02 Aug
|
Neolife India
|
Noida
02 Aug
Neolife India
Noida
SUMMARY The Operations & Finance Manager will serve as a key operational leader for NeoLife India Private Limited and will be responsible for supporting the setup and day-to-day management of business operations, finance coordination, compliance support, vendor management, and cross-functional execution in-country. This includes supply chain and importation, liaison with India contract manufacturers, distribution and logistics, finance and accounting oversight, human resources, information technology, and cross-functional coordination across both the Operations and Field Development departments.
As NeoLife India Private Limited operates as a lean start-up entity, the Operations & Finance Manager must be a hands-on generalist with the ability to execute at a tactical level while building the systems and discipline required for scalable growth. A robust accounting and financial management background is essential to this role, as the incumbent will maintain direct oversight of the finance function, including daily accounting controls and monthly close.
Experience in importation and customs management is an advantage given the nature of NeoLife's product supply model.
DIRECT REPORTS
As the India team is established, expected direct reports to the Operations & Finance Manager may include:
- Product Supply Manager
- Distribution / Logistics Specialist
- Finance Specialist (inclusive of Accountant and Accounts Clerk sub-reports)
- IT Specialist
- Field Support Officers (2)
ESSENTIAL DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES 1. Overall Company Oversight & Cross-Functional Leadership
- Serve as the primary operational point-of-contact and decision-maker for all in-country functions.
- Establish operational priorities, KPIs, and accountability frameworks aligned with NeoLife's global strategy.
- Lead through functional specialists to ensure consistent execution across all departments.
- Drive cross-departmental collaboration between Operations and Field Development to eliminate silos and ensure seamless distributor service.
- Represent NeoLife India in dealings with government bodies, regulatory authorities, vendors, and third-party service providers.
- Build scalable processes and operational infrastructure appropriate for a growing direct-sales entity in India.
- Develop succession and talent capability within the Operations team.
2. Supply Chain, Importation & Contract Manufacturing
- Oversee the end-to-end product supply chain from international sourcing to in-country distribution.
- Manage the importation process including customs clearance, duty payments, and liaising with customs brokers and freight forwarders.
- Coordinate with NeoLife's global contract manufacturers (CMs) on purchase orders, production planning, and shipment scheduling.
- Ensure FSSAI product registration and import licences are current and compliant.
- Monitor inbound shipment performance and escalate supply disruptions proactively.
- Identify and mitigate supply continuity risks, including alternative sourcing strategies where appropriate.
- Maintain import documentation standards in accordance with Indian Customs Law and FSSAI regulations.
3. Distribution, Logistics & Third-Party Logistics (3PL) Management
- Oversee all 3PL relationships including warehouse operations, picking and packing, and outbound order fulfilment.
- Monitor inventory levels, stock accuracy, and cycle counts to ensure stock integrity.
- Ensure distributor orders are processed, dispatched,
and delivered within committed timelines.
- Manage distribution routing and optimise last-mile delivery cost and reliability.
- Oversee returns management, claims processing, and 3PL performance scorecards.
4. Finance & Accounting Oversight
- Review and approve sales and inventory monthly forecasts.
- Provide daily oversight of all accounting activities performed by the Finance Specialist, Accountant, and Accounts Clerk.
- Review and approve journal entries, bank reconciliations, and payment runs.
- Own the month-end close process, ensuring all entries are posted, reconciled, and reported within agreed deadlines.
- Oversee GST filings, TDS compliance, and other statutory financial obligations in coordination with external tax advisors.
- Prepare and present monthly financial performance reports to global leadership.
- Manage the in-country operating budget; cash, monitor actuals vs. plan and report variances with commentary.
- Maintain signatory authority and banking relationships for NeoLife India's operating accounts.
- Ensure a strong internal control environment across all financial processes.
5. Human Resources
- Manage end-to-end HR functions for the India entity, including recruitment, onboarding, and offboarding.
- Administer payroll processing and ensure statutory compliance (EPF, Gratuity, ESIC where applicable, TDS).
- Maintain employee records, leave management, and HR documentation in accordance with Indian labour law.
- Lead performance review cycles and support functional managers in appraisal processes.
- Foster a positive, compliant, and professional workplace culture consistent with NeoLife's values.
- Coordinate with NeoLife's global HR function on policies, compensation benchmarks, and talent standards.
6. Information Technology & Office Systems
- Oversee the IT Specialist to ensure reliable office systems, hardware, software, and connectivity.
- Ensure business systems (ERP, order management, distributor portal) are operational and supported.
- Champion data security, access management, and IT compliance standards.
- Support the implementation of any global or regional technology rollouts within India.
7. Regulatory & Compliance
- Ensure NeoLife India's full compliance with FSSAI (Food Safety and Standards Authority of India) regulations.
- Maintain all applicable business registrations, licences, and statutory filings.
- Monitor changes in Indian regulatory requirements impacting product importation, labelling, or distribution.
- Liaise with NeoLife's global regulatory and legal teams to address compliance matters in a timely manner.
QUALIFICATIONS To perform this role successfully, the candidate must be able to perform each essential duty to a high standard. The requirements below are representative of the knowledge, skills, and experience required.
Education and Experience
- Bachelor's degree in Accounting, Finance, Commerce, Business Administration, or a related field.
- CA (Chartered Accountant) qualification, CPA, CMA, or equivalent professional accounting certification.
- Minimum 7-10 years of progressive experience in operations management with direct accountability for financial oversight and accounting functions.
- Demonstrated experience managing month-end close, P&L; reporting, bank reconciliations, and statutory financial compliance in India.
- Experience working with contract manufacturers and third-party suppliers in a related field.
- Experience in direct sales, FMCG, health & nutrition, or consumer goods environment.
- Proven track record of managing cross-functional teams including supply chain, logistics, and finance.
- Experience managing importation, customs clearance, and working with freight forwarders or customs brokers in India. [Preferred]
- Familiarity with FSSAI product registration requirements and import compliance for food supplements or nutraceuticals. [Preferred]
- Experience working in a start-up, greenfield, or subsidiary operation building structure and process from a low base. [Preferred]
- Exposure to 3PL management, warehouse operations, or supply chain logistics. [Preferred]
Knowledge, Skills & Competencies
- Strong financial acumen able to read, analyse, and explain P&L; statements, balance sheets, and cash flow reports.
- Working knowledge of Indian GST, TDS, EPF, and other statutory compliance frameworks.
- Proficiency in accounting and ERP software (Tally, SAP, Oracle, or similar).
- Excellent written and verbal communication skills in English; Hindi proficiency is an advantage.
- Strong leadership through influence, able to drive performance without relying solely on authority.
- Decisive, solutions-oriented, and comfortable operating with ambiguity in a lean organisational structure.
- High attention to detail with strong analytical and problem-solving capability.
- Ability to manage multiple priorities simultaneously and meet tight deadlines.
- Proficiency in Microsoft Office Suite (Excel, Word, PowerPoint); advanced Excel skills preferred.
Language Skills Proficiency in English is required. The candidate must be able to read, analyse, and communicate complex financial, regulatory, and operational information in written and verbal English. Correspondence with NeoLife's global headquarters will be conducted entirely in English. Hindi fluency is an advantage for local stakeholder management.
Behavioural Expectations
- Professional discretion and accountability
- Results-driven and solution-oriented mindset
- Ability to manage complexity and competing priorities
- Collaborative approach across functions and cultures
- Integrity and compliance-focused decision-making
Work Environment Office-based role located in Noida / NCR. Occasional travel within India for distributor events, warehouse visits, government offices, or 3PL facility inspections. Standard use of computers, telecommunications equipment, and office software. Some extended hours may be required at month-end close and during peak business periods.
SUPERVISORY RESPONSIBILITIES The Operations & Finance Manager carries full supervisory responsibility for all direct reports listed above, and extended accountability for the Finance sub-reports (Accountant and Accounts Clerk).
Responsibilities include interviewing, hiring, onboarding, and training staff; assigning and directing work; conducting performance appraisals; administering disciplinary processes; and resolving workplace issues, all in accordance with applicable Indian labour law and NeoLife's global HR policies.
📌 Operations & Finance Manager (Noida)
🏢 Neolife India
📍 Noida