Procurement Lead- Logistics & Warehousing

Position Summary

ZEISS India is looking for a seasoned and proactive Procurement Lead – Logistics & Warehousing to take ownership of sourcing, contracting, and optimizing third-party logistics (3PL), warehousing, distribution, and supply chain-related services across its diversified business operations.

This role is critical to ensuring high performance and cost-effectiveness in logistics and supply chain services for the entire ZEISS India ecosystem, including Sales & Service, Manufacturing, Supply Chain, Real Estate & Facilities, and the Global Capability Center (GCC). The individual will lead vendor negotiations, drive digital procurement transformation, and establish world-class sourcing processes to support operational excellence.

Key Responsibilities

1. Logistics & Warehousing Category Management

• Develop and execute a category strategy for logistics and warehousing, covering domestic/international freight, 3PL services, courier/express shipments, inventory hubs, bonded warehouses, and cold chain (as applicable).
• Conduct comprehensive spending analysis, supplier market intelligence, and cost benchmarking to optimize category performance.
• Own the end-to-end procurement process for logistics partners—from RFI/RFP to final contract execution.

2. Vendor Negotiation & Relationship Management

• Lead commercial negotiations to secure cost-effective, scalable, and compliant logistics and warehousing services.
• Establish and manage long-term relationships with logistics service providers (LSPs), freight forwarders, customs agents, and warehousing vendors.
• Define and monitor KPIs such as OTIF (On Time in Full), warehouse accuracy, freight cost per unit, and SLA adherence.

3. Digital Procurement & Process Optimization

• Drive the adoption of digital tools for logistics sourcing, vendor onboarding, contract management, and spend tracking using platforms like SAP/S4HANA, Jaggaer, or equivalent.
• Implement e-sourcing and automated workflows to increase speed, transparency, and control in procurement operations.
• Develop real-time dashboards and analytics reports for cost performance, supplier scorecards, and risk tracking.

4. Cross-functional Engagement & Support

• Collaborate with internal stakeholders across Manufacturing, Sales & Service, Supply Chain, Facilities, and GCC to understand logistics requirements and ensure alignment of sourcing strategies.
• Act as a subject matter expert for logistics procurement, advising internal teams on transport modes, distribution models, and cost drivers.
• Ensure demand aggregation across functions to leverage scale and improve sourcing leverage.

5. Risk, Compliance & Governance

• Ensure compliance with Indian and international trade regulations, customs laws, and ZEISS internal procurement policies.
• Monitor supplier risks including capacity constraints, service failures, and regulatory non-compliance, and establish risk mitigation plans.
• Support sustainability initiatives by promoting eco-friendly logistics solutions (green transportation, route optimization, etc.).

Qualifications

• Education:

  Bachelor’s degree in Supply Chain, Logistics, Engineering, or Business Administration. MBA or professional certifications (e.g., CSCP, CPIM, CIPS) preferred.

• Experience:

  7–10 years of experience in logistics, warehousing, or indirect procurement in a manufacturing or multinational environment.
• Proven track record in managing high value 3PL and freight contracts, with a deep understanding of Incoterms, customs processes, and warehousing operations.
• Proficiency in SAP/S4HANA, Jaggaer, or similar e-procurement platforms.

Core Competencies

• Strategic Sourcing & Negotiation Skills
• Logistics & Supply Chain Knowledge
• Digital Procurement & Analytical Skills
• Supplier Performance Management
• Risk Management & Regulatory Compliance
• Process Design & Operational Excellence
• Stakeholder Management & Cross-Functional Collaboration
• Result-Oriented & Agile Mindset

Why ZEISS?

"Seeing Beyond."