Head of Operations

About Vadilal Industries USA Inc:

Vadilal USA, a part of the 115-year-old Vadilal ice creams group, stands as the No. 1 Indian ice cream brand in the USA. Committed to quality and authenticity, we bring the essence of unique Indian flavors to American consumers, establishing a brand that resonates with tradition, excellence, and innovation.

Job Description:

We are looking for a seasoned Manager / Sr. Manager / Dy. General Manager, Operations to lead, innovate, and optimize operations across all functions within Vadilal Industries USA Inc. Reporting to the CEO, this individual will be a pivotal figure in driving operational excellence, spearheading team management, and shaping strategic initiatives to support Vadilal’s growth in the USA. This role is ideal for someone who is highly analytical, adaptable, and prepared to travel within the country to oversee multiple operations.

Key Responsibilities:

1)      Operational Leadership

• Oversee the end-to-end operations of the company, ensuring efficient and consistent execution across all functions.
• Establish and enforce policies, procedures, and standards to maintain a seamless operational environment aligned with corporate goals.

2)      Strategic Growth Planning

• Collaborate with the CEO to identify opportunities for operational improvements and developments.
• Contribute to strategic discussions, offering data-driven insights and actionable recommendations for scaling the business.

3)      Supply Chain & Logistics Optimization

• Manage and optimize the supply chain to ensure smooth, cost-effective, and timely delivery of products.
• Develop partnerships with vendors and logistics providers to improve reliability, reduce lead times, and enhance customer satisfaction.

4)      Dispatch Management

• Oversee the dispatch process, ensuring that product delivery meets timelines and prevent short dispatches.

5)      Performance Metrics and KPI Management

• Define, track, and analyze key performance indicators (KPIs) for various operational functions, setting benchmarks for productivity, quality, and cost-effectiveness.
• Use performance metrics to drive continuous improvement, ensuring alignment with organizational objectives.

6)      Team Development and People Management

• Lead, inspire, and mentor operations team, fostering a culture of accountability, collaboration, and professional growth.
• Handle recruitment, training, performance and evaluations to build a resilient and capable operations workforce.

7)      Operational Efficiency and Process Improvement

• Conduct regular reviews of operational workflows, identifying bottlenecks and areas for improvement.
• Implement best practices to enhance efficiency, minimize waste, and increase profitability.

8)      Customer-Centric Service Assurance

• Ensure that all operational activities contribute to a superior customer experience, focusing on consistency, courtesy and timely delivery. Work collaboratively with the sales department in achieving this.
• Respond to customer feedback proactively, working with teams to address and resolve service issues.

9)      Budgeting and Cost Control

• Develop, manage, and monitor operational budgets, ensuring cost-effectiveness without compromising on quality or efficiency.
• Identify opportunities to reduce costs through smarter resource allocation, vendor negotiations, and process enhancements.

10) Regulatory Compliance and Safety Standards

• Ensure that all operations adhere to local, state, and federal regulations, as well as industry standards, particularly OSHA.
• Promote a culture of safety, implementing procedures to ensure a secure working environment for all employees.

11) Cross-functional Collaboration

• Collaborate with departments such as Marketing, Sales, Finance, and HR to ensure alignment on company objectives and optimize operational support.

12) Crisis Management and Problem-Solving

• Develop and implement contingency plans to handle potential operational disruptions, such as supply chain delays or equipment failures.
• Take a hands-on approach to resolving complex operational issues, maintaining business continuity, and minimizing impact on customers.

13) Travel and Site Supervision

• Travel within the country to oversee operational sites, ensuring adherence to standards, training local teams, and addressing region-specific challenges.
• Conduct regular site audits to ensure consistent practices and identify opportunities for localized improvements.

14) Technology Integration and Automation

• Identify and implement technology solutions to streamline operations, enhance data visibility, and improve decision-making. Work closely with IT team for this.
• Explore automation opportunities to increase efficiency, particularly in areas such as dispatch, picking and reporting.

15) Sustainability Initiatives

• Integrate sustainable practices into operations, focusing on reducing waste, conserving resources, and supporting the company’s environmental goals.

Requirements:

• Experience: 15 years in operations / supply chain management, preferably in the food industry, CPG, or a related sector.
• Leadership Skills: Proven track record in team leadership and people management, with the ability to motivate and develop a diverse team.
• Analytical Skills: Strong data analysis and problem-solving capabilities, with experience in KPI management and operational metrics.
• Communication Skills: Excellent interpersonal and written communication skills, with the ability to work effectively across functions and hierarchies.
• Adaptability: Ability to thrive in a fast-paced environment, manage multiple priorities, and adapt to changing circumstances.
• Technical Proficiency: Familiarity with ERP systems, inventory management software, and other operational tools.
• Travel Flexibility: Willingness to travel as required to oversee operations and maintain a hands-on approach.

This role provides a unique opportunity to shape the future of Vadilal USA’s operations. The ideal candidate is an operations expert with a strategic mindset, a customer-centric approach, and a passion for driving excellence across all facets of the business.