Role & responsibilities
Strategic Leadership
- Develop and execute SCM strategies that enhance efficiency, agility, and cost competitiveness.
- Establish AI and automation-driven supply chain processes for demand forecasting, supplier performance monitoring, logistics optimization, and predictive risk management.
- Build resilient and flexible supply chain networks that align with global best practices, regulatory compliance, and customer expectations in aerospace, defense, automotive, industrial, and medical electronics sectors.
- Drive sustainability initiatives within the supply chain to reduce carbon footprint and support ESG commitments.
Procurement & Sourcing
- Ensure sourcing and purchases strictly follow policy, ethical standards, and compliance requirements.
- Implement AI-powered supplier vetting and approval processes to strengthen quality, reliability, and risk mitigation.
- Negotiate aggressively on price, quality, lead time, and total cost of ownership, including multi-year or blanket agreements.
- Manage procurement spend against approved budgets and track cost savings.
- Build long-term, strategic relationships with global suppliers while ensuring a competitive supplier base.
Inventory & Logistics Management
- Optimize inventory planning, replenishment, and stock levels using AI-driven forecasting models to minimize working capital while ensuring production continuity.
- Oversee logistics operations, ensuring transport and warehousing costs are minimized without compromising delivery timelines.
- Ensure smooth customs clearance, duty optimization, and import/export compliance.
- Develop contingency plans for supply disruptions, geopolitical risks, and logistics bottlenecks.
Digital Transformation & Automation
- Lead the digitalization of SCM through ERP, AI, RPA (Robotic Process Automation), and advanced analytics platforms.
- Implement real-time supply chain dashboards and predictive analytics for decision-making
- Drive automation in procurement workflows, contract management, invoice validation, and vendor compliance.
- Champion Industry 4.0 practices by integrating IoT-enabled inventory tracking, blockchain based traceability, and AI-driven logistics planning.
Operational Excellence & Governance
- Track and report key performance indicators (KPIs) on cost reduction, supplier performance, inventory accuracy, and delivery reliability.
- Ensure transparency and integrity in all procurement activities, with zero tolerance for fraud or corruption.
Standardisation & Training
- Standardize processes across plants, geographies, and business units to ensure uniformity and scalability.
- Train, mentor, and develop SCM teams to build strong leadership pipelines.
Position Objectives
- 100% compliance with SCM policies and procedures.
- Zero production downtime due to material shortages.
- Cost savings through negotiation, AI-enabled decision support, and strategic sourcing.
- Transparent, ethical supplier and procurement practices.
- Predictive visibility into demand, risks, and logistics bottlenecks through AI and automation.
- Strong cross-functional collaboration with engineering, production, quality, and finance.
- High-performing and digitally skilled SCM team.
Duties & Responsibilities (Expanded)
- Lead supplier discovery, onboarding, and risk assessment using digital and AI tools.
- Develop supplier scorecards and conduct quarterly business reviews.
- Approve and oversee all purchase orders, contracts, and supplier agreements.
- Ensure real-time monitoring of shipments, logistics costs, and customs clearance.
- Develop and monitor annual supply chain budgets and forecasts.
- Implement automated control strategies for managing unfavorable events and risks.
- Drive continuous improvement in supply chain processes, adopting Lean, Six Sigma, and digital-first approaches
- Foster collaboration across departments to align material planning with production schedules and customer requirements.
Job Requirements Educational Qualifications
- B.E./B.Tech. in Engineering (Electronics/Mechanical/Industrial preferred).
- MBA in Supply Chain/Operations Management or equivalent certifications (CSCP, CPIM, CPSM) strongly preferred.
Experience
- 20+ years of progressive experience in SCM, with at least 10 years in a leadership role heading SCM in a mid-to-large scale EMS or electronics manufacturing environment.
- Proven track record in global sourcing, procurement, logistics, and supplier management.
- Demonstrated experience in AI, digital transformation, and automation adoption in SCM
- Strong exposure to handling multi-plant, global supply chains in aerospace, defense, automotive, or medical electronics.
Skills & Competencies
- Strong negotiation, supplier management, and networking abilities.
- Advanced knowledge of ERP, SCM systems, and AI/analytics platforms.
- Expertise in forecasting, inventory optimization, and logistics strategy.
- High ethical standards with a proven ability to enforce compliance.
Key Competencies
- Strategic Agility: Ability to redesign supply chain strategies to stay competitive.
- Digital Mindset: Strong orientation towards AI, RPA, and smart supply chain tools.
- Data-Driven Decision Making: Using predictive analytics for proactive problem-solving.
- Innovation & Change Leadership: Driving adoption of new technologies across SCM.
- Risk & Compliance Management: Ensuring resilience while adhering to global trade regulations.
- Collaboration & Influence: Strong cross-functional leadership and stakeholder management.
Preferred candidate profile