Area Operations Head - Ahmedabad

Position Overview:The Area Operations Head will be responsible for ensuring timely, efficient, and profitable delivery of shipments across the assigned area. This role requires strong leadership to manage service centers, PUD/DC operations, and fleet utilization, while driving operational excellence, cost optimization, and customer satisfaction. Job Purpose:To lead and oversee end-to-end operations in the area, ensuring service quality, adherence to SOPs, expansion into new markets, and compliance with financial and regulatory guidelines, while building high-performing teams to achieve business objectives. Key Roles & Responsibilities: Financial Management & Cost Control Partner with the Area Head to develop annual budgets for the area. Ensure adherence to approved capital and operational expenditure limits. Monitor and analyze key cost metrics, including Operating Cost per Movement (OCPM) and Operating Cost per Kilogram (OCPK), implementing corrective measures as needed. Identify opportunities for cost optimization without compromising service quality. Service Delivery & Operational Excellence Ensure timely, accurate, and profitable delivery of shipments in line with contractual service standards. Oversee the performance and efficiency of all Service Centers and PUD Centers within the area. Drive key operational metrics such as on-time delivery, adherence to transit times, reduction in RTOs, and SOP compliance. Implement execution excellence initiatives to enhance process accuracy and reduce operational deviations. Maintain strict adherence to shipment safety and security protocols. Network Expansion & Infrastructure Development Support reach enhancement initiatives including expansion into Tier 2/Tier 3 cities and development of RSPs. Assess infrastructure requirements against business growth targets and prepare CAPEX or capacity expansion proposals. Coordinate with relevant teams for timely approvals and implementation of infrastructure projects. Capability Building & Training Facilitate the planning and delivery of functional training programs for Service Centre and PUD operations teams. Promote a culture of continuous improvement by upskilling employees in operational best practices and emerging technologies. Fleet & Resource Optimization Ensure optimal productivity and utilization of feeder and milk-run fleets across the area. Monitor fleet deployment efficiency to reduce idle time and improve cost efficiency. People Leadership & Performance Management Provide clear direction, guidance, and support to area team members to enable high performance. Monitor team performance regularly, recognizing and rewarding high achievers. Mentor, coach, and develop team members to strengthen capabilities and maintain a strong succession pipeline. Qualifications & Experience:Education: Essential: Bachelor’s degree in Business, Logistics, Supply Chain, or a related field. Preferred: MBA/PGDM in Operations, Logistics, or Business Management.Experience 6–8 years of experience in logistics, distribution, or operations leadership roles. Proven track record in managing multi-location operational setups and achieving cost and service targets.Skills & Capabilities:Core Technical Skills: Strong understanding of logistics operations, fleet management, and cost optimization. Proficient in operations performance metrics and SOP compliance. Familiarity with logistics technology platforms and operational analytics tools.Behavioural Competencies: Leadership: Inspires, motivates, and leads diverse teams effectively. Analytical Thinking: Identifies operational gaps and implements solutions. Collaboration: Works seamlessly with cross-functional teams. Results Orientation: Committed to achieving cost, service, and quality objectives. Key Performance Indicators:Key Performance Indicators (KPIs)1 Optimize costs in the area % reduction in OCPK and OCPM2 Reach enhancement Expansion into Tier 2/Tier 3 cities as per plan (via RSPs and BDEs)3 Service quality & excellence NSL adherence, delivery as per transit time, % undelivered shipments, SOP compliance rate, target NPS scores4 Shipment security Number of open security-related cases5 Regulatory compliance 100% adherence to all applicable regulatory requirements