Head of Operations

Role Overview

The Head of Operations will lead end-to-end operational strategy across Manufacturing, Supply Chain Planning, QA/QC coordination, Procurement, Warehousing, Logistics, Fulfilment, and Quick Commerce for a science-led D2C nutrition brand operating across own website, marketplaces (Amazon, Flipkart), and quick-commerce platforms.

This role demands a leader who deeply understands batch integrity, regulatory guardrails, production planning, and high-frequency replenishment cycles without compromising compliance.

Key Responsibilities

1. Supply Chain & Production Planning

• Own end-to-end production planning aligned with D2C demand, marketplace forecasts, and quick commerce replenishment cycles.
• Coordinate with manufacturing partners to ensure capacity readiness, batch scheduling, and launch timelines.
• Maintain strict RM → FG synchronisation to minimise stockouts and expiry risks.
• Balance service levels with batch economics, MOQs, and product shelf-life considerations.
• Define and track upstream KPIs: production adherence, capacity utilisation, yield, batch readiness.

2. Quality, Compliance & Batch Integrity (Critical Function)

• Ensure no product is dispatched without a QA/QC release.
• Maintain batch traceability, expiry discipline, and recall readiness across all channels.
• Align operations execution with regulatory and compliance requirements (FSSAI, packaging, labelling, testing).
• Partner closely with QA & Regulatory teams to ensure compliance-first decision making.
• Implement SOPs for batch handling, quarantine, rejections, and returns QC.

3. Procurement & Vendor Management

• Lead procurement of RM, PM, consumables, and operational supplies.
• Build reliable supplier and co-manufacturer networks with strict SLAs.
• Optimise cost without compromising compliance or quality.
• Implement strong purchase controls, GRN hygiene, and vendor scorecards.

4. Warehousing & Fulfilment Operations

• Manage warehouse layout, capacity, storage design, and operational workflows.
• Lead inbound, put-away, storage, pick-pack-ship, and returns management.
• Implement WMS best practices; drive accuracy, speed, and audit readiness.
• Ensure FEFO/FIFO execution for nutrition products with shorter shelf life.
• Reduce fulfilment errors, damages, and delays.

5. Logistics, Last-Mile & Quick Commerce

• Oversee 3PLs, courier partners, and transport vendors across D2C, marketplace, and QC.
• Monitor delivery KPIs: OTIF, NDR, RTO, service levels, and turnaround time.
• Design quick commerce replenishment models (high-frequency, low-latency, low-buffer).
• Minimise expiry losses and stockouts in QC dark stores.
• Balance speed, cost, and inventory health using data-led optimisation.

6. Operations Excellence & Process Improvement

• Build SOPs, process governance, and auditable workflows across operations.
• Drive digitisation, automation, and lean initiatives to improve productivity.
• Develop dashboards and MIS for operational visibility and decision-making.
• Identify operational bottlenecks and implement scalable solutions.

7. Cross-Functional Leadership & Boundaries

• Work with Business teams on demand commitments and service-level targets.
• Collaborate with Finance for budgeting, cost controls, and working capital planning.
• Partner with Product, QA, and Marketing to align launch timelines and operational readiness.
• Lead and mentor multi-city operations teams with clear accountability.
• Execute decisions within quality and regulatory guardrails — no shortcuts on compliance.

Key Skills & Competencies

• Deep understanding of supply chain planning, production ops, and manufacturing workflows.
• Strong expertise in vendor management, procurement, logistics, and multi-channel fulfilment.
• Awareness of QC, batch testing, compliance, and nutrition-product safety.
• Data-driven mindset with strong analytical & dashboarding capabilities.
• Experience with WMS, ERP systems, logistics tech, automation tools.
• Ability to lead large on-ground teams across warehouse, logistics, and suppliers.
• High ownership, process thinking, and problem-solving mindset.

Qualifications

• MBA/PGDM in Operations, Supply Chain, Manufacturing, or related field preferred.
• 7–10 years of experience in Operations, preferably in D2C, FMCG, Nutrition, or Consumer Health.

Interested candidates are requested to send their CVs to hr@aceblend.com, mentioning the job title in the subject line.

Job Types: Full-time, Permanent

Pay: ₹1,800,000.00 - ₹2,000,000.00 per year

Benefits:

• Health insurance
• Provident Fund

Work Location: In person