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.