Digital Transformation Lead – Supply Chain

Job Description:

We are seeking a seasoned professional to lead our digital transformation efforts in the supply chain. As a strategic leader, you will be responsible for driving innovation and improvement across our procurement, planning, and distribution processes.

Key Responsibilities:

• Data Strategy Development:
  • Develop and execute a comprehensive data science strategy to optimize supply chain operations, aligning with procurement and planning objectives.
  • Identify and integrate key data sources (internal and external) to enhance visibility and accuracy in procurement decisions and planning & distribution processes.
  • Evaluate and implement emerging technologies and tools to enhance data collection, analysis, and visualization capabilities.
  • Collaborate with procurement and planning teams to prioritize data science initiatives that drive operational efficiencies and cost savings.
• Advanced Analytics and Modeling:
  • Lead the initiative to deploy scientific replenishment strategies in Trade (India and Global markets).
  • Design and implement predictive AI/ML models to enhance demand forecasting accuracy, optimize inventory levels, distribution planning, and improve supplier performance evaluation.
  • Drive innovation by exploring and implementing advanced analytics techniques, machine learning models, and AI algorithms to derive insights and create value from large, complex datasets.
  • Utilize machine learning algorithms to analyze historical data and identify trends that inform procurement strategies and planning cycles.
  • Develop advanced analytics solutions to assess the performance of third-party manufacturers and optimize distribution logistics.
• Collaboration and Stakeholder Engagement:
  • Work closely with cross-functional teams, including procurement, supply chain, planning, and IT, to identify data needs and ensure alignment on data initiatives.
  • Support initiatives like Control Towers, Predictive Analytics, and Agentic Process Automation (APA) in alignment with GSCM's roadmap.
  • Facilitate workshops and training sessions to educate stakeholders on data science methodologies and the value of data-driven decision-making in procurement and supply chain operations.
  • Act as a liaison between data science team and business units to ensure that data solutions meet operational requirements and enhance overall performance.
  • Communicate findings, recommendations, and project updates to senior management and key stakeholders as and when required.
• Master Data Governance and Quality Assurance:
  • Develop and implement master data governance frameworks to ensure data integrity, quality, and security across all data science initiatives related to procurement, planning, and distribution.
  • Design and oversee data quality checks and validation processes to maintain high standards of data accuracy and reliability in analytics outputs.
  • Ensure that all data science and AI initiatives comply with industry regulations, data privacy laws, and internal policies to safeguard sensitive procurement and supply chain information.
  • Develop strategies to protect sensitive data and ensure compliance with data protection regulations, including monitoring and responding to potential data breaches.
  • Ensure robust documentation, model governance, and audit-readiness of all analytics solutions.
• Team Leadership and Development:
  • Lead and mentor a team of data scientists and analysts, machine learning engineers, and AI experts fostering a culture of innovation, collaboration, and continuous learning focused on procurement and supply chain challenges.
  • Set clear performance expectations and provide regular feedback to team members to support their professional development in data science applications.
  • Encourage knowledge sharing and best practices within the team to enhance overall capabilities and effectiveness in addressing procurement and supply chain needs.
  • Work closely with the SCM Academy to build data literacy and analytics capability across the function.
• Represent the Function:
  • Represent the function in external forums, awards, and academic collaborations.
• Performance Measurement and Reporting:
  • Develop key performance indicators (KPIs) to measure the impact of data science initiatives on procurement, planning, third-party manufacturing, and distribution performance.
  • Regularly report on the progress of analytical projects and their outcomes to senior leadership and stakeholders, highlighting successes and areas for improvement.
  • Conduct post-implementation reviews to assess the effectiveness of data-driven solutions and identify opportunities for further optimization in supply chain processes.
• Stakeholder Management:
  • Internal - Global Head of Digital Transformation and Operational Excellence, Procurement Team, Supply Chain Management Team, Planning Team, Finance Team, IT and Data Engineering Teams, Cipla Leadership Group
  • External - Third-party manufacturers and suppliers, Stockists, Logistics service providers, Data analytics vendors and consultants, Regulatory bodies

Requirements:

Education:

Masters degree or PhD in Data Science, Statistics, Engineering, Computer Science, or a related field

Experience:

12-15 years of experience in data science, analytics, or related fields, with a focus on procurement, planning, third-party manufacturing, or distribution and proven experience in leading digital transformation and AI/ML deployment at scale in the pharmaceutical or healthcare industry

Functional / Behavioral Skills Required to Execute the Role:

Technical / Functional Competencies:

• Proficiency in data science tools, data warehouses, and programming languages (e.g., Python, R, SQL, Agentic AI (MCP), AWS, Azure etc.)
• Experience with machine learning algorithms, statistical modeling, and data visualization tools (e.g., Tableau, Power BI, Gen AI)

Behavioral Competencies:

• Strong understanding of supply chain processes, procurement strategies, and planning methodologies
• Excellent leadership and team management skills
• Strong analytical and problem-solving abilities
• Effective communication and interpersonal skills, with the ability to influence stakeholders at all levels
• Strategic thinking and a results-oriented mindset