Supply Chain Manager

Job Summary

The Supply Chain Manager is responsible for planning, managing, and optimizing endtoend supply chain operations in a food / FMCG manufacturing environment. This includes procurement of raw materials and packaging, production planning, warehousing, logistics & distribution, inventory management, supplier relationships, cost control, and ensuring compliance with food safety & quality standards. The role requires strategic leadership to deliver efficient supply, minimize lead times, reduce cost, and maintain high service levels.

Key Responsibilities

1. Strategic Planning & Leadership

• Develop, implement, and continuously improve supply chain strategy aligned with business goals.
• Lead the supply chain team (procurement, demand/supply planning, logistics, warehousing), setting clear objectives, KPIs, and ensuring accountability.
• Drive initiatives for cost reduction, process optimization, risk mitigation, and sustainability.

2. Forecasting, Demand & Supply Planning

• Work with Sales, Marketing, Production, Finance to generate accurate demand forecasts.
• Align supply (raw materials, packaging) and production capacity with forecasts.
• Monitor forecast vs actuals, identify variances, adjust plans proactively.

3. Procurement & Supplier Management

• Source raw materials, packaging, other supplies; negotiate contracts, pricing, delivery terms.
• Develop supplier base: assess performance, ensure quality, cost, delivery reliability.
• Ensure contingency planning for supplier disruptions.

4. Inventory Management

• Maintain optimal levels of inventory for raw materials, packaging, WIP (if applicable), and finished goods.
• Track slow-moving, obsolete stock, wastage / shrinkage / losses.
• Use tools / systems (ERP, WMS) for accurate tracking and reporting.

5. Production & Warehouse Operations

• Coordinate with production to ensure raw materials are available and production schedules are met.
• Ensure warehouse operations (inbound, storage, picking, packing, outbound) are efficient, safe, compliant.
• Oversee rollout / maintenance of warehouse management systems (WMS), material handling equipment, standard operating procedures (SOPs).

6. Logistics & Distribution

• Plan & manage inbound logistics (suppliers to plant) and outbound (plant to customers / distributors / retailers).
• Oversee transportation, thirdparty logistics (3PL) if used.
• Optimize routing, freight costs, packaging for shipping, lead times.

7. Quality, Safety & Compliance

• Ensure all supply chain activities comply with relevant food safety regulations (e.g. HACCP, local / international food safety / hygiene norms).
• Ensure compliance with legal & regulatory requirements in procurement, import / export, storage, transportation.
• Maintain product integrity (especially important for coffee / perishable goods) through good handling practices, temperature control, etc.

8. Cost, Performance & Metrics Management

• Define and monitor key performance indicators (KPIs) like OTIF (On Time In Full), inventory turns, order lead time, cost per unit of supply / logistics, wastage, working capital tied up in inventory, etc.
• Prepare budgets, forecasts, and reports for senior management.
• Identify costsaving opportunities and lead continuous improvement projects.

9. Team Management & Stakeholder Collaboration

• Mentor and develop supply chain staff, manage performance, ensure capability building.
• Collaborate crossfunctionally with Production, Sales, Finance, Quality, R&D etc. to ensure supply chain supports business objectives.
• Liaise with external stakeholders (suppliers, logistics partners, regulatory bodies).

10. Risk Management & Business Continuity

• Identify risks in supply chain (raw material availability, supplier failures, transportation delays, regulatory changes etc.).
• Prepare mitigation plans; ensure continuity of supply in emergencies.
• Maintain inventory safety stock / backup suppliers etc.

Qualifications / Requirements

• Bachelors degree in Supply Chain Management / Logistics / Operations / Industrial Engineering / Business or related field. MBA or Masters preferred.
• Significant experience (often 4-8+ years) in supply chain roles in FMCG / food manufacturing; experience as a senior / managerial role essential.
• Prior experience managing all elements of supply chain: procurement, demand/supply planning, warehousing, logistics & distribution.
• Strong knowledge of Advance Excel, ERP/MRP systems, WMS, supply chain analytics, forecasting tools.
• Deep understanding of food safety standards / regulations applicable in your geography.
• Proven track record in cost optimization, vendor negotiation, process improvement.

Skills & Competencies

• Strategic Thinking & Planning
• Analytical Skills, DataDriven Decision Making
• Excellent Negotiation & Supplier Management
• Leadership, Team Building & Coaching
• Project Management
• Communication & Stakeholder Management
• Adaptability, ProblemSolving in dynamic / fast paced environment
• Attention to Detail & Quality Focus
• Working Capital Management

Working Conditions & Other Requirements

• Factory / plant environment; frequent visits to warehouse, production floor, logistics hubs.
• May include travel (supplier visits, site audits).
• Pressure to meet deadlines, manage emergencies (delays, shortages etc.).
• Familiarity with shift operations, seasonal demand fluctuations.