Arindam Chakraborty
Kolkata
Summary
Global Procurement and Supply Chain Leader with over 16 years of experience in enhancing procurement operations and streamlining supply chain processes. Managed procurement and logistics strategies for expenditures exceeding INR 2300 Cr, overseeing global sourcing and contract management. Successfully transformed supply chain processes for major manufacturing clients, implementing cost analytics and KPI dashboards. Led multi-continent procurement initiatives and pioneered digital transformation through AI and BI tool integration.
Overview
17
17
years of professional experience
Work History
GENERAL MANAGER – OPERATIONS & SUPPLY CHAIN (P&L OWNER)
NowPurchase
Kolkata
03.2024 - Current
- Direct strategic procurement of ₹930 Cr in metals (MS, CR, HR, aluminum) across India, leading category strategy and supplier development. Scale a 3 metal scrap processing unit (East, West, North) with ₹90 Cr Capex spend, including civil, MRO, MEP, machinery, and compliance. Implement AI-led scrap quality evaluation, automation in procurement approvals, and sourcing analytics.
- Deliver P&L ownership of pan-India Processing Units with over 95% KPI achievement; each unit achieved profitability in two quarters, with a 6% bottom-line growth through production efficiency, cost optimization, and system implementation. Monitor and lead enterprise-wide auction strategy with 200+ OEMs and MSMEs, and transform the procurement cycle through digital RFQs and analytics.
- Analyze, monitor, and provide leadership and mentorship to supply chain staff, fostering a culture of continuous learning, development, and collaboration within the team. Over 200 Vendor Contracts, Master Agreements, and Pricing Contracts are executed. Reduce logistics costs by 9% through route-load optimization, warehouse inventory cycle improvement, and freight model redesign.
- Communicate supply chain goals, objectives, and performance metrics to senior management and key stakeholders, presenting regular updates, reports, and recommendations. Lead cross-functional teams and supply chain projects, driving process improvements, system implementations, and change management initiatives to enhance supply chain capabilities and performance.
- Ensure compliance with regulatory requirements, import/export regulations, and customs procedures related to supply chain operations, maintaining documentation and records as necessary. Analyze market trends, industry developments, and emerging technologies in supply chain management, staying updated on best practices and innovations to drive continuous improvement.
ASSOCIATE DIRECTOR – SUPPLY CHAIN & OPERATIONS
Moglix
Kolkata
07.2022 - 03.2024
- Implement regional strategic procurement and supply chain strategies for 66 manufacturing clients, driving 49% topline growth across 30+ categories. Achieved a 14% reduction in the overall spend of the top four spend clients (spend above 1,000 Cr annually) through system implementation in ERP, imports policy changes, introducing a discount structure, reverse auction, and SOP changes.
- Oversaw a high-performing team of 26 buyers and 16 customer success representatives and warehouse staff, enhancing operational efficiency within a 150,000 sq ft facility. Achieved 2% incremental bottom-line growth through strategic supplier identification. Delivered a 96.3% On-Time-In-Full performance by leveraging digital technology for improvements and SCM analytics via Power BI.
- Implement cost-reduction strategies that resulted in a 6% decrease in quarterly logistics costs while maintaining budgetary control. Cultivate EBITDA-positive growth by maintaining a disciplined approach to inventory management, preventing negative financial provisions. Manage supplier relationships, vendor contracts, and service agreements to ensure cost-effective procurement.
- Develop and implement supply chain strategies, policies, and procedures to optimize efficiency, reduce costs, and enhance performance throughout the supply chain network. Collaborate with internal stakeholders, including procurement, production, sales, and finance teams, to align supply chain activities with business objectives, demand forecasts, and production schedules.
- Monitor and analyze supply chain performance metrics, such as inventory turnover, on-time delivery, fill rates, and lead times, identifying opportunities for improvement and implementing corrective actions. Optimize inventory management processes, including demand planning, inventory control, and stock replenishment, to minimize stockouts, excess inventory, and carry costs.
HEAD – SUPPLY CHAIN & OPERATIONS
Iskraemeco India
Kolkata
02.2020 - 07.2022
- Established procurement/supply chain operations for India, Malaysia, and Egypt, created a robust supplier base for semiconductors, and built global SCM capabilities from the ground up. Managed manufacturing facility operations with a Capex budget of INR 220 Cr, overseeing procurement for machinery, utilities, service contracts, and logistics, including 3PL and freight forwarding.
- Oversaw the procurement process from the initiation of a purchase request to the final receipt and approval of goods. Developed freight forwarders, CHA, and export/import operations from scratch. Built SOPs and process efficiency, along with global cost control. Oversaw end-to-end customs clearance processes, ensuring compliance with DGFT, EXIM policies, and local regulations.
- Monitor and execute effective negotiations to manage an annual spend exceeding INR 2,000 Cr on BOM components, optimizing costs by partnering with global OEMs, distributors, and local manufacturers. Achieved a 7.4% reduction in BOM costs through strategic initiatives, including alternate component selection, FCL load consolidation, and localization of plastic and metal parts.
- Monitor and implement procurement strategies that align with the company's objectives. Develop and manage supplier relationships to ensure compliance with contracts, and resolution of issues. Monitor, conduct, and analyze market research to identify potential vendors and suppliers. Negotiating terms and conditions with the key suppliers to ensure the best possible prices and agreements.
DEPUTY MANAGER – LOGISTICS & WAREHOUSE OPERATIONS
Blue Star Limited
Mumbai
02.2018 - 02.2020
- Led the management of 152+ commercial contracts encompassing primary and last-mile transporters, alongside overseeing six 3PL, 26 warehouses, and sea freight contracts, facilitating client logistics operations. Executed warehouse operations for a 250,000 sq ft Mother Hub and a 33,000 sq ft Spare Parts Warehouse, optimizing space management and improving distribution efficiency.
- Achieved a significant 10.1% reduction in total logistics costs amounting to ₹200 Cr through advanced data analytics, strategic rate negotiations, and implementing logistics service providers. Enhanced Contract Management System, alongside a reverse bidding platform for EXIM and domestic transportation, ensuring adherence to the SLA, and improving overall vendor performance.
- Work with procurement, manufacturing, and sales teams to align supply chain plans. Create inbound and outbound shipment schedules that align with business needs and customer deadlines. Maintain visibility of stock across multiple locations, and ensure accuracy through audits and system checks. Address shipment delays, delivery mismatches, and system bottlenecks quickly.
- Supervise warehouse staff, delivery coordinators, and inventory controllers while meeting daily targets. Use logistics software to monitor transport costs, turnaround times, and service quality. Collaborate with suppliers and internal teams to streamline logistics operations and resolve supply chain issues. Manage budgets for logistics operations, ensuring cost-effective practices.
MANAGER – COMMERCIAL & OPERATIONS
Idea Cellular Limited
Mumbai
12.2016 - 02.2018
- Managed a substantial 350 Cr passive infrastructure budget for the Tower Infrastructure division, overseeing the finalization of RFQs/RFIs, and leading negotiations to ensure optimal service contracts and SLAs for operational excellence. Implemented GST module in Oracle ERP, collaborated with 700 vendors to transition from BRD to UAT, and enhanced compliance and operational efficiency.
- Executed a project for the scrap reversal of over 10,000 telecom sites, resulting in the reduction of dead inventory and contributing significantly to the company's financial performance. Drove the management of Energy Management Services contracts with three key EMS companies, achieving an impressive SLA uptime of 99.5%, thus ensuring reliability and efficiency in service delivery.
- Support various teams of the business to achieve the commercial targets, keeping in mind KPIs, and ROIs. Monitor and oversee Capex procurement for essential materials and equipment, including steel, cement, DG, batteries, AC units, and electrical logistics, while supporting the infra development mission. Monitor and conduct market research to understand and adapt to innovative trends.
MANAGER – SUPPLY CHAIN OPERATIONS
ArcelorMittal / Nippon Steel (Ex-Essar Steel)
06.2009 - 12.2016
- Progressed from GET to Manager, led supply chain operations across seven processing units. Led supply chain management for production lines, optimizing operations in Hot Rolled, Cold Rolled, and Galvanized CTL and CRS, resulting in improved output. Directed consolidated procurement of MRO items across seven steel service centers, managing a budget of INR 366 Cr.
- Managed logistics and distribution for 109 retail outlets nationally, oversaw spend of INR 190 Cr and ensuring effective contract management with three Logistics Service Providers. Spearheaded the procurement process for both green eld and brown eld projects with budgets of INR 300 Cr and INR 1980 Cr respectively, ensuring timely key project execution and resource allocation.
- Implemented supply chain KPI track and forecast tools, facilitate migration from JDA to SAP for demand planning, result in enhanced data-driven decision-making capabilities. Develop supply chain strategies aligned with business objectives. Anticipate future challenge & adapt to market changes. Co-ordination with Supplier for issues including Quality reports and risk mitigation
Education
B.Tech -
ITER
BhubaneswarPG Diploma - Supply Chain
XIBMS
Skills
- P&L ownership
- EBITDA and margin expansion
- Strategic Sourcing
- Procurement BOM/BOQ
- Contracts Management
- Supply Chain Management
- Client Management
- Sales & Operation Planning
- Capex & OPEX Purchase
- Vendor management and new vendor development
- Stakeholder Management
- Warehouse & Operations Leadership
- Manufacturing Consulting
- Inventory Management
- Demand & Supply Planning
- Working Capital & Cash Flow Management
- Logistics Network Design
- Primary & Secondary Transportation
- Exports & Imports Management
- Automation
- BI Dashboards
- Operational Analytics
- Asset Productivity
- Large Team Leadership
- Governance
Digital Automation Operations Tools
SAP (MM, PP, SD), Oracle, Power BI, Tableau, Slotting, cycle counting, throughput optimization, Inventory visibility, SLA dashboards, approval workflows
Education Certifications
- B.Tech, ITER, Bhubaneswar
- PG Diploma, Supply Chain, XIBMS
- Certified Procurement Professional (CPP)
- Chartered Supply Chain Professional (CSCP)
Scale Business Impact
- ₹2,300+ Cr cumulative operations & SCM spend
- ₹200+ Cr annual logistics portfolio
- 2.5+ lakh sq. ft. warehouse & processing footprint
- 95%+ KPI adherence across multi-unit operations
- 6–10% EBITDA / bottom-line improvement delivered repeatedly
- 40+ member teams across operations, warehouse & SCM
Timeline
GENERAL MANAGER – OPERATIONS & SUPPLY CHAIN (P&L OWNER)
NowPurchase
03.2024 - Current
ASSOCIATE DIRECTOR – SUPPLY CHAIN & OPERATIONS
Moglix
07.2022 - 03.2024
HEAD – SUPPLY CHAIN & OPERATIONS
Iskraemeco India
02.2020 - 07.2022
DEPUTY MANAGER – LOGISTICS & WAREHOUSE OPERATIONS
Blue Star Limited
02.2018 - 02.2020
MANAGER – COMMERCIAL & OPERATIONS
Idea Cellular Limited
12.2016 - 02.2018
MANAGER – SUPPLY CHAIN OPERATIONS
ArcelorMittal / Nippon Steel (Ex-Essar Steel)
06.2009 - 12.2016
B.Tech -
ITER
PG Diploma - Supply Chain
XIBMS