Associate Director - Motherhub Ops

Position Overview

The Assistant Director Motherhub Operations will be responsible for managing and overseeing end-to-end warehouse operations across Mother Hubs, ensuring operational efficiency, cost optimization, inventory accuracy, and adherence to service-level agreements.

The role involves managing warehouse infrastructure, manpower, inventory movement, and logistics coordination while driving productivity, process improvements, and operational excellence. The incumbent will work closely with regional operations, supply chain, procurement, finance, and other cross-functional teams to ensure seamless warehouse functioning and achievement of business objectives.

Key Responsibilities

1. End-to-End Warehouse Operations

• Oversee end-to-end Motherhub operations, including inbound, putaway, storage, inventory management, picking, dispatch, and outbound activities.
• Ensure smooth functioning of warehouse operations across FMCG, Fruits & Vegetables (F&V), and cold-chain warehouses, as applicable.
• Drive operational efficiency, throughput, productivity, and adherence to defined service-level agreements.
• Ensure optimal utilization of warehouse infrastructure, storage capacity, and operational resources.
• Monitor daily operational performance and resolve bottlenecks to ensure uninterrupted warehouse functioning.

2. Operational Excellence & Productivity

• Drive continuous improvement initiatives to enhance warehouse productivity, operational efficiency, and process adherence.
• Identify operational gaps, process inefficiencies, and opportunities for improvement.
• Implement standard operating procedures (SOPs) and ensure compliance with established operational processes.
• Monitor key operational metrics, including order processing time, inventory accuracy, throughput, and manpower productivity.
• Lead initiatives to improve turnaround time, reduce operational errors, and enhance overall warehouse performance.

3. Cost Management & Optimization

• Drive cost efficiency across warehouse operations, including fixed costs, rentals, manpower, operational expenditure, and logistics costs.
• Monitor warehouse-level costs and identify opportunities for cost optimization without compromising service quality.
• Ensure effective manpower planning and optimal deployment of resources in line with business requirements.
• Partner with Finance and Procurement teams to monitor budgets, control operational expenses, and drive cost-saving initiatives.
• Identify and address cost leakages, operational inefficiencies, and resource utilization gaps.

4. Inventory & Process Management

• Ensure inventory accuracy through effective stock management, cycle counts, and reconciliation processes.
• Monitor inventory movement, stock availability, damages, wastage, and expiry management.
• Establish controls to minimize inventory losses, shrinkage, and operational discrepancies.
• Ensure adherence to quality, safety, hygiene, and storage standards across warehouses.
• For F&V and cold-chain operations, ensure appropriate handling, temperature control, and product quality standards.

5. Team & Stakeholder Management

• Lead and manage warehouse operations teams, including Managers, Team Leads, and frontline associates.
• Build a strong performance-driven culture focused on ownership, accountability, productivity, and operational discipline.
• Drive workforce planning, capability development, and performance management across the team.
• Collaborate with regional operations, central supply chain, transportation, procurement, finance, and other relevant stakeholders.
• Ensure effective coordination across functions to support business continuity and operational requirements.

6. Performance Monitoring & Reporting

• Monitor daily, weekly, and monthly warehouse performance against defined operational targets.
• Develop and review performance dashboards covering productivity, cost, inventory accuracy, service levels, and manpower utilization.
• Provide regular business updates, highlight operational challenges, and recommend corrective actions.
• Drive timely closure of operational issues through structured reviews and action plans.
• Ensure compliance with company policies, safety standards, and operational governance requirements.

7. Strategic Planning & Business Support

• Support warehouse capacity planning, network expansion, and infrastructure-related initiatives.
• Partner with business and central teams to align warehouse capabilities with business growth and demand requirements.
• Drive operational readiness for new warehouse launches, capacity expansion, and process transitions.
• Evaluate operational requirements and recommend improvements in warehouse layout, processes, and resource planning.
• Contribute to strategic initiatives focused on scalability, service quality, and overall supply chain efficiency.

Key Performance Indicators (KPIs)

• Warehouse operational efficiency and productivity.
• Cost per unit and cost per order.
• Inbound and outbound turnaround time.
• Inventory accuracy and reconciliation compliance.
• Manpower productivity and resource utilization.
• Order fulfilment and dispatch SLA adherence.
• Warehouse capacity utilization.
• Reduction in damages, wastage, shrinkage, and operational losses.
• Safety, quality, and process compliance.
• Achievement of operational and cost-saving targets.

Qualifications & Experience

• Bachelor's degree in Engineering, Supply Chain Management, Operations, Commerce, or a related field. MBA or postgraduate qualification in Operations/Supply Chain Management is preferred.
• 8–12 years of experience in warehouse operations, supply chain, logistics, or distribution management.
• Proven experience managing large-scale warehouse or Motherhub operations.
• Experience handling multiple operational functions, including inbound, outbound, inventory management, manpower planning, and logistics coordination.
• Demonstrated experience in operational planning, cost management, productivity improvement, and process optimization.
• Experience managing large teams and collaborating with cross-functional stakeholders.
• Exposure to FMCG, grocery, F&V, or cold-chain warehouse operations would be an advantage.

Skills & Competencies

• Strong understanding of end-to-end warehouse and supply chain operations.
• Excellent people management, leadership, and stakeholder management skills.
• Strong analytical and problem-solving abilities.
• Ability to drive operational excellence and process improvements.
• Strong commercial acumen and cost optimization capabilities.
• Data-driven approach with proficiency in MS Excel, dashboards, and operational reporting tools.
• Strong communication, decision-making, and execution skills.
• High ownership, accountability, and ability to manage dynamic operational environments.