Job Description

Position Overview:
The Area Operations Head will be responsible for ensuring timely, efficient, and profitable delivery of shipments across the assigned area. This role requires strong leadership to manage service centers, PUD/DC operations, and fleet utilization, while driving operational excellence, cost optimization, and customer satisfaction. Job Purpose:
To lead and oversee end-to-end operations in the area, ensuring service quality, adherence to SOPs, expansion into new markets, and compliance with financial and regulatory guidelines, while building high-performing teams to achieve business objectives. Key Roles & Responsibilities:
1. Financial Management & Cost Control

• Partner with the Area Head to develop annual budgets for the area.

• Ensure adherence to approved capital and operational expenditure limits.

• Monitor and analyze key cost metrics, including Operating Cost per Movement (OCPM) and Operating Cost per Kilogram (OCPK), implementing corrective measures as needed.

• Identify opportunities for cost optimization without compromising service quality.

2. Service Delivery & Operational Excellence

• Ensure timely, accurate, and profitable delivery of shipments in line with contractual service standards.

• Oversee the performance and efficiency of all Service Centers and PUD Centers within the area.

• Drive key operational metrics such as on-time delivery, adherence to transit times, reduction in RTOs, and SOP compliance.

• Implement execution excellence initiatives to enhance process accuracy and reduce operational deviations.

• Maintain strict adherence to shipment safety and security protocols.

3. Network Expansion & Infrastructure Development

• Support reach enhancement initiatives including expansion into Tier 2/Tier 3 cities and development of RSPs.

• Assess infrastructure requirements against business growth targets and prepare CAPEX or capacity expansion proposals.

• Coordinate with relevant teams for timely approvals and implementation of infrastructure projects.

4. Capability Building & Training

• Facilitate the planning and delivery of functional training programs for Service Centre and PUD operations teams.

• Promote a culture of continuous improvement by upskilling employees in operational best practices and emerging technologies.

5. Fleet & Resource Optimization

• Ensure optimal productivity and utilization of feeder and milk-run fleets across the area.

• Monitor fleet deployment efficiency to reduce idle time and improve cost efficiency.

6. People Leadership & Performance Management

• Provide clear direction, guidance, and support to area team members to enable high performance.

• Monitor team performance regularly, recognizing and rewarding high achievers.

• Mentor, coach, and develop team members to strengthen capabilities and maintain a strong succession pipeline. Qualifications & Experience:

Education:

• Essential: Bachelor's degree in Business, Logistics, Supply Chain, or a related field.

• Preferred: MBA/PGDM in Operations, Logistics, or Business Management.

Experience

• 6-8 years of experience in logistics, distribution, or operations leadership roles.

• Proven track record in managing multi-location operational setups and achieving cost and service targets.

Skills & Capabilities:
Core Technical Skills:

• Strong understanding of logistics operations, fleet management, and cost optimization.

• Proficient in operations performance metrics and SOP compliance.

• Familiarity with logistics technology platforms and operational analytics tools.

Behavioural Competencies:

• Leadership: Inspires, motivates, and leads diverse teams effectively.

• Analytical Thinking: Identifies operational gaps and implements solutions.

• Collaboration: Works seamlessly with cross-functional teams.

• Results Orientation: Committed to achieving cost, service, and quality objectives. Key Performance Indicators:

Key Performance Indicators (KPIs)
1 Optimize costs in the area

• % reduction in OCPK and OCPM

2 Reach enhancement

• Expansion into Tier 2/Tier 3 cities as per plan (via RSPs and BDEs)

3 Service quality & excellence

• NSL adherence, delivery as per transit time, % undelivered shipments, SOP compliance rate, target NPS scores

4 Shipment security

• Number of open security-related cases

5 Regulatory compliance

• 100% adherence to all applicable regulatory requirements

Skills Required