Head Logistics

Job Position: Head of Logistics

Sector: FMCG (Food)

Location: Cuttack, Odisha

Job Description:

We are seeking an experienced and strategic Head of Logistics to manage and optimize our entire supply chain transit, spanning both Inward (raw/packing materials) and Outward (finished goods) operations across our fast-moving consumer goods (FMCG) food portfolio. As a Logistics Head you will be responsible for ensuring the efficient, compliant, and cost-effective flow of products from our suppliers to our consumers. This role demands strategic oversight of both inbound and outbound transit operations.

Key Responsibilities:

1. Strategic Planning & Leadership

Develop and Execute Strategy: Define the long-term logistics and distribution strategy, aligning it with company sales, production, and financial goals.

Cost Management: Prepare, manage, and monitor the annual logistics budget, driving continuous improvement initiatives to reduce Total Logistics Cost (TLC).

Team Management: Lead, mentor, and manage a high-performing team across transportation, warehousing, and inventory control.

KPI Management: Define, track, and report on critical logistics KPIs, including OTIF (On-Time-In-Full) Delivery, Vendor Lead Time Adherence (VLTA), and distribution cost per unit.

2. Inward Logistics & Material Flow

Inbound Freight Management: Oversee all domestic and international transportation of raw and packaging materials, optimizing routing and negotiating carrier rates.

Receiving Efficiency: Coordinating with factory receiving docks and scheduling to ensure the timely and accurate receipt of materials to prevent production line delays.

Supplier Compliance: Collaborate with Procurement to enforce strict supplier transport, packaging, and food safety standards for all incoming materials.

3. Outward Logistics & Distribution

Network Optimization: Design and manage the entire distribution network, covering Primary (Factory to DC) and Secondary (DC to Market/Customer) transport.

3PL/Carrier Management: Select, contract, and manage third-party logistics providers (3PLs), ensuring service level agreements (SLAs) are met for cost, service, and quality.

Food Integrity: Ensure strict adherence to protocols like FEFO (First-Expire, First-Out) and maintain cold/ambient chain integrity to preserve product quality and minimize spoilage.

4. Warehousing & Inventory Control

Operations Oversight: Oversee all central and regional warehouse/depot operations, ensuring efficient processes for receiving, storage, picking, packing, and dispatch.

Inventory Accuracy: Implement best practices (e.g., cycle counting) to maintain high inventory accuracy levels for finished goods.

Infrastructure Planning: Evaluate, plan, and execute strategies for expansion, consolidation, or optimization of warehousing infrastructure based on business needs.

5. Compliance, Technology & Risk

Regulatory Adherence: Ensure full compliance with all local and international transportation laws, customs regulations, and Food Safety and Standards Authority (FSSA) norms.

Technology Deployment: Champion the implementation & execution of TMS (Transportation Management Systems) and WMS (Warehouse Management Systems) to enhance visibility and operational efficiency.

Risk Mitigation: Develop and implement robust business continuity and contingency plans to address potential disruptions (e.g., transport strikes, natural disasters).

Function: Inward Transit

KPI Category: Cost

Key Performance Indicator: Inbound Freight Cost per Unit/ Tonne

Primary Focus / Goal: Cost control and efficient carrier negotiations

KPI Category: Time

Key Performance Indicator: Supplier/ Vendor Lead Time Adherence (VLTA)

Primary Focus / Goal: Minimizing production bottlenecks due to late material arrivals.

KPI Category: Quality

Key Performance Indicator: Receiving Accuracy Rate

Primary Focus / Goal: Ensuring the correct quantity and quality of materials are received.

KPI Category: Efficiency

Key Performance Indicator: Receiving Dock Utilization / Wait Time

Primary Focus / Goal: Optimizing the speed of unloading and turnaround time for inbound vehicles.

Function: Inventory

KPI Category: Accuracy

Key Performance Indicator: Inventory Accuracy Rate (Raw / Packaging Materials & FG)

Primary Focus / Goal: Ensuring data matches physical stock, often measured by cycle count results.

KPI Category: Waste

Key Performance Indicator: Spoilage/Obsolescence Rate

Primary Focus / Goal: Minimizing food waste by enforcing strict FEFO/FIFO rules and minimizing material damage.

KPI Category: Handling

Key Performance Indicator: Warehouse Storage Cost per Pallet/Sq. Ft.

Primary Focus / Goal: Efficient use of warehouse space and labor.

Function: Outward Transit

KPI Category: Service

Key Performance Indicator: On-Time-In-Full (OTIF) Delivery Rate

Primary Focus / Goal: Meeting customer/distributor expectations by delivering the complete order, on schedule.

KPI Category: Cost

Key Performance Indicator: Distribution Cost per Case/Unit of Sale

Primary Focus / Goal: Total cost of moving finished goods relative to sales volume (a core cost efficiency metric).

KPI Category: Time

Key Performance Indicator: Order-to-Delivery Cycle Time

Primary Focus / Goal: The total time taken from a sales order being placed to the product being received by the customer.

KPI Category: Quality

Key Performance Indicator: Delivery Damage Rate

Primary Focus / Goal: Reducing product damage during transit to ensure high customer satisfaction and minimal returns.

Qualifications & Experience:

• Education: Bachelor's or Master's degree in Supply Chain Management, Logistics, Business Administration, or a related field.
• Experience: Minimum of 10+ years of progressive experience in Logistics and Supply Chain, with at least 3-5 years in a senior leadership role within the FMCG Food or Beverage sector.
• Technical Skills: Deep knowledge of inbound, outbound, and reverse logistics. Proven expertise in warehouse management, FEFO/FIFO, carrier contract negotiation, and distribution network design.
• System Knowledge: Hands-on experience with major ERP systems (e.g., SAP) and specialized WMS/TMS platforms.
• Soft Skills: Exceptional leadership, negotiation, communication, and analytical skills. Proven ability to drive change and manage complexity in a high-volume, dynamic environment.

Job Type: Full-time

Pay: From ₹34,493.43 per month

Work Location: In person