Role Overview The D2C Lead will be responsible for managing end-to-end Direct-to-Consumer (D2C) operations across sourcing, distribution centre (DC) operations, inventory management, order fulfilment, and dispatch readiness for fruits and vegetables. The role focuses on ensuring seamless execution from procurement to customer delivery while maintaining high standards of freshness, quality, operational efficiency, and customer experience. The incumbent will play a critical role in optimizing sourcing strategies, managing vendor ecosystems, improving warehouse operations, and driving scalable supply chain processes in a fast-paced, high-volume environment.

Key Responsibilities

- Own and drive sourcing strategy for fruits and vegetables aligned with demand forecasts, seasonality, and operational requirements

- Develop and manage sourcing channels including mandis, farmers, aggregators, and direct partnerships

- Lead vendor negotiations, commercial discussions, and supplier performance management

- Ensure cost optimization while maintaining quality, freshness, and availability standards

- Monitor market trends, pricing fluctuations, and supply risks to ensure uninterrupted operations

- Oversee end-to-end DC operations including sorting, grading, processing, inventory handling, packaging, and dispatch

- Ensure adherence to SOPs, hygiene standards, inventory accuracy, and operational processes

- Improve operational productivity, turnaround time (TAT), fill rates, and dispatch efficiency

- Minimize wastage, shrinkage, and operational losses across the supply chain

- Coordinate closely with sourcing, warehouse, logistics, demand planning, and customer teams for smooth execution





- Optimize manpower utilization and workflow management within the distribution centre

- Track and improve operational KPIs including freshness scores, procurement costs, vendor performance, OTIF, and fill rates

- Leverage operational data and insights to drive process improvements, scalability, and better unit economics

- Build and lead high-performing operational teams with strong execution focus and accountability

- Ensure operational readiness during peak demand periods and scale-up phases

Requirements

- Bachelor s degree in Supply Chain, Operations, Agriculture, Business, or related field; MBA preferred

- 5-8 years of relevant experience in sourcing, supply chain, warehouse operations, or D2C fulfilment

- Solid exposure to fruits & vegetables sourcing, mandi operations, or fresh produce ecosystems

- Prior experience in D2C, quick commerce, e-commerce, FMCG, or fresh produce startups preferred

- Strong understanding of DC operations, inventory flow, and supply chain execution

- Proven experience in vendor management, commercial negotiations, and procurement planning

- Strong operational and analytical skills with data-driven decision-making capabilities

- Excellent stakeholder management and cross-functional collaboration skills

- Strong leadership mindset with ability to manage operational teams in high-pressure environments

- Problem-solving orientation with focus on continuous improvement and execution excellence

- Ability to thrive in fast-paced, dynamic, and high-volume operational environments

Disclaimer: This job posting has been aggregated from external source. Role details, content, and availability are subject to change. Applicants are advised to confirm the latest information directly on the company website before applying.

📌 LeadC (Mumbai)
🏢 Essar Steel
📍 Mumbai