Ankur Puri
Senior Manager Procurement & Supply Chain
Gurgaon,HR
Summary
Dynamic Senior Procurement Manager with a proven track record at Air India Limited, excelling in supplier relationship management and negotiation expertise. Achieved significant cost savings through strategic sourcing and implemented SAP Ariba for enhanced procurement efficiency. Adept at demand forecasting, leading teams to optimize supply chain processes and drive organizational success.
Overview
17
17
years of professional experience
Work History
Senior Procurement Manager
Air India Limited
11.2024 - Current
- Strategic Leadership: Direct the Material Procurement division for Air India Limited, overseeing a high-value portfolio of $120 million (₹1000 Cr) across diverse categories, including Ground Support Equipment (GSE), Inflight F&B, Passenger Amenities, Uniforms, and Airport Stationery.
- Team Management: Lead and mentor a high-performing team of 12 procurement professionals, fostering a culture of accountability, data-driven decision-making, and negotiation excellence.
- Category Strategy: Developed and executed end-to-end sourcing strategies for complex categories, ensuring cost competitiveness and 100% supply reliability for India-wide operations. Evaluated potential new suppliers by conducting thorough due diligence inquiries on their capabilities, capacities, and financial stability before engagement decisions were made.
- Conducted market research to stay informed on industry trends and best practices, guiding more informed decision-making within the procurement team.
- Managed a team of procurement professionals, providing coaching and development opportunities to foster career growth and enhance productivity.
- Demand and Supply Planning: Conducted comprehensive demand forecasting and inventory planning to optimize stock levels and prevent stockouts for inflight and catering services.
- Cost Optimization & CM1: Achieved significant cost savings by implementing strategic sourcing and negotiating favorable long-term contracts for food, beverages, and capital assets.
- System Implementation: Spearheaded SAP S/4 HANA implementation to automate workflows, streamline procurement processes, and enhance data analytics for real-time KPI tracking.
- NPD & Cross-Functional: Partnered with finance and operations to manage total cost of ownership (TCO), and align material requirements with organizational growth objectives.
Procurement Manager
Tata SIA Airlines Limited (Vistara)
09.2015 - 11.2024
- Collaborated with finance departments on budgeting and forecasting activities, ensuring accurate representation of procurement expenses and cost-saving opportunities.
- Managed supply chain process, from order placement to delivery, to facilitate on-time and accurate fulfillment.
- Prepared and presented reports to management on purchasing trends and cost savings to aid in decision making.
- Developed strong relationships with key suppliers, resulting in improved communication, better pricing, and reliable delivery schedules.
- Negotiated contracts with suppliers to obtain favorable terms and pricing.
- Conducted thorough supplier evaluations, selecting vendors based on quality, price, reliability, and commitment to sustainability initiatives.
Procurement Supervisor
IRCTC
03.2010 - 09.2015
- Optimized warehouse space utilization by implementing an effective inventory control system that reduced stock discrepancies and storage costs.
- Evaluated supplier performance regularly, taking corrective actions when necessary to ensure optimal results for the company.
- Enhanced supplier relationships through effective communication and collaboration strategies.
- Coordinated with legal counsel on contract reviews, minimizing potential risks associated with supplier agreements.
- Improved inventory management with implementation of a centralized procurement system.
- Collaborated with stakeholders across various departments to develop seamless integration of procurement initiatives into broader business objectives.
- Leveraged strong negotiation skills in securing favorable contracts with vendors that resulted in significant cost savings for the organization.
Assistant Lecturer
IHM Gwalior
07.2009 - 02.2010
- Delivered engaging and informative practical and theoretical sessions on food and beverage service to first- and second-year students, covering industry-standard techniques, customer service excellence, and operational efficiency.
- Designed and delivered a specialized craft course in food and beverage service, providing students with in-depth knowledge and practical skills to excel in the hospitality industry.
- Conducted practical and theoretical classes for specialized programs, adapting teaching methodologies to effectively convey complex concepts and industry best practices to diverse student groups.
- Supervised and mentored undergraduate student assistants, providing guidance on research projects, academic development, and career aspirations in the hospitality field.
- Conducted in-depth research on emerging trends and best practices in the food and beverage industry to ensure curriculum relevance, and provide students with cutting-edge knowledge.
Education
MBA - Retail Operation Management
Sikkim Manipal University
04.2001 -
Master of Arts - Tourism Management
IGNOU
04.2001 -
Bachelor of Science - Hotel Management
IHM Gwalior
Gwalior 04.2001 -
Skills
Supplier relationship management
Timeline
Senior Procurement Manager
Air India Limited
11.2024 - Current
Procurement Manager
Tata SIA Airlines Limited (Vistara)
09.2015 - 11.2024
Procurement Supervisor
IRCTC
03.2010 - 09.2015
Assistant Lecturer
IHM Gwalior
07.2009 - 02.2010
MBA - Retail Operation Management
Sikkim Manipal University
04.2001 -
Master of Arts - Tourism Management
IGNOU
04.2001 -
Bachelor of Science - Hotel Management
IHM Gwalior
04.2001 -