The Supply Chain Manager will be responsible for managing and optimising the end-to-end supply chain operations, ensuring seamless flow of products, materials and information from suppliers to manufacturing facilities, warehouses and customers.The role will drive supply chain efficiency, improve service levels, optimise inventory, strengthen supplier relationships and enhance operational effectiveness while ensuring cost competitiveness and compliance with organisational standards.The position will work closely with Sales, Marketing, Finance, Procurement, Manufacturing, Warehousing and Distribution teams to ensure alignment between business demand and supply chain capabilities.2. Key ResponsibilitiesA.

Supply Chain

Strategy & Operations

- Develop and implement an integrated supply chain strategy aligned with business objectives.
- Manage end-to-end supply chain operations, including procurement, planning, logistics, warehousing and distribution.
- Drive operational excellence through standardisation, process optimisation and continuous improvement initiatives.
- Identify supply chain risks and develop mitigation strategies to ensure business continuity.
- Establish operational governance, policies, processes and performance standards.
- Drive cross-functional collaboration to improve supply chain responsiveness and efficiency.

B. Demand & Supply Planning

- Lead demand planning and supply planning activities in coordination with Sales, Marketing and Business teams.
- Develop accurate demand forecasts based on historical trends, market intelligence and business projections.
- Drive Sales and Operations Planning (S&OP;) processes to ensure alignment between demand, supply and inventory.
- Monitor demand fluctuations and proactively manage supply constraints.
- Ensure optimal availability of products across distribution channels.
- Improve forecast accuracy and reduce excess or obsolete inventory.
- Coordinate with manufacturing and global supply chain teams for production and replenishment planning.

C. Procurement & Vendor Management

- Develop procurement strategies to ensure cost-effective sourcing of materials, products and services.
- Manage supplier relationships, contract negotiations and vendor performance.
- Identify opportunities for supplier consolidation, strategic sourcing and cost optimisation.
- Establish vendor evaluation frameworks covering quality, delivery, pricing and compliance.
- Ensure procurement activities adhere to internal policies and approval processes.
- Develop alternate sourcing strategies to minimise supply risks.

D. Inventory & Warehouse Management





- Develop inventory management strategies to optimise stock levels and working capital.
- Ensure appropriate inventory availability across warehouses and distribution centres.
- Monitor inventory ageing, slow-moving and non-moving stock.
- Establish inventory control mechanisms and conduct periodic stock audits.
- Improve warehouse productivity, storage utilisation and operational efficiency.
- Drive warehouse automation and digitalisation initiatives wherever applicable.
- Ensure compliance with safety, quality and regulatory requirements.

E. Logistics & Distribution Management

- Manage domestic and international logistics operations, including inbound and outbound transportation.
- Oversee transportation planning, freight management and distribution network optimisation.
- Ensure timely deliveries to customers, distributors, retail outlets and business partners.
- Manage logistics service providers and evaluate their operational performance.
- Drive freight cost optimisation without compromising delivery timelines.
- Manage import/export documentation, customs clearance and regulatory compliance.
- Monitor delivery performance and resolve logistics-related escalations.

F. Import & Export Operations

- Manage international shipments and cross-border supply chain activities.
- Ensure compliance with customs regulations, foreign trade policies and applicable statutory requirements.
- Coordinate with customs brokers, freight forwarders and international logistics partners.
- Monitor international freight costs, shipment lead times and documentation accuracy.
- Ensure smooth coordination with global sourcing and manufacturing locations.

G. Cost Optimisation & Financial Management

- Develop and manage the supply chain operating budget.
- Identify opportunities to reduce procurement, transportation, warehousing and inventory costs.
- Monitor logistics expenditure and drive cost-saving initiatives.
- Optimise working capital through effective inventory management.
- Track cost-to-serve and supply chain profitability.
- Partner with Finance for budgeting, forecasting and periodic performance reviews.

H. Technology & Digital Transformation

- Leverage ERP platforms such as SAP, Oracle or Microsoft Dynamics 365 for supply chain operations.




- Drive automation of supply chain processes and reporting mechanisms.
- Develop dashboards for monitoring operational KPIs.
- Implement data-driven decision-making practices.
- Identify opportunities to leverage advanced analytics, AI and digital supply chain solutions.

I. Stakeholder & Team Management

- Lead and develop the supply chain team across planning, procurement, logistics and warehousing.
- Establish clear performance objectives and accountability across functions.
- Collaborate with internal and external stakeholders to resolve operational challenges.
- Build robust relationships with global supply chain teams and regional business leaders.
- Drive capability development, succession planning and operational excellence.

3. Key Performance Indicators (KPIs)Performance AreaKey KPIDemand PlanningForecast accuracySupply PlanningSupply fulfilment rateInventoryInventory turns and ageingLogisticsOn-time delivery (OTIF)ProcurementProcurement cost savingsWarehousingWarehouse productivityDistributionOrder fulfilment cycle timeFinancialSupply chain cost as % of revenueCustomer ServiceOrder fulfilment accuracyComplianceStatutory and audit compliance4. Educational Qualifications

- Bachelor's degree in Supply Chain Management, Logistics, Operations, Engineering or Business Administration.
- MBA / Postgraduate qualification in Supply Chain Management or Operations preferred.
- Certifications in APICS CSCP, CPIM, ISM or equivalent would be an advantage.

5. Experience & Technical Competencies

- 1216 years of relevant experience in supply chain management, preferably in manufacturing, retail, FMCG, healthcare, medical devices or consumer products.
- Strong experience in end-to-end supply chain management.
- Demonstrated expertise in demand and supply planning, inventory management and logistics.
- Experience managing domestic and international supply chain operations.
- Strong understanding of procurement, warehousing, transportation and distribution.
- Experience working with ERP systems such as SAP, Oracle or Microsoft Dynamics 365.
- Strong analytical, financial and problem-solving capabilities.
- Experience managing cross-functional teams and external service providers.

6. Key Competencies

- Strategic thinking and business acumen.
- Strong leadership and stakeholder management.
- Commercial and financial orientation.
- Data-driven decision-making.
- Negotiation and vendor management.
- Operational excellence and continuous improvement.
- Change management and digital transformation.
- Strong communication and execution capabilities.

📌 Supply Chain Manager (Kolkata)
🏢 Essilor
📍 Kolkata