City Manager – Cold Chain Operations

Tessol (Sustainable Cold Chain); Mumbai; On-site; INR 1,000,000 - 1,500,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Impactful work

Technical exposure

Growth opportunity

Job summary

A leading sustainable cold chain provider in Mumbai is seeking a City Manager to oversee operations and ensure the effective deployment of cold chain solutions. The successful candidate will manage logistics, ensure compliance with service level agreements, and lead a team of supervisors and technicians. Responsibilities include managing hub operations, client relationships, and optimizing processes to enhance efficiency. Ideal candidates have 4–7 years of relevant experience and a background in logistics or supply chain management.

Qualifications

• 4–7 years of experience in Operations, Logistics, or Supply Chain Management.
• Prior experience in Cold Chain, Last-Mile Delivery, or Hyper-local Operations.
• Experience in managing a distributed field workforce.

Responsibilities

• Oversee daily operations of freezing hubs/service centers.
• Manage the reverse logistics and maintain accurate inventory records.
• Ensure 100% adherence to Service Level Agreements.

Skills

Logistics expertise

Team leadership

Client relationship management

Problem-solving

Communication

Education

Bachelor's degree in Operations, Supply Chain, or Logistics

MBA/PGDM in Operations or Supply Chain Management

Tools

IoT monitoring platforms

ERP systems

Excel

Job description

Role: City Manager – Cold Chain Operations

Company: TESSOL (Thermal Energy Service Solutions Pvt. Ltd.)

Department: Operations / Service Delivery

Reports To: Regional Manager / Head of Operations

About TESSOL

TESSOL (www.tessol.in) is a globally recognized Indian start‑up dedicated to solving the last‑mile distribution problem for temperature‑sensitive products. We engineer 100% sustainable, reliable, and viable cold chain technology solutions using proprietary Phase Change Material (PCM) technology. Our diverse portfolio—ranging from PCM cartridges and rotomolded boxes to IoT‑enabled smart cold chambers and “PlugnChill” truck systems—enables brands to reduce their carbon footprint and operating costs while eliminating food and pharma wastage.

We are trusted by leading brands (including Amaozn, Swiggy, Zomato, Zepto, Modelez, and major pharma players) to disrupt the cold chain market. We are looking for a dynamic City Manager to lead our operations on the ground, ensuring our sustainable cooling solutions are delivered seamlessly to our partners.

Role Summary

As the City Manager – Cold Chain Operations, you will be the operational lead for TESSOL’s activities within your designated city. You will oversee the deployment, maintenance, and reverse logistics of TESSOL’s cold chain assets (such as PCM delivery bags, freezer units, and cartridges). This role requires a blend of logistics expertise, team
leadership, and client relationship management to ensure strict adherence to temperature compliance and SLAs.

Key Responsibilities

• Operations & Asset Management:
  • Hub Management: Oversee the daily operations of TESSOL’s freezing hubs/service centers in the city. Ensure proper charging (freezing) of PCM cassettes and readiness of cold chain bags/boxes for client deployment.
  • Reverse Logistics: Manage the reverse logistics of reusable assets (bags/boxes) from client locations back to the hub for recharging, ensuring minimal asset loss or damage.
  • Inventory Control: Maintain accurate inventory records of all assets (PCM packs, carriers, sensors) and spare parts. Conduct regular audits to reconcile physical stock with the system.
• Service Delivery & Client Success:
  • SLA Compliance: Ensure 100% adherence to Service Level Agreements (SLAs) regarding temperature maintenance and on‑time asset availability for clients (e‑commerce, food delivery, and pharma).
  • Client Relationship: Act as the primary point of contact for local client stakeholders (hub managers of client companies), resolve operational bottlenecks and address service escalations immediately.
  • Quality Assurance: Monitor temperature data via TAMsys (TESSOL’s IoT monitoring platform) to proactively identify and rectify cold chain breaches.
• Manage a team of Hub Supervisors, Field Technicians, and Logistics Coordinators.
• Plan rosters and shifts to ensure 24/7 or required operational coverage based on client volume.
• Train the ground staff on Standard Operating Procedures (SOPs) for handling PCM technology, hygiene standards, and safety protocols.
• Financials & Process Improvement:
  • Cost Optimization: Monitor operational expenses (OpEx) for the city, including electricity, logistics, and labor costs. Drive initiatives to improve efficiency and reduce cost‑per‑delivery.
  • Vendor Management: Identify and manage local vendors for transport, manpower, or facility maintenance as required.

Key Performance Indicators (KPIs)

You will be evaluated based on the following metrics, which align with our manufacturing and high‑growth startup environment.

• Closing Cycle Time: Complete monthly books closure by the 7th working day of the subsequent month.
• Budget Variance: Maintain actual vs. budgeted expense variance within +/- 5%.
• Payroll Accuracy: Achieve 100% accuracy in payroll processing and disbursement timelines.
• Compliance & Risk Management:
  • Statutory Compliance Rate: 100% on‑time filing of GST, TDS, PF, ESIC, and Income Tax returns with zero penalties.
  • Audit Completion: Ensure successful completion of Statutory and Tax audits within agreed timelines without major non‑compliance observations.
• Cost Control & Reporting:
  • COGS Accuracy: Ensure precise calculation of Cost of Goods Sold for manufacturing units to support correct product pricing.
  • MIS Delivery: Deliver accurate Monthly MIS reports to the Board/Investors by the 10th of every month.

Desired Candidate Profile

Education & Certification

• Bachelor’s degree in Operations, Supply Chain, Logistics, or Engineering.
• MBA/PGDM in Operations or Supply Chain Management is a plus.

Experience

• 4–7 years of experience in Operations, Logistics, or Supply Chain Management.
• Mandatory: Prior experience in Cold Chain, Last‑Mile Delivery, or Hyper‑local Operations (e.g., Quick Commerce, Food Tech, Pharma Logistics).
• Experience in managing a distributed field workforce is highly desirable.
• Tech Savvy: Comfortable using IoT dashboards, ERPs, and Excel for data analysis.
• Problem Solver: Ability to think on your feet and resolve ground‑level crises (e.g., power failures at hubs, vehicle breakdowns).
• Process Oriented: Strong adherence to SOPs and safety guidelines.
• Communication: Excellent verbal and written communication skills to interact with clients and HQ.

How to Apply: Interested candidates can send their CVs to [e-mail] with the subject line “Application for City Manager – [City Name]”.

Company at a Glance

Founded in February 2013 and based in Rabale, Navi Mumbai, TESSOL is a focused player in the refrigeration & cold‑chain space in India. The company’s core mission is to design, manufacture and service cold‑chain solutions that serve perishable‑goods industries such as dairy, seafood, ice cream, frozen‑food, poultry and last‑mile delivery. Still growing, the company has built a reputation for innovative, technically‑oriented solutions in a high‑demand and fast‑evolving sector.

What Makes TESSOL distinctive

• End‑to‑end cold‑chain manufacturing & logistics: TESSOL offers everything from insulated delivery bags and gel‑packs to refrigerated vans, blast‑freezer systems and cold rooms. TESSOL is the only company in India offering solutions across the value chain.
• Sustainability & efficiency focus: By developing low‑fuel, high‑efficiency refrigeration systems, and serving perishable supply‑chains, TESSOL positions itself at the intersection of food‑tech, logistics and green engineering.
• Mid‑sized growth environment: With a relatively lean team and agile structure, the company offers opportunities for hands‑on contribution and learning across functions.

Why Join TESSOL

• Impactful work: You’ll be part of a business that supports critical supply‑chains (fresh food, pharma, logistics) and helps reduce waste and improve shelf‑life in India’s growing cold‑chain market.
• Technical exposure: For candidates interested in refrigeration, logistics operations, product engineering, or field coordination, TESSOL provides a strong platform to learn both product and service sides.
• Growth opportunity: Being a smaller, focused company means roles are less siloed – you can take initiative, cross‑functional interaction is likely, and you can influence outcomes.

A Few Practical Details

• Business size & stage: Incorporated 2013; classified as a “Small/Medium enterprise” for FY 2024‑25, indicating growth potential ahead.
• Core functions you might engage with: manufacturing support, sales/quotation coordination, service logistics, product installation, customer accounts for refrigeration/cold‑chain.
• Ideal candidate background: Someone with good communication, organisation skills, and interest in a growing environment.