Durga Nand Jha
Delhi
Summary
Dynamic and results-oriented Senior Business Development & Operations Leader with 25+ years of progressive experience across Agri-Tech, Commodity Finance, Warehousing, Logistics, and Digital Trade Platforms. Recognized for driving business growth, operational excellence, and digital transformation across diverse sectors. Proven expertise in commodity procurement (Soybean, Maize, Chana, Wheat, Rice), warehouse receipt financing, collateral management, and strategic partnership building. Skilled in developing FPO/FPC networks, leading cross-functional teams, and implementing SOP-driven operational frameworks that enhance efficiency and profitability. A strategic thinker with a deep understanding of rural markets and Agri-value chains, combining negotiation acumen with strong client relationship management. Adept at translating market insights into actionable growth strategies to deliver sustainable business impact.
Overview
28
28
years of professional experience
Work History
Product Head – Digital Commodities & Market Intelligence
Commodity World
Delhi
07.2024 - Current
- Lead the digital market communication strategy, ensuring real-time updates on commodity prices, mandi trends, and global market activities for clients across India.
- Develop and execute digital transaction chains, enabling seamless buyer-seller connectivity through online platforms.
- Conduct live market training sessions and digital workshops for traders, processors, and FPOs to enhance their decision-making capabilities.
- Oversee marketing, advertising, and promotional activities to expand platform visibility and client acquisition.
- Analyze domestic and international commodity trends across pulses, grains, and oilseeds, translating insights into actionable client strategies.
- Build and maintain strong relationships with buyers, millers, stockists, and traders, ensuring smooth trade execution.
- Facilitate financial solutions and commodity-based funding for micro and large-scale clients through banking partners.
- Develop and launch innovative digital commodity tools and analytical products aligned with evolving market needs.
- Consistently achieve client acquisition and revenue growth targets through data-driven product positioning.
- Successfully launched and scaled the Digital Commodity Advisory Platform within three months of joining.
- Expanded client coverage by 60% through customized market insights and digital engagement strategies.
- Introduced new metal and agri-commodity service modules, driving higher subscription and trading volumes.
Regional Manager – Digital Trades & Facilities
National Bulk Handling Corporation (NBHC)
Mumbai
01.2022 - 06.2024
- Spearheading the Krishi Setu Digital Platform across Maharashtra, enabling digital trade, procurement, and financing for Farmers, FPOs, and FPCs.
- Executing strategic initiatives for client onboarding, training, compliance, and governance in the digital agri ecosystem.
- Coordinating daily with bankers, traders, warehouse owners, processors, and institutional partners to drive market linkage and commodity finance growth.
- Designing and implementing SOPs for direct farmer procurement and ensuring quality assurance in agri-market portfolios.
- Led 113+ farmer training programs and represented NBHC in district-level FPO federation meetings to promote digital trade adoption.
- Established a strong network of 1,130 FPO-FPCs, 40 millers, and 200 mandi traders, driving both supply and financing operations.
- Achieved and exceeded annual targets for Soybean, Maize, Chana, Rice, and Wheat, growing revenue and customer base.
- Managing collateral finance and warehouse receipt funding in coordination with private and government banks.
- Developing collateral management, supply chain, and warehousing business verticals under Krishi Setu operations.
- Krishi Setu (Digital Agri Platform)
- Surpassed revenue and client acquisition targets in FY 2022–23.
- Developed and deployed Maharashtra’s most extensive digital FPO-FPC registration network for NBHC Krishi Setu.
- Recognized for driving farmer engagement and implementing scalable digital procurement models.
Assistant Manager – Trades & Facilities
Agribazaar Technology Pvt. Ltd.
Mumbai
07.2019 - 01.2022
- Managed digital trading and warehousing operations for Farmers, FPOs/FPCs, Traders, Cooperatives, and Corporates across multiple agri commodities.
- Coordinated with stakeholders to enhance platform productivity and customer satisfaction through digital tools and data integration.
- Facilitated Warehouse Receipt (WHR)-based financing for traders, exporters, and processors via partner banks.
- Oversaw warehousing and preservation business under Exchange and Non-Exchange segments, ensuring compliance with SOPs.
- Conducted training sessions for farmers, traders, and millers on commodity quality, grading, pricing, and warehousing practices.
- Strengthened market positioning through strategic pricing, bundling, and product awareness initiatives.
- Supported recruitment and training of sales staff, ensuring alignment with company policies and targets.
- Delivered record Agri supply volumes — 1 lakh MT Soybean, 35,000 MT Chana, and 742,000 MT Maize (FY 2020–21).
- Promoted for outstanding performance in Soybean Supply (Oct 2020) and awarded for exceptional client engagement.
- Captured and published live client testimonials on Agribazaar.com, increasing platform credibility and customer retention.
Business Development Manager – Operations & Marketing (Madhya Pradesh)
National Collateral Management Services Ltd. (NCML)
Bhopal
03.2018 - 06.2019
- Heading Collateral Management (CM), Supply Chain (SCM), Market Yard (MKTY), and NFIN business verticals for Madhya Pradesh.
- Leading a team of 6 Area Executives, 6 BDEs, and 526 warehouse & operations supervisors across the state.
- Driving business development across Collateral Management, Storage & Preservation, Supply Chain, and Agri-Procurement.
- Managing business relationships with 15+ banks (public & private) for Warehouse Receipt (WHR) financing and Agri/Commodity finance.
- Conducting market research and liaising with traders, processors, and farmers for commodity finance and warehousing solutions.
- Ensuring operational excellence through SOP-driven audits, warehouse quality checks, and service compliance.
- Training farmers, traders, and millers on warehousing quality, commodity pricing, and NCDEX market use.
- Product positioning via strategic pricing, bundling, and customer-centric marketing programs.
Manager – Marketing & Sales
Sunland Alloys Ltd.
Mumbai & Silvassa
07.2013 - 02.2018
- Handled national sales, client relations, and key account management across automotive OEM and alloy supply chain.
- Oversaw production planning, raw material sourcing, and quality control under ISO 9001 (QMS) & ISO 14001 (EMS).
- Conducted on-site seminars, trade shows, and client training to boost brand awareness and market presence.
- Negotiated long-term contracts and developed targeted promotions for distributor networks.
- Ensured daily production, dispatch, and logistics management, maintaining quality, safety, and documentation standards.
- Managed factory operations (Silvassa Unit) including team supervision, compliance, and cost optimization.
- Achieved sales of 4500 MT against target of 2200 MT — more than 200% performance.
- Secured major accounts with Honda Motor, Bajaj Auto, Yamaha, Maruti Suzuki, Minda Industries, Ask Auto Tech, and Abilities India.
- Closed new national supply deals with Honda Motor, Ask Auto, and Philips India, doubling turnover in FY 2016–17.
- Recognized as Top Performer, winning 5 monthly contests for highest sales growth.
Senior Strategist – Business Development, Operations & Marketing
Network18 Media & Investments Ltd.
11.2005 - 06.2013
- Spearheaded business expansion, client acquisition, and digital product launches across India’s key commodity markets.
- Successfully launched SMS-based market data services integrating feeds from the London Metal Exchange and global sources for real-time client updates.
- Pioneered 'Glance' – a live advisory software platform offering actionable trading insights for domestic and global markets; improved client decision-making and retention.
- Designed and rolled out 'WAP' – India’s first mobile-accessible commodity data service, enhancing customer accessibility and driving digital engagement by 40%.
- Conducted nationwide business tours, building relationships with institutional clients, brokers, and trade associations — expanded customer base across all major commodity hubs.
- Developed and implemented strategic marketing and sales plans, achieving consistent revenue and client growth despite competitive pressures.
- Commoditiescontrol.com – India’s leading electronic commodity information platform
- Surpassed annual sales and client acquisition targets consecutively for 6 years.
- Onboarded top-tier corporate clients and institutional traders nationwide.
- Recognized for innovation in digital business products and customer retention.
- Best Support & Service Award (FY 2009–10) – Commoditiescontrol.com.
- Personal Appreciation from Mr. Raghav Bahl (2011) for outstanding contribution to the Network18 Group.
Regional Network & Operations Coordinator – South Zone
Gati Ltd.
Bangalore
01.1998 - 10.2005
- Directed end-to-end warehouse and hub operations, maintaining 95%+ service-level compliance across regional distribution centers under ISO 9001 standards.
- Managed Service Transit Centres (STCs) — optimized vehicle routing, load capacity, and on-time dispatch performance.
- Led a 50+ member cross-functional operations team (Associates, Handlers, Drivers), focusing on training, safety, and process excellence.
- Implemented cost optimization and route efficiency programs, reducing operational cost per km while improving turnaround time.
- Coordinated closely with sales, business development, and franchise partners for network expansion, business growth, and client satisfaction.
- Prepared and analyzed daily/weekly/monthly MIS reports, ensuring accurate performance tracking and data-driven decision-making.
- Championed customer complaint and dispute resolution, ensuring prompt response and long-term client relationship management.
- Promoted by Senior VP (FY 1999–2000) — recognized for achieving 100% on-time route performance across the Gati network.
- Appointed GEMS Program Ambassador (2001–02) to lead the rollout of the Gati Enterprise Management System (GEMS) across regional operations.
- Repeatedly ranked among Top Performing Employees nationwide, earning multiple awards for operational excellence and leadership.
- Successfully optimized South Zone logistics operations, resulting in higher delivery efficiency, cost savings, and network reliability.
Education
1-Year Programme - World Commodities Market
Weingart Institute
Mumbai01.2011
Diploma - Mass Communication
HR College
Mumbai01.2010
B.A. (Hons.) -
Lalit Narayan Mithila University
Darbhanga, Bihar01.1995
Skills
- Business development and strategy
- Vendor and network management
- Supply chain excellence
- Procurement and negotiation
- Agricultural finance
- Digital trade transformation
- Leadership skills
- Team training and development
- Quality assurance
- Team building
- Client engagement and research
- Research and development
Languages
- English
- Hindi
Awards
- Best Support & Service Award, FY 2009–10, Commoditiescontrol.com
- Personal Appreciation, 2011, Mr. Raghav Bahl, Outstanding contribution to the Network18 Group
Preferred Location
Delhi, India
Personal Information
- Expected Salary: Negotiable
- Father's Name: Late Sri Ganga Kant Jha
- Number of Children: 2
- Date of Birth: 10/01/78
- Marital Status: Married
Timeline
Product Head – Digital Commodities & Market Intelligence
Commodity World
07.2024 - Current
Regional Manager – Digital Trades & Facilities
National Bulk Handling Corporation (NBHC)
01.2022 - 06.2024
Assistant Manager – Trades & Facilities
Agribazaar Technology Pvt. Ltd.
07.2019 - 01.2022
Business Development Manager – Operations & Marketing (Madhya Pradesh)
National Collateral Management Services Ltd. (NCML)
03.2018 - 06.2019
Manager – Marketing & Sales
Sunland Alloys Ltd.
07.2013 - 02.2018
Senior Strategist – Business Development, Operations & Marketing
Network18 Media & Investments Ltd.
11.2005 - 06.2013
Regional Network & Operations Coordinator – South Zone
Gati Ltd.
01.1998 - 10.2005
1-Year Programme - World Commodities Market
Weingart Institute
Diploma - Mass Communication
HR College
B.A. (Hons.) -
Lalit Narayan Mithila University