Backend Operations Head

Role Summary

The Backend Operations Head will lead and optimise all non-customer-facing operations including procurement coordination, order processing, inventory management, production planning, vendor management, logistics, and compliance. The role ensures smooth functioning of jewellery manufacturing/distribution processes with high accuracy, timely delivery, and cost control.

Key Responsibilities

1. Order Management & Fulfilment

• Oversee end-to-end order processing from sales order receipt to dispatch.
• Coordinate with design, production, and sales teams to ensure accurate order execution.
• Monitor order timelines, delays, and escalate bottlenecks proactively.
• Maintain accurate order tracking dashboards and production MIS.

2. Production Coordination

• Align production planning with sales forecasts and inventory.
• Ensure SKU-level clarity, gold purity standards, diamond quality parameters (4Cs), and BOM accuracy.
• Monitor job bag issuance, WIP tracking, approvals, and final QC coordination.
• Reduce lead times and improve OTIF (On-Time In-Full) deliveries.

3. Inventory & Stock Controls

• Oversee RM, WIP, and FG inventory management.
• Conduct periodic stock audits of gold, diamonds, findings, and finished goods.
• Implement strong controls for high-value inventory handling & movement.
• Optimise inventory levels to reduce working capital without risking shortages.

4. Vendor & Supply Chain Management

• Manage relationships with karigars, job workers, diamond suppliers, and bullion dealers.
• Negotiate rates, credit terms, and delivery schedules.
• Monitor vendor performance through SLAs and quality metrics.
• Ensure ethical sourcing and compliance with industry regulations.

5. Logistics & Dispatch Management

• Oversee packaging, billing, and shipment activities.
• Coordinate with logistics partners for timely and secure delivery.
• Implement standardised dispatch SOPs for retail stores, franchises, and online orders.

6. Operational Process Excellence

• Create and refine SOPs for all backend processes.
• Implement automation and ERP modules (e.g., Paramount, Synergy, JewelSoft, SAP).
• Identify operational gaps and drive continuous improvement initiatives.
• Improve turnaround time and reduce operational errors.

7. Compliance & Documentation

• Ensure proper documentation for gold sourcing, diamond procurement, hallmarking, and certifications.
• Coordinate with compliance teams for audits, hallmarking compliance, and statutory requirements (BIS, GST, PMLA, KYC).
• Maintain accurate records for bullion movements and vendor agreements.

8. Team Leadership

• Lead and train backend operations, dispatch, and inventory control teams.
• Set performance KPIs and drive a culture of accountability.
• Conduct periodic training on SOPs, compliance, and quality.

Key Skills & Competencies

• Strong understanding of jewellery manufacturing (gold/diamond) processes.
• Expertise in inventory and production operations.
• Knowledge of gold purity standards, diamond grading, hallmarking, and certification norms.
• Experience with ERP / operations software in jewellery industry.
• Analytical mindset with strong numbers and process orientation.
• Leadership skills and ability to manage cross-functional teams.
• Vendor negotiation and supply chain management skills.

Qualifications & Experience

• Graduate / MBA preferred.
• 1520+ years of experience in operations in the jewellery industry (retail, wholesale, or manufacturing).
• Experience in managing gold, diamond, and WIP movement.
• Prior experience handling large operational teams and multiple vendors.

KPIs

• OTIF Delivery %
• Order Error Rate
• Inventory Accuracy %
• Production Lead Time
• Vendor SLA Compliance
• Cost Savings Through Process Improvements
• WIP Turnaround Time