Manager Logistics Operations

Job Description

Manager - Logistics Operations South Branch

Location - Chennai

The Manager - Logistics Operations is responsible for end-to-end warehousing and secondary transportation operations for the South Branch, ensuring products are stored and distributed efficiently while delivering required customer service levels at an optimized logistics cost.

The role manages logistics operations across a multi-state network spanning approximately 5-6 states, covering the complete flow from storage at warehouses/CFAs through secondary transportation to distributors and customers.

As a key branch leadership role, the position has significant responsibility for logistics cost, service, capacity and operational performance across both warehousing and transportation.

Key Responsibilities

Warehousing Operations

• Manage warehouse/CFA operations across the assigned geography, ensuring efficient storage and movement of goods.

• Support the identification, evaluation and setup of warehouses/CFAs based on business volumes, network requirements, service expectations and cost.

• Optimize warehouse capacity, layout, throughput, manpower deployment and operational productivity.

• Work closely with CFA/3PL partners to drive day-to-day operational performance and cost efficiency.

• Ensure appropriate inventory handling, hygiene, GMP and applicable food/product safety standards.

• Maintain operational readiness for internal, statutory, quality and global audits.

• Ensure adherence to applicable licenses, including FSSAI, regulatory requirements and operating procedures.

Secondary Transportation

• Manage secondary transportation from depots/warehouses to distributors and customers across the assigned geography, covering approximately 200 vehicles across the region.

• Plan transportation capacity based on business volumes, demand patterns and service requirements.

• Manage multiple transporters/3PL partners and ensure appropriate fleet availability and deployment.

• Drive vehicle utilization, transporter performance, turnaround time and overall transportation efficiency.

• Optimize routes, loads and fleet deployment to improve productivity and control freight costs.

• Manage day-to-day transportation disruptions and ensure continuity of customer service.

Cost & Service Optimization

• Own and manage key branch logistics costs across warehousing and transportation, including warehouse rentals, CFA costs, manpower, freight and transporter payments.

• Balance service, capacity and cost, ensuring customer requirements are met without compromising overall logistics economics.

• Analyze logistics costs and operational KPIs to identify cost leakages, productivity opportunities and areas for improvement.

• Partner with CFAs, transporters and 3PL providers on commercials, performance improvement and cost optimization.

Projects, Innovation & Continuous Improvement

• Lead and support new logistics and warehousing projects, including network changes, new warehouse/CFA setups, transportation initiatives and operational transitions.

• Identify and implement innovative solutions to improve warehouse productivity, transportation efficiency, service levels and logistics cost.

• Drive continuous improvement through process redesign, automation, digital tools, data and new ways of working.

• Evaluate emerging logistics practices and technologies and assess their applicability to branch operations.

• Partner with central Supply Chain, Warehousing, Procurement and other teams to execute logistics transformation and productivity initiatives.

Partner & Stakeholder Management

• Manage relationships with CFAs, transporters, 3PL partners and other logistics service providers.

• Support evaluation, onboarding and transition of new logistics partners.

• Partner closely with Sales, Supply Chain, Customer Service, Finance, Procurement, Quality and other internal stakeholders.

• Manage operational challenges across the multi-state network, ensuring timely resolution while balancing service and cost.

Candidate Profile

We are looking for a logistics professional with experience across secondary transportation, warehousing and distribution operations, ideally within a complex, high-volume distribution environment.

Relevant Industries - In Order of Preference

• FMCG / Food & Beverages - strongly preferred

• Consumer Goods

• E-commerce

• Quick Commerce

• Modern Retail

• Other high-volume distribution-led businesses

Prior FMCG/food experience would be advantageous. However, strong candidates from adjacent sectors with comparable logistics scale and complexity can also be considered.

Experience & Capabilities

The ideal candidate should bring:

• Strong understanding of secondary transportation and distribution logistics, preferably across a multi-location or regional network.

• Hands-on experience in transporter management, fleet planning, capacity management, vehicle deployment and transportation cost management.

• Good understanding of warehouse operations, including capacity, layout/design, manpower planning, throughput and productivity.

• Exposure to CFA/3PL operations and service-provider management.

• Understanding of warehouse compliance, GMP, audits and applicable statutory/regulatory requirements.

• Exposure to FSSAI/food safety requirements would be an advantage for candidates from food/FMCG environments.

• Strong commercial orientation and ability to understand logistics cost drivers and operational KPIs.

• Strong analytical and problem-solving capability, with demonstrated examples of driving operational improvements.

• Ability to manage projects and drive continuous improvement or innovation within logistics operations.

• Strong communication, negotiation and stakeholder-management skills.

• Ability to operate effectively in a fast-moving environment and respond quickly to operational disruptions.

Qualifications

• MBA / PG Diploma in Supply Chain, Operations or Logistics preferred.

• Relevant experience and a strong operational track record will be equally valued.

Business Unit Summary

Mondelez India Foods Private Limited (formerly Cadbury India Ltd.) has been in India for over 70 years, making sure our mouth-watering and well-loved local and global brands such as Cadbury chocolates, Bournvita and Tang powdered beverages, Oreo and Cadbury Bournvita biscuits, and Halls and Cadbury Choclairs Gold candies get safely into our customers hands-and mouths. Headquartered in Mumbai, the company has more than 3,300 employees proudly working across sales offices in New Delhi, Mumbai, Kolkata and Chennai and in manufacturing facilities at Maharashtra, Madhya Pradesh, Himachal Pradesh and Andhra Pradesh, at our global Research & Development Technical Centre and Global Business Hub in Maharashtra and in a vast distribution network across the country. We are also proud to be recognised by Avatar as the Best Companies for Women in India in 2019 - the fourth time we’ve received this award.

Mondelēz International is an equal opportunity employer and all qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, gender, sexual orientation or preference, gender identity, national origin, disability status, protected veteran status, or any other characteristic protected by law.

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