Head of Supply Chain – Automobile Industry
- Sri Lanka
Job Summary
The Head of Supply Chain will provide strategic leadership for the end-to-end supply chain function, ensuring operational excellence and alignment with the organization's business objectives. This role is responsible for overseeing procurement, demand planning, inventory management, logistics, warehousing, distribution, and supplier partnerships to optimize cost, efficiency, and service delivery.
The ideal candidate will have extensive experience in the automobile industry, with a proven track record of leading high-performing teams, driving supply chain transformation, and delivering sustainable business results.
Key Responsibilities
- Develop and execute the organization's supply chain strategy in line with business objectives.
- Provide leadership across procurement, planning, logistics, warehousing, inventory management, and distribution.
- Drive continuous improvement initiatives to enhance operational efficiency, productivity, and customer service.
- Lead strategic sourcing activities and supplier relationship management.
- Develop and strengthen partnerships with OEMs and key suppliers to ensure the timely and cost-effective procurement of vehicles, spare parts, components, and critical materials.
- Negotiate commercial agreements and monitor supplier performance to achieve quality, cost, and delivery targets.
- Oversee demand forecasting, inventory planning, and Sales & Operations Planning (S&OP) to optimize stock levels and working capital.
- Ensure On-Time-In-Full (OTIF) delivery across the dealer and distribution network.
- Monitor inventory performance and implement strategies to minimize excess stock while maintaining high service levels.
- Direct transportation, warehousing, and distribution operations to ensure efficient product flow.
- Lead lean initiatives and process improvements to reduce costs and improve operational performance.
- Establish and monitor key performance indicators (KPIs) to measure supply chain effectiveness.
- Champion the implementation and optimization of ERP systems and other supply chain technologies.
- Promote data-driven decision-making through reporting, analytics, and performance dashboards.
- Identify and implement innovative solutions to improve supply chain visibility and efficiency.
- Lead, mentor, and develop high-performing supply chain teams.
- Foster a culture of accountability, collaboration, and continuous learning.
- Build strong relationships with internal stakeholders, suppliers, dealers, and business partners to support organizational success.
- Establish governance frameworks and risk management practices to ensure supply chain resilience.
- Ensure compliance with company policies, industry regulations, and applicable legal requirements.
- Drive sustainable supply chain practices while maintaining high standards of quality and operational integrity.
Qualifications
- Bachelor's degree in Supply Chain Management, Mechanical Engineering, Industrial Engineering, Business Management, or a related discipline.
- An MBA or postgraduate qualification will be an added advantage.
Experience
- 10–15 years of progressive experience in Supply Chain Management within the Automobile Industry.
- Minimum of 3 years of experience in a senior leadership role managing end-to-end supply chain operations.
- Experience in automotive manufacturing, vehicle assembly, automotive components, or OEM supplier management will be highly advantageous.
- Demonstrated success in cost optimization, supplier development, inventory management, and operational excellence.
Skills & Competencies
- Strong strategic leadership and decision-making abilities.
- In-depth knowledge of supply chain management, procurement, logistics, inventory planning, and distribution.
- Experience with S&OP, demand forecasting, and supply chain optimization.
- Strong commercial acumen, negotiation, and supplier management skills.
- Proficiency in ERP systems (SAP, Oracle, Microsoft Dynamics, or similar) and supply chain planning tools.
- Excellent analytical, problem-solving, and project management skills.
- Outstanding communication and stakeholder management abilities.
- Ability to lead organizational change and digital transformation initiatives.
- High level of professionalism, integrity, and business acumen.