Head of Operations - Contract Logistics and Cold Chain, DP World

Role & responsibilities

1. End-to-End Operations Leadership

• Lead multi-site operations including ambient warehouses, cold storage facilities (chilled/frozen), and distribution networks
• Ensure seamless execution across inbound, storage, inventory management, order fulfilment, and last-mile delivery
• Drive standardization and implementation of SOPs across all sites

2. Cold Chain Excellence

• Ensure temperature integrity across the supply chain (28C, frozen, ambient as applicable)
• Implement robust monitoring systems (IoT, sensors, data loggers)
• Ensure compliance with regulatory standards (FSSAI, GDP, HACCP, ISO, etc.)
• Manage risk related to product spoilage, wastage, and compliance breaches

3. Cost Management

• Drive cost optimization, productivity improvements, and margin expansion
• Work with finance and solution team on budgets, capex planning, and ROI on automation and infrastructure investments

4. Commercial Interface

• Partner with commercial teams on solution design, pricing inputs, and onboarding
• Ensure high customer satisfaction and retention through consistent SLA delivery in conjunction with Customer Experience Team.

5. Process Excellence & Digital Transformation

• Drive continuous improvement (Lean, Six Sigma, Kaizen)
• Lead deployment and optimization of WMS, TMS, and cold chain monitoring systems
• Introduce automation (ASRS, conveyors, robotics where applicable)

6. Network Optimization & Expansion

• Optimize warehouse footprint, capacity utilization, and distribution network
• Lead greenfield and brownfield expansion projects including cold storage facilities
• Ensure scalability aligned with growth targets

7. Safety, Quality & Compliance

• Ensure adherence to HSE standards and zero-incident culture
• Maintain high audit readiness (internal/external audits)
• Ensure strict compliance with cold chain quality standards and regulatory requirements

Preferred candidate profile

• Bachelors degree in engineering / supply chain / Logistics (MBA preferred)
• 1520+ years of experience in contract logistics, with strong exposure to cold chain operations
• Proven track record of managing multi-site operations
• Experience in industries such as FMCG, Pharma, Food, QSR, or Retail
• Experience with large 3PL / integrated logistics providers preferred
• Exposure to automation and digital transformation in warehousing preferred
• Experience in setting up or scaling cold chain infrastructure preferred
• Strong operational and commercial acumen
• Deep understanding of cold chain logistics and compliance standards
• Leadership and stakeholder management skills
• Data-driven decision-making
• Process excellence and continuous improvement mindset
• Ability to scale operations in a dynamic environment