General Manager – Inland Operations & Procurement (IOP)

Job Description

A Bachelor’s or Master’s degree in Logistics, Supply Chain Management, or Business Administration with Commercial & Operational knowledge including Shipping laws and practices.

20-25 Years of Industry Experience out of which 07 years in Leadership Role.

1. Inland Operations & Intermodal Management
Logistics Network: Manage the end-to-end flow of containers between seaports and Inland Container Depots (ICDs) via rail, road, and barge.
Asset Utilization: Optimize container utilization and availability; oversee maintenance and repair (M&R) and monitor inventory levels.
Terminal Operations: Oversee gate operations and yard planning at inland terminals to ensure high equipment utilization.
Cost Control: Manage and mitigate related operational costs, including detention, demurrage, and Line Soft Costs.

2. Strategic Procurement & Vendor Management
Sourcing: Identify and negotiate contracts with inland facility providers (ICDs, CFS, depots) and transportation networks to secure competitive rates.
Contract Management: Manage Service Level Agreements (SLAs) with terminals and transporters, ensuring high service standards.
Performance Audits: Conduct regular audits and KPI reviews (e.g., Turnaround Time – TAT) to monitor vendor performance.

3. Digitalization & Process Improvement
Automation: Implement digital tools for tracking, e-documentation, and automation to reduce manual intervention.
Lean Operations: Streamline processes to eliminate waste and improve overall system efficiency.
Error Prevention: Develop “Error Resolution & Prevention Plans” by correcting root-cause processes.

4. Compliance, Safety & Governance
Regulatory Liaison: Ensure strict compliance with Indian Customs, DG Shipping, and the Merchant Shipping Act.
Safety Standards: Monitor safety and environmental compliance for all cargo types, including hazardous and special goods.
Operational Governance: Develop and enforce Standard Operating Procedures (SOPs) and Internal Operating Procedures (IOPs) across all inland business units

5. Leadership & Financial Management
Team Development: Lead and train national IOP teams, aligning workforce performance with regional and global targets.
Financial Oversight: Develop budgets, monitor financial targets, and drive cost optimization in trucking and container repositioning.
Stakeholder Management: Build strong partnerships with port authorities, railway bodies, and regulatory agencies.