Operations Manager Confectionery

We are looking for a result-oriented Operations Manager with strong experience in the confectionery or FMCG industry and a thorough understanding of General Trade (GT) and Modern Trade (MT). The candidate will be responsible for managing end-to-end business operations, sales distribution, channel development, distributor management, inventory planning, and operational efficiency to drive business growth and profitability.

Key Responsibilities

• Business Operations: Oversee day-to-day operations across sales, distribution, supply chain, and channel management to ensure smooth business functioning.
• GT & MT Trade Management: Develop and execute strategies for General Trade and Modern Trade, ensuring market penetration, sales growth, product visibility, and channel expansion.
• Distributor & Dealer Management: Appoint and manage distributors, stockists, and channel partners while ensuring effective territory coverage and strong trade relationships.
• Sales & Business Development: Drive sales targets, revenue growth, market share, and product availability across assigned markets and distribution channels.
• Supply Chain & Inventory: Coordinate with production, procurement, warehouse, and logistics teams to ensure timely product availability, optimum inventory levels, and efficient order fulfilment.
• Market Expansion: Identify new business opportunities, expand distribution networks, and strengthen relationships with retailers, wholesalers, supermarkets, and key accounts.
• Modern Trade & Key Accounts: Manage relationships with supermarket chains, organised retail outlets, and institutional buyers, including commercial negotiations, product listings, promotional schemes, and visibility initiatives.
• Trade Schemes & Promotions: Plan and monitor trade offers, discounts, merchandising activities, and promotional campaigns to improve sales performance.
• MIS & Performance Monitoring: Prepare and analyse sales reports, stock statements, distributor performance, market coverage, and operational KPIs for management review.
• Product Quality & Shelf-Life Management: Monitor batch movement, expiry dates, product freshness, returns, and stock rotation, ensuring minimal wastage and product losses.
• Team Management: Lead, supervise, and motivate sales and operations teams to achieve business objectives and maintain operational discipline.
• Cost & Profitability Control: Monitor operating expenses, trade margins, distribution costs, and overall business profitability.

Required Skills & Qualifications

• Graduate or postgraduate degree in Business Administration, Sales, Marketing, or Operations.
• 5–8 years of relevant experience in the confectionery, packaged foods, or FMCG industry.
• Strong working knowledge of General Trade (GT) and Modern Trade (MT) distribution channels.
• Proven experience in distributor appointment, channel management, territory expansion, and sales operations.
• Understanding of FMCG supply chain, inventory management, warehousing, and logistics.
• Strong analytical, negotiation, communication, and team leadership skills.
• Proficiency in MS Excel, MIS reporting, and sales or ERP software.
• Ability to work with sales, production, supply chain, finance, and marketing teams to achieve business targets.