MANEESH CHANDRAN
Kozhikode
Summary
Dynamic leader with extensive experience at Beforest Lifestyle Solutions, excelling in supply chain optimization and operational systems development. Proven track record in driving ecological projects and budget management, fostering high-performance teams, and achieving significant cost savings. Adept at data analysis and cultivating stakeholder relationships to enhance organizational impact.
Overview
16
16
years of professional experience
1
1
Certification
Work History
Partner & Advisor - Agri Production & Supply Chain
Vanabandhu Naturals / Vanabandhu NRMS Pvt. Ltd.
Bhopal
12.2021 - Current
- Designed and implemented agro-industrial and agroecological projects focused on maximizing yields and minimizing environmental impact.
- Led strategic initiatives in food security, economic growth, and environmental resilience.
- Directed supply chain optimization and resource planning for natural resource-based farming projects.
- Implemented Corbel Trace AgTech system for supply chain planning and traceability.
Vice President - Farm Operations
Beforest Lifestyle Solutions
Hyderabad
09.2022 - 04.2025
- Directed farm operations and ecological development across six regenerative landscape collectives spread over 1300+ acres in four distinct regions (Coorg, Hyderabad, Mumbai, Bhopal), aligning ground implementation with the organization's long-term strategic vision.
- Designed and implemented operational systems and standard operating procedures that were both cost-effective and future-ready, ensuring alignment with organizational growth and resilience goals.
- Established and led the operations division's strategic direction in close collaboration with the founders, contributing to the organization's broader business and sustainability roadmap.
- Recruited, trained, and mentored senior management and functional heads, set performance KPIs using Balanced Scorecards (BSC), and conducted structured evaluations to foster a high-performing, accountable culture.
- Oversaw end-to-end workflow across multiple departments and workstreams, including infrastructure development, revenue strategy, ecological planning, team performance, and reporting.
- Conducted biodiversity, hydrogeological, topographical, and land revenue surveys to establish data-driven baselines for collective design and impact tracking.
- Identified and implemented new systems and tools (including Zoho Projects and Zoho Books) to streamline cross-team collaboration and resource use.
- Developed and administered departmental budgets for each collective, reviewed cost-control measures, staffing structures, and investment plans for long-term financial sustainability.
- Regularly briefed the CEO and leadership on collective performance using visually structured reports, dashboards, and quarterly reviews.
- Played a key role in expansion by identifying new geographies, conducting due diligence, negotiating with landowners and investors, and closing land deals under competitive terms.
- Cultivated a culture of transparency and values-alignment through workshops rooted in Commonland's 4 Returns philosophy and continuous team feedback loops.
- Participated as core team member in the Stanford Seed Transformation Programme (STP), integrating its frameworks into operational design and team performance strategy.
- Continuously monitored trends and emerging tools in landscape restoration and regenerative operations to keep Beforest at the leading edge of innovation and impact.
Pepper & Bought Coffee Operations Manager
Tata Coffee Ltd
Karnataka
05.2019 - 12.2021
- Managed Black Pepper (Production) and Coffee (Procurement) verticals across estates.
- Drove operational and process improvements, resulting in savings and improved profit margins.
- Monitored company inventory and ensured stock accuracy through SAP and PanAgro ERP systems.
- Collaborated with IISR-ICAR and the Coffee Board of India to resolve agronomic challenges.
- Supervised a team of direct reportees across 25 estates; visited sites regularly to resolve field issues and implement agronomic and crop protection practices.
- Analyzed and reported performance data; supported executive leadership with reporting.
- Worked closely with the SHE committee; coordinated internal audits for key certifications.
Deputy Manager
Tata Coffee Ltd
07.2016 - 05.2019
- Oversaw a 500 Ha mixed Arabica, Robusta, and Pepper estate with a 600-700 member workforce.
- Conducted internal audits for SA8000, Rainforest Alliance (RFA), UTZ, and Starbucks C.A.F.E Practices certifications.
- Supported estate budgeting, documentation, and reporting for senior management.
- Forecasted operational needs and maintained continuity in the General Manager's absence.
- Managed operations using SAP and PanAgro platforms.
Deputy Manager
Woodbriar Group Ltd
Tamil Nadu
05.2015 - 06.2016
- Managed a 200 ha tea estate and a 70 ha cardamom plantation.
- Handled daily production planning and operational efficiency measures.
- Identified workflow bottlenecks and implemented timely solutions.
- Used PanAgro ERP system for estate management and achieved Trustea certification.
Executive - Farming
Olam Nigeria Ltd
08.2013 - 05.2014
- Managed a fully mechanised 1000 Ha rice farm using aircraft-enabled precision farming.
- Monitored yield performance, pest control, and water systems.
- Used SAP to analyze field data and adjust operations accordingly.
Assistant Manager
Goodricke Group Ltd
Jalpaiguri
01.2010 - 07.2013
- Improved yield and workforce efficiency through process enhancements.
- Conducted daily staff briefings and performance evaluations.
- Managed inventories and operational records using Microsoft Dynamics Navision.
Marketing Manager
Anme International
Kozhikode
05.2009 - 12.2009
- Boosted leads and sales through dealer outreach and advertising.
- Built stakeholder relationships and handled marketing databases.
Education
MPhil - Natural Resources Management (NRM)
Indian Institute of Forest Management (IIFM)
Bhopal06.2015
MBA - Agribusiness
Allahabad Agriculture Institute
06.2009
BSc - Forestry & Wood Technology
Sir Syed College, Kannur University
06.2007
Skills
- Supply chain optimization
- Agroecological project design
- Operational systems development
- Data analysis
- Budget management
- Regulatory compliance
Certification
- Global G.A.P. Certification - Black Pepper
- Starbucks C.A.F.E Practices Certification
- Trustea Certification - Woodbriar Group Ltd
- Business Model Innovation for Sustainable Landscape Restoration - Erasmus University
- A Business Approach to Sustainable Landscape Restoration - Erasmus University
- Entrepreneurial Competencies for Landscape Restoration - Erasmus University
- Professional Development: Improve Yourself, Always - Macquarie University
- Build Personal Resilience - Macquarie University
Accomplishments
- Participant - Seed Transformation Programme, Stanford University, 2024
- Participant - International Pepper Conference, 2019, Vung Tau, Vietnam
- Attendee - Biodiversity & Spices Integration Workshop (CII-IBBI & GIZ), 2019
- Attendee - AI in Plantation Workshop, CPCRI, 2018
- Field Management Course - Tea Research Association, 2011
- Wood Technology Training - AWTC, FRI-IWST, 2007
- Certificate of Visit - Nathula Pass, Indian Army, 2008
- 3-Star Merit Certificate - HRD Ministry, 2002
Volunteer Experience
- Documentation Assistant - EWL Scheme, AAI-DU Central Library (2008)
- Enumerator - All India Radio & Panchayat BPL Survey (2006)
Projects And Traineeship
- Feasibility Study - Sijmak Oils Pvt. Ltd., 2008
- Food Grain Production Analysis - 2007
- Mangrove Flora Study - Pazhayangadi River Area, 2006
Timeline
Vice President - Farm Operations
Beforest Lifestyle Solutions
09.2022 - 04.2025
Partner & Advisor - Agri Production & Supply Chain
Vanabandhu Naturals / Vanabandhu NRMS Pvt. Ltd.
12.2021 - Current
Pepper & Bought Coffee Operations Manager
Tata Coffee Ltd
05.2019 - 12.2021
Deputy Manager
Tata Coffee Ltd
07.2016 - 05.2019
Deputy Manager
Woodbriar Group Ltd
05.2015 - 06.2016
Executive - Farming
Olam Nigeria Ltd
08.2013 - 05.2014
Assistant Manager
Goodricke Group Ltd
01.2010 - 07.2013
Marketing Manager
Anme International
05.2009 - 12.2009
MPhil - Natural Resources Management (NRM)
Indian Institute of Forest Management (IIFM)
MBA - Agribusiness
Allahabad Agriculture Institute
BSc - Forestry & Wood Technology
Sir Syed College, Kannur University
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