Supply chain and operations head

About Elchemy

Elchemy is a tech-enabled cross-border specialty chemicals marketplace. Our vision is to become the largest global speciality chemicals distributor focussing on discovery and fulfillment using a tech-first approach. 

Chemicals is an extremely important large and fragmented market with multiple inefficiencies in cross border trade. The global speciality chemicals market is $800bn growing at a CAGR of 5.7%. The industry faces glaring challenges including lack of trust, excessive lead times, quality uncertainty, lack of transparency and tons of operational challenges.

In the past 20 months of the company's operation, we have scaled up our operations serving in more than 32 countries and have active partnerships with more than 100s of customers and suppliers. The company has raised a total of upwards of $7.5mn from marquee investors like InfoEdge Ventures, Prime Venture Partners and from promoters of companies like Vinati Organics, Laxmi Organics, and Coromandel International.

Our highly ambitious team comprises alumni from IITs, IIMs, NITs and have extensive experience of working in startups as well as multinational companies. We want to create a team with A-players and rockstars in all roles. When such a team comes together, no vision seems unachievable, and everyone pushes to deliver outstanding results. 

Position Overview:                                   
We are looking for a Head of Supply Chain and Operations to oversee and optimize our end-to-end supply chain processes. This role is critical in building and maintaining one of Elchemy's key competitive advantages in the cross-border trade industry.

   
  Roles and Responsibilities:

• Develop and execute comprehensive supply chain strategies aligned with company goals, and participate in high level decision making
• Take ownership of monthly targets and collaborate with cross-functional teams to achieve results
• Manage and scale a growing supply chain team (currently 4 members, expected to double in 6-8 months and grow further from thereon)
• Oversee all aspects of supply chain, including but not limited to documentation, freight forwarding, customs, compliance, transportation, warehousing, quality assurance, samples shipment and customer support
• Build and maintain relationships with all types of vendors like freight forwarders, CHAs, transporters, warehousing partners, QC laboratories and shipping lines etc.
• Drive technological innovation in supply chain, including software adoption and strategy
• Maintain robust control over QA/QC and packaging of products to deliver an exceptional customer experience
• Ensure compliance with relevant regulations and obtain necessary certifications (AEO, ISO, Status Holder, Factory Stuffing, etc.)
• Develop partnerships with government and non-government bodies (FIEO, Chemexcil, CII, etc.)
• Optimize freight rates and minimize costs while maintaining service quality
• Reduce process bottlenecks and minimize shipment turnaround times
• Drive process improvements and foster a culture of innovation within the team
• Identify, recruit, and develop top talent in the supply chain domain

Skills and Qualifications:

• 10-15 years of experience in supply chain, operations, or logistics, preferably in cross-border trade, and track record of managing a team
• Experience working in a distribution setup, especially on the India-US trade route
• Knowledge of hazardous chemicals logistics is a plus
• Strong proficiency with softwares and willingness to learn new technologies
• Experience with US-specific freight forwarding, logistics, customs brokerage, and warehousing is preferred
• Familiarity with night shift operations management
• Exceptional communication and pitching skills
• In-depth knowledge of customs tariffs, notifications, circulars, and regulatory compliance rules
• Strong network of consultants in various government divisions
• Demonstrated ability to build organizational structures and hire effectively

Required Skills and Attributes:

• Strategic thinking and ability to drive long-term planning
• High level of accountability and ownership
• Problem-solving mindset with a bias for action
• Innovative approach to challenges and process improvements
• Excellent planning and prioritization skills
• Ability to identify and nurture talent
• Willingness to be hands-on and perform any task when necessary
• Adaptability to a dynamic, fast-paced environment
• Strong leadership and team-building capabilities
• Effective stakeholder management

* This role may involve managing team members working night shifts to support US operations