Manager - Primary Transportation & Logistics Operations - Top FMCG Co

Responsible of managing FTL and logistics operations, handling end-to-end processes such as transporter auctions, rate negotiation, contract lifecycle, vendor development, billing process, audits and cross-functional stakeholder management, Controlled transport execution right from placement of order till delivery of shipment, rate negotiations as to ensure achievement of service, cost & quality norms for smooth flow of operations & supply of required items, Conduct regular auctions and rate negotiations with FTL transporters, ensuring competitive bids and optimized costs, Develop and manage transporter contracts, including SLAs, KPIs and invoicing and freight billing processes, Monitor transporter performance, implement corrective actions, and lead continuous improvement and cost rationalization initiatives, Extensively connected with Transporters service providers for delivery of desired services at optimum cost, Transport KPIs performance tracking, analyzing results and taking actions for further improvement.

Oversee end-to-end contract lifecycle for transporters and logistics partners: RFP/RFQ preparation, bid evaluation, negotiation, contract drafting, renewal, and compliance, Evaluate vendor capabilities, onboard new FTL and warehouse providers, and manage performance reviews, tiering, and development programs, manage service-level adherence, and escalate contractual issues in liaison with Legal and Finance teams, Ensured on-time vehicle availability for stocks movement; managed time bound, safe and secure movement of stocks
• Cross functions involvement for smooth execution, achieving day to day service level targets and various compliance adherences in operation.

Directly manage a small team focused on transporter operations; coordinate cross-functional zonal logistics team, Mentor, train, and evaluate team performance environment aligned with organizational goals, Facilitate clear communication and alignment within central and zonal logistics, supply/distribution planners and manufacturing units, Work closely to generate savings/Cost efficiency thru negotiation, started tracking right vehicle mix, right vendor mix, optimum vehicle utilization.

Collaborate with Supply & Dispatch Planners to align outbound scheduling with transport capacity, Coordinate with manufacturing units to ensure timely dispatch, optimal fleet utilization, and alignment with production schedules, Partner with Central & Zonal Finance Teams for budgeting, freight cost forecasting, audit compliance and transporter payments, Engage with Zonal Logistics Teams to implement consistent processes and transport strategies across locations, Serve as primary liaison for external stakeholders: carriers, transporter associations, and warehouse service providers, Conducted transport market surveys to explore new opportunities and efficient transport planning decisions.

Define and track transportation, cost per ton/km, trailer utilization, invoice discrepancies, claim rates, Conduct regular freight performance reviews, root-cause analysis and corrective action with carriers, Prepare and present monthly/quarterly reports to senior leadership highlighting cost savings, service levels, business risks and improvement plans, Identified new transporters, facilitated vendor onboarding process, establish proper contracts with vendors and its control.

Identify, implement and standardize best practices across the transport lifecycle, including auctions, TMS utilization and freight audit systems, Drive TMS adoption and integration, ensuring data accuracy and real-time visibility, Implement cost optimization strategies such as backhaul optimization, route rationalization, and multi-modal alternatives.

Done vendors performance evaluation and feedback at set schedule, Ensured timely payment to vendors with periodic account reconciliation, Ensured proper visibility in operations with organized data sharing and robust tracking mechanism for various logistics deliverables to the internal and external teams, Adept in Data and Route cause analysis, Established strong connect with customers and other stakeholders to ensure best in class logistics services delivered, Ensured Compliance adherence related to commercial, statutory requirements, various SOPs and EHS practices, Handled various internal and external audits, Work closely on development of various processes, Manage logistics & supply chain management, FTL/part-load transport, vendor & inventory management, e-bidding, SLOB liquidation, cost control, audits and ensuring SLA & compliance

Perks and Benefits