Summary
Overview
Work History
Education
Skills
Accomplishments
Affiliations
Additional Information
Software
Interests
Timeline
Generic

Bala Rajendar

Supply Chain Manager
Chennai

Summary

Results-driven Supply Chain & Inventory Planning professional with 12+ years of experience managing end-to-end planning, inventory optimization, and distribution across FMCG and temperature-controlled supply chains (5°C to -28°C). Demonstrated success in achieving 0% inventory variance, reducing logistics costs, and enhancing service levels through advanced forecasting and data analysis. Expertise in demand-supply alignment, network planning, and cross-functional collaboration with Finance and operations teams to drive efficiency, cost optimization, and business growth.

Overview

12
12
years of professional experience
3
3
Languages

Work History

Assistant Depot Manager (Role: City Head )

Drums Food International Pvt Ltd (Epigamia)
Chennai
11.2017 - Current

Depot Manager / Inventory Operations Manager:

  • Managed end-to-end supply chain planning and execution for FMCG products across ambient, chilled (5°C), and frozen (-28°C) categories.
  • Led demand and supply planning to maintain optimal inventory levels, and support seasonal demand fluctuations.
  • Achieved 0% inventory variance through daily reconciliation, batch-wise FIFO/FEFO inventory control, FIFO/FEFO implementation, and strict SOP compliance.
  • Performed data analysis and demand forecasting to optimize replenishment, and minimize stock-outs and overstock.
  • Collaborated with Finance for stock projections, residual planning, and monthly reporting.
  • Directed distribution planning, including inter-DC transfers and remote deliveries (Andaman and Nicobar).
  • Reduced logistics costs by 15% through route optimization and vehicle utilization.
  • Managed and expanded 3PL partnerships for scalable, cost-effective operations.
  • Ensured cold chain integrity using a GPS-enabled, temperature-controlled fleet, minimizing spoilage.
  • Led and developed a team of 30+ staff, improving productivity and operational efficiency.
  • Maintained vendor SLA compliance and on-time, in-full (OTIF) delivery performance across supply chain operations.
  • Ensured compliance with quality, hygiene, and safety standards for cold and dry storage.
  • Led inventory planning, forecasting, and stock management across multiple regions.
  • Aligned demand forecasts with supply plans to optimize inventory, and reduce supply chain costs.
  • Conducted stock age analysis and inventory health monitoring with the Finance team.
  • Ensured accurate and timely replenishment, stock taking, and inventory control.
  • Analyzed KPIs and operational data to identify cost-saving and service-improvement opportunities.
  • Participated in S&OP discussions and recommended process improvements.
  • Managed system and hardware issue resolution to ensure uninterrupted operations.
  • Strengthened team capability through training, development, and performance management.
  • Ensured adherence to SOPs, audit requirements, and regulatory compliance.

Executive – Inventory & Vehicle Management

Leap India Pvt Ltd
Chennai
01.2017 - 08.2017
  • Maintained inventory accuracy above 99% through regular reconciliation and system updates
  • Monitored and controlled stock discrepancies, damages, and shrinkage
  • Coordinated with cross-functional teams for demand planning and stock availability
  • Tracked and improved vehicle turnaround time (TAT) for efficient dispatch operations
  • Managed transport vendor coordination and ensured SLA compliance
  • Generated and analyzed MIS reports for inventory movement, utilization, and cost tracking
  • Supported process improvements to enhance operational efficiency and reduce delays
  • Ensured proper asset tracking and returnable material management
  • Maintained data accuracy in ERP systems for audit and reporting purposes
  • Handled multi-location inventory coordination across Chennai, Hyderabad, and Bangalore
  • Assisted in capacity planning and resource utilization for logistics operations

Warehouse Supervisor

Lucas-TVS Ltd
Chennai
03.2016 - 01.2017
  • Supervised inbound and outbound shipments, ensuring 100% documentation accuracy.
  • Managed daily cycle counts using WMS to maintain high inventory accuracy.
  • Trained staff in safe material handling and adherence to SOPs.
  • Handled automotive components and spare parts inventory with proper tracking and storage.
  • Performed bin audits and stock reconciliation to minimize inventory discrepancies.
  • Supported SAP transactions, including GRN, stock posting, and material movements.
  • Ensured FIFO/FEFO practices for efficient stock rotation, and reduced obsolescence.
  • Coordinated with production teams for line feeding and material availability.
  • Monitored picking, packing, and dispatch operations for timely order fulfillment.
  • Maintained warehouse layout, bin locations, and space optimization.
  • Controlled inventory shrinkage, damages, and excess stock reporting.
  • Coordinated with transport teams for vehicle planning and dispatch schedules.
  • Ensured compliance with 5S, safety standards, and audit requirements.
  • Prepared and reviewed MIS reports for inventory and warehouse performance.

Trainee – Logistics & Dispatch

Wichita Auto Ltd (TVS Group)
Chennai
02.2014 - 02.2016
  • Assisted in dispatch documentation (GRN, ASN, invoice), ensuring 100% documentation accuracy.
  • Maintained inventory records in ERP/SAP, supporting over 99% stock accuracy.
  • Coordinated with transport vendors for vehicle placement, achieving 98% on-time dispatch.
  • Supported cycle counting and audits, reducing stock discrepancies by 5%.
  • Tracked shipment schedules, and ensured timely delivery performance.

Education

MBA - Logistics And Supply Chain Management

University of Madras
Chennai
04.2001 -

Master of Arts - Master of Social Works

Annamalai University
Chidambaram, India
04.2001 -

No Degree - Human Rights

Annamalai University
Chidambaram, India
04.2001 -

Bachelor of Arts - Public Administration

University of Madras
Chennai, India
04.2001 -

Diploma - Diploma In Mechanical Engineering

Chamber of Commerce ManaliRamakrishna Polytechnic College
Thanjavur, India
04.2001 -

Skills

SAP / ERP Systems

Warehouse Operations

FIFO / FEFO Inventory Control

Inventory Reconciliation & Stock Accuracy

Vendor & Logistics Coordination

Route Optimization & Dispatch Planning

Data Analysis & MIS Reporting

Demand & Supply Planning

Distribution & Network Planning

Cold Chain Logistics (5°C to -28°C)

Third-Party Logistics (3PL) Management

Team Leadership & Staff Training

Accomplishments

  • Delivered 0% inventory variance by implementing robust batch control, FIFO/FEFO practices, and daily reconciliation systems
  • Achieved 15% reduction in shipment costs by optimizing routing, load planning, and fleet utilization
  • Ensured seamless handling of seasonal demand spikes through effective demand-supply planning, minimizing stock loss and excess inventory
  • Developed and led a 30+ member team, driving consistent OTIF performance and productivity improvements

Affiliations

  • Certified Supply Chain Management Professional (SCM Pro) – IIT Madras
  • Pursuing MBA in Supply Chain & Logistics
  • Actively engaged in continuous learning in supply chain planning, inventory optimization, and logistics operations
  • Interest in industry best practices related to demand planning, cold chain logistics, and distribution optimization

Additional Information

  • Open to relocation and flexible to work across locations and shifts
  • Strong analytical mindset with experience in data-driven decision-making
  • Excellent stakeholder management and cross-functional coordination skills
  • Proven ability to handle high-volume operations under pressure
  • Advanced proficiency in MS Excel (reporting, data analysis, MIS)
  • Focused on continuous improvement, process optimization, and operational excellence
  • Knowledge of WMS / ERP systems
  • Experience in cold chain logistics / temperature-controlled operations
  • Exposure to multi-location warehouse operations

Software

ERP Systems: SAP (Inventory & MM), Navision, Business Central, Leap ERP

WMS: Inventory Control, Cycle Counting, Bin Management, Stock Reconciliation

MS Excel: Data Analysis, Pivot Tables, VLOOKUP, Reporting & MIS

Logistics Systems: GPS Tracking, Route Optimization Tools

Reporting Tools: MIS Reports, Data Tracking, Performance Dashboards

Interests

Following latest trends in supply chain, logistics, and operations management

Fitness and maintaining an active lifestyle

Traveling and exploring different cultures and markets

Ontinuous learning through online courses and professional development

Learning new technologies and professional skills

Timeline

Assistant Depot Manager (Role: City Head )

Drums Food International Pvt Ltd (Epigamia)
11.2017 - Current

Executive – Inventory & Vehicle Management

Leap India Pvt Ltd
01.2017 - 08.2017

Warehouse Supervisor

Lucas-TVS Ltd
03.2016 - 01.2017

Trainee – Logistics & Dispatch

Wichita Auto Ltd (TVS Group)
02.2014 - 02.2016

MBA - Logistics And Supply Chain Management

University of Madras
04.2001 -

Master of Arts - Master of Social Works

Annamalai University
04.2001 -

No Degree - Human Rights

Annamalai University
04.2001 -

Bachelor of Arts - Public Administration

University of Madras
04.2001 -

Diploma - Diploma In Mechanical Engineering

Chamber of Commerce ManaliRamakrishna Polytechnic College
04.2001 -
Bala RajendarSupply Chain Manager