Head, Supply Chain

Job Description

• The Head, Supply Chain is responsible for providing strategic leadership and oversight of the Company's procurement, logistics, inventory management, vendor management, and supply chain operations.
• The role ensures the timely and cost-effective sourcing of marine equipment, vessel spares, technical services, and operational materials while maintaining compliance with quality, safety, and maritime regulatory requirements.
• The incumbent will drive supply chain efficiency, optimize costs, mitigate procurement risks, and lead a high-performing supply chain team to support business growth and operational excellence.

Key Responsibilities
Strategic Supply Chain Leadership:

• Develop and implement the Company's supply chain and procurement strategy in alignment with business objectives.
• Lead the planning, execution, and continuous improvement of procurement, logistics, warehousing, and inventory management activities.
• Drive cost optimization initiatives while ensuring uninterrupted supply of critical materials and services.
• Establish and monitor supply chain KPIs, performance metrics, and reporting frameworks.
• Identify and mitigate supply chain risks, ensuring business continuity and operational resilience.
• Monitor and report supply chain performance, KPIs, budget utilization, and strategic initiatives.

Procurement & Sourcing Management:

• Oversee the sourcing and procurement of marine equipment, vessel spare parts, technical services, fuel-related materials, and operational supplies.
• Review procurement requirements and technical specifications received from vessels, operations, engineering, and project teams.
• Lead supplier selection, tendering, bid evaluations, contract negotiations, and vendor performance management.
• Negotiate favorable commercial terms, pricing structures, delivery schedules, and service-level agreements.
• Ensure procurement activities are conducted transparently and in compliance with company policies and approved budgets.

Vendor & Contract Management:

• Develop and maintain strategic relationships with suppliers, OEMs, shipyards, contractors, and service providers.
• Establish and manage an effective vendor registration, qualification, and performance evaluation system.
• Monitor supplier performance against agreed service levels and contractual obligations.
• Escalate and manage supplier non-conformities, recommending corrective actions or termination of relationships where necessary.
• Drive supplier development initiatives to improve quality, reliability, and cost efficiency.

Inventory & Logistics Management:

• Provide oversight for inventory planning and control to ensure optimal stock levels across vessels, operational sites, and warehouses.
• Ensure the timely delivery of materials, equipment, and services to vessels, ports, terminals, and project locations.
• Lead logistics planning and coordination to minimize downtime and support uninterrupted operations.
• Monitor inventory utilization, stock movements, and replenishment activities to prevent shortages and excess inventory.

Project & Operational Support:

• Support vessel maintenance, dry-docking, repair projects, and capital projects through effective procurement and supply planning.
• Collaborate with Operations, Engineering, Finance, and Commercial teams to ensure alignment of supply chain activities with operational requirements.
• Ensure urgent and critical procurement requests are managed efficiently without compromising governance standards.

Compliance, Governance & Reporting:

• Ensure compliance with company policies, quality standards, maritime regulations, and applicable statutory requirements.
• Maintain accurate and up-to-date procurement records, contracts, vendor databases, purchase orders, quotations, invoices, and related documentation.
• Conduct periodic audits and reviews of supply chain processes to ensure adherence to established controls.
• Prepare and present supply chain performance reports, cost-saving initiatives, procurement analytics, and risk assessments to Management.

Technology & Process Improvement:

• Lead the adoption and optimisation of ERP/procurement systems and supply chain management software across the department.
• Implement digital tools for inventory tracking, purchase order management, and supplier performance dashboards.
• Drive continuous improvement initiatives using Lean, Six Sigma, or equivalent methodologies to streamline supply chain processes.
• Develop, maintain and update standard operating procedures (SOPs) for all supply chain functions.

Leadership & People Management:

• Lead, mentor, and develop the Supply Chain team to achieve departmental and organizational goals.
• Foster a culture of accountability, collaboration, continuous improvement, and customer service excellence.
• Set performance objectives, conduct performance reviews, and identify development opportunities for team members.
• Ensure adequate succession planning and capability development within the function.
• Perform any other responsibilities as assigned by Executive Management.

Qualifications

• Bachelor's Degree in Supply Chain Management, Procurement, Logistics, Engineering, Business Administration, or related field.
• Master's Degree or MBA will be an added advantage.
• Professional certification such as CIPS, CPSM, CIPSMN, ISM, or equivalent is preferred.
• Minimum of 10–15 years' experience in Supply Chain, Procurement, or Logistics, with at least 5 years in a senior leadership role.
• Experience in the maritime, shipping, marine logistics, oil & gas, or related industries is highly desirable.

Our ideal candidate has the following competencies:

• Strong commercial awareness.
• Ability to work under pressure and meet deadlines.
• Good customer service proficiency
• Analytical thinking
• Team collaboration
• High level of integrity and attention to detail.
• Strong problem-solving and decision-making abilities.
• Relationship Management skills
• Strong negotiation skills
• Document & Records Management
• Excellent communication and interpersonal skills
• Proficiency in procurement software and Microsoft Office Suite
• Understanding of the entire supply chain process
• Proactive disposition towards duties
• Ability to use initiative and work effectively with minimal supervision.

Additional Information:

• The remuneration package is competitive, along with other benefits.
•  Interviews will be conducted on a rolling basis up to the closing date.
• Successful candidates will be required to undergo additional assessments as part of the selection process.