SUNIL KUTTAN
Mumbai
Summary
Strategic Procurement & Supply Chain Leader with over 25 years of progressive leadership experience across hospitality, large-format developments, and multi-unit restaurant environments. Proven expertise in building procurement and contract management functions from the ground up, leading high-value commercial portfolios, and driving structured revenue generation through innovative sourcing and partnership models. Recognized for launching and scaling procurement ecosystems for marquee hospitality brands and large-scale integrated developments. Strong commercial acumen with demonstrated success in managing ₹50+ Crore annual marketing procurement portfolios and delivering measurable EBITDA impact through structured negotiations, governance frameworks, and revenue-share agreements.
Overview
27
27
years of professional experience
Work History
Lead, Procurement & Contracts
Reliance Industries Limited
Mumbai
11.2021 - Current
- Appointed to head and establish the Procurement & Contracts function for the launch of Jio World Centre (operational since April 2022), one of India's largest integrated convention and cultural destinations.
- Hired and built the entire Procurement team from ground zero, defining roles, capability mix, KRAs, and performance governance to create a high-performance sourcing organization.
- Designed and institutionalized the end-to-end procurement operating model, including department structure, SOPs, governance frameworks, approval matrices, and tendering protocols aligned to corporate compliance standards.
- Spearheaded ERP implementation and digital process integration, enabling spend visibility, workflow automation, contract lifecycle tracking, and real-time management reporting.
- Managing a Marketing Procurement portfolio of ~₹50 Crore annual spend, driving strategic sourcing, rate benchmarking, and commercial optimization.
- Structured and negotiated innovative revenue-share commercial models, securing ₹5+ Crore incremental revenue in the current financial year.
- Leading Capex & Opex procurement strategy, including competitive bidding, multiyear contracting, value engineering, and lifecycle commercial management.
- Driving robust vendor governance, compliance frameworks, and commercial risk mitigation, strengthening financial controls and performance accountability.
- Collaborating with Business, Marketing, Projects, and Finance leadership to align procurement strategy with operational scalability and revenue growth objectives.
- Jio World Centre, one of India's largest integrated convention and cultural destinations.
Deputy General Manager, Supply Chain
Gourmet Investments Pvt. Ltd.
08.2012 - 11.2021
- Appointed to head the Supply Chain function for the India launch of PizzaExpress (December 2012), establishing sourcing, logistics, and operational readiness from inception.
- Established a centralized commissary, warehousing and distribution model, enabling scalable expansion, improved inventory control, and optimized last-mile delivery.
- Designed and operationalized a robust sourcing, import management, warehousing, and distribution infrastructure, ensuring consistency, quality compliance, and cost optimization.
- Supported supply chain operations across 27+ restaurants nationwide, including integration during the acquisition of Chili's Grill & Bar (South & West India franchise) and the India launch of Ministry of Crab.
- Led Capex, Engineering, IT, and F&B procurement, managing vendor negotiations, restaurant fit-outs, kitchen equipment sourcing, and contract structuring.
- Implemented demand forecasting and replenishment systems, significantly improving working capital efficiency, stock turns, and service levels.
- Drove supplier consolidation, strategic partnerships, and quality assurance frameworks aligned with international brand standards.
Assistant Procurement Manager
Sofitel Mumbai BKC
Mumbai
08.2010 - 08.2012
- Pre-opening core team member responsible for establishing Procurement function from inception.
- Managed OS&E budget of USD 4 Million including sourcing, vendor negotiations, and cost control.
- Finalized annual contracts for F&B, housekeeping, engineering, and operating supplies.
- Developed approved vendor base and ensured brand compliance standards.
- Implemented inventory controls and procurement SOPs during hotel launch phase.
Senior Procurement Executive
The Westin Mumbai Garden City
Mumbai
02.2009 - 08.2010
- Managed import operations including EPCG licensing and customs coordination.
- Procured operating equipment worth USD 2 Million across departments.
- Led annual rate contracts for perishable and non-perishable categories.
- Partnered with culinary and operations teams for cost optimization initiatives.
- Ensured adherence to Starwood brand procurement standards and audit compliance.
Materials Executive
Grand Hyatt Mumbai
Mumbai
09.2003 - 02.2009
- Pre-opening team member for specialty restaurant operations.
- Established F&B warehouse and inventory control systems.
- Managed wines & spirits procurement including duty-free compliance.
- Supported large-scale banquet and events procurement requirements.
Stores Assistant
Taj Lands End
05.1999 - 09.2003
- Managed inventory operations, receiving goods, and stock control processes.
Education
Bachelor of Commerce -
Jaipur National University
JaipurSkills
- Procurement Leadership
- Supply Chain Management
- Restaurant Supply Chain
- Contract Negotiation
- Marketing Procurement
- Revenue Share Models
- Capex Sourcing
- Vendor Governance
- ERP Implementation
- Pre-Opening Expertise
- Commercial Strategy
- Cost Optimization
- Team Leadership
Leadership Engagements
- Guest Speaker, Symbiosis International University, Pune, 11/01/24
- Guest Speaker, India Restaurant Congress, Delhi, 01/01/19
Executive Profile - Summary
Strategic Procurement & Supply Chain Leader with over 25 years of progressive leadership experience across hospitality, large-format developments, and multi-unit restaurant environments. Proven expertise in building procurement and contract management functions from the ground up, leading high-value commercial portfolios, and driving structured revenue generation through innovative sourcing and partnership models. Recognized for launching and scaling procurement ecosystems for marquee hospitality brands and large-scale integrated developments. Strong commercial acumen with demonstrated success in managing ₹50+ Crore annual marketing procurement portfolios and delivering measurable EBITDA impact through structured negotiations, governance frameworks, and revenue-share agreements.
Timeline
Lead, Procurement & Contracts
Reliance Industries Limited
11.2021 - Current
Deputy General Manager, Supply Chain
Gourmet Investments Pvt. Ltd.
08.2012 - 11.2021
Assistant Procurement Manager
Sofitel Mumbai BKC
08.2010 - 08.2012
Senior Procurement Executive
The Westin Mumbai Garden City
02.2009 - 08.2010
Materials Executive
Grand Hyatt Mumbai
09.2003 - 02.2009
Stores Assistant
Taj Lands End
05.1999 - 09.2003
Bachelor of Commerce -
Jaipur National University