Kavitha Nair
Sr Manager Procurement & Administration
New Delhi,New Delhi
Summary
Seasoned Procurement and Supply Chain Management (PSM) professional with over 25 years of progressive leadership in global health, public sector projects, and donor-funded programs. Demonstrated expertise in managing procurement portfolios exceeding $350 million across diverse sectors including infectious diseases, health commodities, and infrastructure. Adept at driving seamless supply chains with zero stock-out records, and working with international agencies (USAID, World Bank, The Global Fund), governments, and private sector partners. Skilled in donor compliance, FIDIC contracting, and implementing risk-based procurement strategies.
Overview
24
24
years of professional experience
2011
2011
years of post-secondary education
Work History
Senior Manager – Procurement & Administration
Jhpiego (An Affiliate of Johns Hopkins University)
New Delhi
09.2024 - Current
- Leading strategic procurement and administration functions for the India office
- Admin: Spearheading real estate and lease negotiations, facilities management, and vendor oversight
- Driving operational efficiency and cost optimization across administrative functions
- Procurement: Managing end-to-end procurement, ensuring donor compliance and value-for-money
- Overseeing supplier contracts, procurement systems, and risk mitigation measures
- Implemented and developed operational standards, policies and procedures.
- Reduced costs, optimized resource allocation, and improved efficiency in managing projects.
- Improved team performance by providing comprehensive training and fostering a collaborative work environment.
- Achieved operational excellence by streamlining processes and implementing best practices.
- Evaluated vendor offerings critically to select the most appropriate partners for delivering desired results at optimal costs.
- Negotiated high-value contracts with new suppliers, securing better pricing and terms, which improved profit margins.
Country Lead & Deputy Director
Empower School of Health
New Delhi
06.2023 - 07.2024
- Developed partnerships with global health organizations; led capacity-building initiatives with a team of 50+
- Managed procurement for digital infrastructure and coordinated large-scale donor-funded programs
- Ensured regulatory compliance across all departments through diligent monitoring of policies, procedures, documentation requirements.
- Collaborated with other department heads to ensure smooth functioning of organizational activities.
- Developed strategic plans to achieve organizational goals, ensuring alignment with company''s mission and vision.
National Consultant – Drugs, Logistics and Donor Coordination
World Health Organization (India Country Office)
New Delhi
06.2017 - 04.2023
- Led Procurement & Supply Chain Management (PSM) efforts for healthcare commodities, ensuring smooth operations
- Developed National Strategic Plans and Annual Procurement Plans to support national health programs effectively
- Crafted and implemented National Guidelines on PSM to ensure regulatory compliance and enhance efficiency
- Conducted demand analysis and sourced high-quality goods within specified budgets and legal frameworks
- Used market research and cost analysis to negotiate favourable supplier terms
- Provided expert guidance on quality assurance protocols for healthcare commodities
- Monitored and documented contract performance to ensure optimal service delivery
- Designed and delivered capacity-building programs to enhance staff competencies in PSM
- Established standards, best practices, and procedures for healthcare commodity procurement and storage
- Implemented Distribution and Logistics Systems (DLS) to streamline supply chain management
- Facilitated Excise and Customs Duty Exemptions for regulatory compliance
- Developed specialized tools for the National Tuberculosis Elimination Program (NTEP)
Administrator
KPMG India
New Delhi
02.2012 - 06.2017
- Managed procurement, HR, and administrative support for health-sector projects
- Supported USAID-funded $5M contract under Swachh Bharat Mission
- Handled sensitive information discreetly, maintaining strict confidentiality at all times as required by company policy or legal regulations.
- Managed office inventory levels, ensuring adequate supplies were available while minimizing waste and unnecessary spending.
Administration In-Charge, North India Airports
Kingfisher Airlines
New Delhi
07.2007 - 01.2012
- Oversaw administrative operations across 21 airports; led procurement and HR for over 350 staff
Consultant – Tobacco Project
World Lung Foundation
New Delhi
09.2006 - 05.2007
- Conducted national-level seminars and awareness drives on tobacco control
- Organized Anti-TB Awareness March with 2500+ participants and celebrity involvement
- Educated over 1000 youth in 25 premier institutions on tobacco's ill effects; conducted a city-wide declamation contest
Logistics Manager
Strategic Alliance Management Pvt. Ltd.
02.2001 - 08.2006
- Managed logistics and supply chain for RNTCP, Ministry of Health & Family Welfare
- Twice nominated to Global TB Drug Facility (GDF), WHO, Geneva for international review missions
- Worked closely with policy makers; ensured no stock-outs in national drug supply
- Negotiated a $200 million grant for TB drug procurement with Global Drug Facility
- Participated in two international monitoring missions with WHO-GDF
- Supported technical specification formulation for pediatric and DOTS Plus boxes under RNTCP
Education
MBA - HR, Public Relations and Administration
Certificate in Public Procurement - undefined
Diploma in Computer Applications - Fashion Technology
Bachelor’s - English (Hons)
Delhi University
Skills
- Procurement strategy development
- Donor and Government Stakeholder Engagement
Technical And Language Skills
MS Office, Google Workspace, Procurement ERPs, English, Hindi, Tamil, Malayalam
Timeline
Senior Manager – Procurement & Administration
Jhpiego (An Affiliate of Johns Hopkins University)
09.2024 - Current
Country Lead & Deputy Director
Empower School of Health
06.2023 - 07.2024
National Consultant – Drugs, Logistics and Donor Coordination
World Health Organization (India Country Office)
06.2017 - 04.2023
Administrator
KPMG India
02.2012 - 06.2017
Administration In-Charge, North India Airports
Kingfisher Airlines
07.2007 - 01.2012
Consultant – Tobacco Project
World Lung Foundation
09.2006 - 05.2007
Logistics Manager
Strategic Alliance Management Pvt. Ltd.
02.2001 - 08.2006
Certificate in Public Procurement - undefined
Diploma in Computer Applications - Fashion Technology
Bachelor’s - English (Hons)
Delhi University
MBA - HR, Public Relations and Administration
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