Head of Purchasing Department

Job Title : Head of Department – Materials (HOD – Materials)

Designation : General Manager

Department : Materials

Work Location : Corporate Office

Reporting To : Chief Executive Officer (CEO)

Educational Qualification :

Bachelor’s Degree in Engineering – Mechanical, Production, Industrial, or related discipline

Post-Graduation in Material Management / MBA in Material Management (preferred)

Experience Required :

Minimum of 20 years of progressive experience in material management, supply chain, procurement, and vendor development within large-scale manufacturing, FMCG, dairy, or food industry environments

Proven track record of leading the materials / supply chain function at a senior leadership level

Hands-on experience in ERP systems (preferably SAP – MM Module) and modern material management practices

Objective of the Role :

To provide strategic leadership and operational direction to the Materials Department, ensuring cost-effective and timely procurement, storage, and utilization of materials. The role is responsible for creating robust systems, processes, and teams that enable scalable growth, operational efficiency, and continuous improvement, while aligning with organizational objectives and adapting to emerging technological advancements.

Roles & Responsibilities

Material Planning & Availability

Ensure uninterrupted material flow to plants and business units.

Develop forecasting and demand planning models to match business growth.

Maintain optimal stock levels to avoid shortages or overstocking.

Inventory Management

Design and implement inventory control systems for raw materials, packaging materials, and consumables.

Monitor inventory turnover, shelf-life management, and obsolescence.

Reduce working capital tied up in inventory through efficient practices.

Procurement & Vendor Management

Develop, negotiate, and manage contracts with suppliers and service providers.

Build long-term vendor partnerships ensuring quality, reliability, and cost efficiency.

Conduct vendor audits and risk assessments to ensure compliance and performance.

Budgeting & Cost Optimization

Prepare and manage annual Capex and Opex budgets for the department.

Drive cost-saving initiatives through strategic sourcing, alternate vendor development, and process improvements.

Benchmark procurement costs against industry standards.

Team Development & Leadership

Build and nurture a high-performing materials management team.

Provide training, mentoring, and career development opportunities.

Foster a culture of accountability, collaboration, and innovation.

Compliance & Systems Implementation

Ensure adherence to statutory and legal requirements in procurement and material handling.

Implement best practices in SAP MM and digital tools for real-time visibility and control.

Drive continuous improvement projects aligned with lean and Six Sigma methodologies.

Strategic Contribution

Provide insights to top management for business planning and expansion.

Stay updated on global supply chain trends, sustainability practices, and industry benchmarks.

Contribute to cross-functional initiatives for operational excellence.

Skill Set Required

Functional Skills

Strong knowledge of packaging materials, raw materials, and consumables in the dairy / FMCG / food processing sector.

Expertise in vendor development, supplier relationship management, and contract negotiations.

Proficiency in inventory management, demand planning, and supply chain optimization.

Technical Skills

Advanced knowledge of SAP MM module .

MS Office proficiency (Excel – advanced level for data analysis, PowerPoint – for reporting).

Familiarity with digital procurement tools, ERP-based dashboards, and e-sourcing platforms.

Behavioral Competencies

Strong negotiation and convincing skills with the ability to build win–win solutions.

Cost consciousness and a data-driven decision-making mindset.

High degree of planning, analytical, and logical reasoning skills.

Excellent networking and relationship-building capabilities.

Delegation, coaching, and people management expertise.

Ethical, value-driven leadership with strong integrity.

Market-savvy, agile, and adaptive to emerging trends.