & Experience: Education: - Essential: Bachelor's degree in Business, Logistics, Supply Chain, or a related field. - Preferred: MBA/PGDM in Operations, Logistics, or Business Management. Experience - 68 years of experience in logistics, distribution, or operations leadership roles. - Proven track record in managing multi-location operational setups and achieving cost and service targets. Skills & Capabilities: Core Technical Skills: - Strong understanding of logistics operations, fleet management, and cost optimization. - Proficient in operations performance metrics and SOP compliance. - Familiarity with logistics technology platforms and operational analytics tools. Behavioural Competencies: - Leadership: Inspires, motivates, and leads diverse teams effectively. - Analytical Thinking: Identifies operational gaps and implements solutions. - Collaboration: Works seamlessly with cross-functional teams. - Results Orientation: Committed to achieving cost, service, and quality objectives. Key Performance Indicators: Key Performance Indicators (KPIs) 1 Optimize costs in the area - % reduction in OCPK and OCPM 2 Reach enhancement - Expansion into Tier 2/Tier 3 cities as per plan (via RSPs and BDEs) 3 Service quality & excellence - NSL adherence, delivery as per transit time, % undelivered shipments, SOP compliance rate, target NPS scores 4 Shipment security - Number of open security-related cases 5 Regulatory compliance - 100% adherence to all applicable regulatory requirements