Head - Operations & Supply Chain - eCommerce/Retail

Head Operations & Supply Chain

Location: Bangalore (with business travel)

Experience: 15 - 20 Years

Industry: E-commerce / Lifestyle / Fashion / Retail

Reports To: CEO

About the Role:

We are seeking a senior operations leader to own and scale supply chain, warehousing, and fulfilment across the Client's growing e-commerce portfolio. This role will be responsible for driving end-to-end supply chain operations across the Client's portfolio, including leading multi-functional teams, driving automation and process excellence, and partnering with internal and external stakeholders.

Leadership & Stakeholder Management:

- Operate as a cross-business operations leader, not limited to a single brand or vertical, as the company scales.

- Represent Operations at leadership levels; build business cases, ROI analyses, and investment proposals for automation, expansion, and technology.

- Build the credibility to influence leadership on capital-intensive decisions (owned warehouse, automation, technology platforms) through data-driven analysis and risk assessment.

- Act as the primary decision-making authority for operations.

- Build strong cross-functional relationships with Finance, Merchandising, and Marketing, while mentoring a second line of leadership.

Automation & Process Excellence:

- Define and drive the automation roadmap to build efficiencies across supply chain and operational processes.

- Drive continuous process improvement by strengthening SOPs and workflows across internal and external supply chain operations.

- Develop a long-term warehousing strategy, evaluating 3PL-managed versus owned/leased facilities, and create the playbook for setting up owned warehouses if required.

- Manage relationships with 3PL partners, technology vendors, equipment providers, and infrastructure partners.

Core Operational Responsibilities:

- Oversee end-to-end warehouse operations, including receiving, inventory, picking, packing, quality control, and dispatch across multiple locations.

- Lead on-ground teams and shift supervisors through a centralized control tower, building high-performing teams through coaching and performance management.

- Drive efficiency, cost optimization, and KPI improvements in fulfilment speed, accuracy, inventory health, and productivity.

- Manage inbound, outbound, and last-mile logistics through 3PL partners while ensuring SLA adherence and resolving operational bottlenecks.

- Oversee control tower operations, proactively identify risks, ensure WMS accuracy, and maintain seamless marketplace integrations.

- Collaborate with Brand, Merchandising, and Marketplace teams on demand planning and fulfilment strategy.

Warehouse Setup & Ramp-Up Experience:

- Demonstrated experience establishing warehouses end-to-end, including site selection, layout planning, process design, and operational setup.

- Hands-on experience implementing WMS and hiring/ramping up warehouse teams, including supervisors, operators, and quality teams.

- Ability to develop SOPs, training manuals, operational playbooks, and KPI frameworks from the ground up.

- Experience transitioning operations from manual or brownfield environments to greenfield or automated facilities.

- Experience setting up at least 23 warehouses is strongly preferred.

Key Requirements:

- 1015 years of experience in supply chain, warehousing, logistics, or operations, including 34+ years in a senior leadership role managing multiple stakeholders and business units.

- Demonstrated experience presenting to and influencing CXOs and senior leadership, including developing investment proposals.

- Proven track record of driving warehouse automation and technology adoption rather than operating within existing systems alone.

- Strong expertise in KPIs, cost optimization, Lean, and Six Sigma methodologies (preferred).

- Experience with marketplace integrations such as Amazon, Flipkart, and Myntra.

- Ability to translate operational insights into strategic business recommendations.

- Based in Bangalore with willingness to travel.

Desired Qualities:

- Strong executive presence with the confidence to represent Operations before senior leadership and external partners.

- Strategic mindset capable of balancing operational execution with long-term automation and infrastructure planning.

- Comfortable building scalable processes and structures in ambiguous, high-growth environments.

- Resilient, adaptable, and capable of thriving in a fast-scaling business.

About the Client:

The Client is a leading digital-first e-commerce and distribution organization specializing in sportswear, footwear, and lifestyle brands. As a strategic marketplace partner, the company manages end-to-end digital commerce operations across leading online marketplaces, supported by a strong parent group with significant financial strength and an established business legacy. The organization is focused on building scalable supply chain capabilities, operational excellence, and technology-driven growth to support its expanding e-commerce portfolio.