Supply Chain Head

Location: Baner Pune
Position: Supply Chain Head
Reports To: CEO / Managing Director
Experience Required: 12+ years in Supply Chain Management, preferably in the Agriculture/Seed Industry
Educational Qualification: MBA/PGDM in Supply Chain, Operations, or related field; B.Sc./M.Sc. in Agriculture is a plus

Job Summary:

The Supply Chain Head will be responsible for end-to-end supply chain management, including procurement, production planning, inventory management, logistics, and distribution. The role requires strategic planning and execution to optimize efficiency, cost, and quality in the supply chain, ensuring seamless availability of hybrid seeds across markets.

Key Responsibilities:

1. Procurement & Vendor Management:

• Develop and implement procurement strategies for raw materials, hybrid seeds, and packaging materials.
• Identify, evaluate, and negotiate with suppliers for cost-effective and high-quality sourcing.
• Establish long-term relationships with farmers, growers, and seed producers to ensure consistent supply.
• Monitor vendor performance and compliance with quality standards.

2. Production & Inventory Management:

• Coordinate with production and R&D teams to align supply with demand forecasts.
• Ensure optimal inventory levels, minimizing stock-outs and excess inventory.
• Implement warehouse management best practices to ensure seed quality and storage efficiency.
• Develop and manage contract farming agreements for seed production.

3. Logistics & Distribution:

• Oversee the transportation and distribution of seeds across domestic and international markets.
• Optimize supply chain routes for cost-effective and timely delivery.
• Manage third-party logistics (3PL) partnerships and ensure compliance with regulations.
• Implement technology-driven solutions for tracking and monitoring supply chain performance.

4. Demand Planning & Forecasting:

• Work closely with the sales and marketing teams to align supply with market demand.
• Utilize data analytics and forecasting tools to predict demand trends.
• Ensure just-in-time (JIT) supply chain models to meet seasonal agricultural cycles.

5. Compliance & Risk Management:

• Ensure adherence to all regulatory and quality compliance standards related to seed production and distribution.
• Implement risk mitigation strategies for supply chain disruptions (e.g., climate impact, regulatory changes).
• Maintain proper documentation for traceability, audits, and certifications.

6. Team Leadership & Process Improvement:

• Build and lead a high-performing supply chain team.
• Foster collaboration across departments to drive efficiency and innovation.
• Continuously evaluate and improve supply chain processes using lean and agile methodologies.
• Leverage ERP and digital tools for end-to-end supply chain visibility.

Key Skills & Competencies:

✔ Strong expertise in procurement, logistics, and inventory management
✔ Knowledge of seed production, storage, and distribution best practices
✔ Experience in supply chain optimization and cost reduction strategies
✔ Ability to manage vendor relationships and contract negotiations
✔ Proficiency in ERP systems and supply chain analytics tools
✔ Leadership and people management skills
✔ Strong problem-solving and decision-making abilities
✔ Knowledge of regulatory and compliance frameworks in the seed industry