Lodha Ventures - Chief Operating Officer

Anika Industries is a new-age B2B procurement firm providing unique and customized solutions for businesses at all stages of their growth. Our mission is to be the one-stop solution for accelerating businesses by predicting, monitoring, and leveraging cost reductions essential for efficient operations.

We are poised to become India's fastest-growing procurement expert, specializing in sourcing raw materials, semi-finished goods, finished goods, and services across various industries, including consulting, real estate, interiors, ed-tech, and financial services.

Over the next five years, we expect our overall portfolio from internal companies to exceed 18,000 Crores, with raw materials accounting for approximately 9,000 Crores and services procured at around 6,000 Crore.

Role Overview:

As the COO of Anika Industries, you will report directly to the Co-Founder of Anika Industries.

You will play a pivotal role in transforming our procurement processes across both COGS and non-COGS categories.

You will be responsible for expanding Anika's reach within the group, developing robust vendor management strategies, and leading the development of a state-of-the-art B2B procurement and services platform.

Your efforts will directly contribute to our goal of propelling our business in the next three years, all while maintaining high standards of quality and cost-efficiency.

Responsibilities:

Vendor Management:

- Develop and implement vendor management strategies that ensure cost reductions while maintaining quality.

- Identify, evaluate, and establish relationships with vendors across various industries, with a particular focus on the real estate sector.

- Negotiate contracts and terms with vendors to secure the best possible deals for the company.

- Monitor vendor performance through KPIs, ensuring consistent delivery and adherence to agreed terms.

- Conduct regular vendor audits and performance reviews to ensure compliance with contractual obligations and quality standards.

- Foster long-term partnerships with key suppliers to drive innovation and continuous improvement.

- Develop a vendor diversification strategy to mitigate risks and ensure supply chain resilience.

Procurement Operations:

- Oversee and streamline the entire procurement process, expanding Anika's control to encompass all categories.

- Implement best practices for procurement to ensure efficiency and cost-effectiveness.

- Coordinate with various departments to understand their procurement needs and ensure timely and accurate delivery of goods and services.

- Stabilize and optimize procurement processes, addressing current pain points and ensuring seamless operations.

- Establish procurement policies and procedures to standardize operations across the group.

- Manage procurement budgets, track expenditures, and identify cost-saving opportunities.

- Lead initiatives to source sustainable and ethically produced materials where applicable

Technology Development:

- Lead the development and implementation of a comprehensive B2B procurement and services platform.

- Automate and streamline the purchase order and invoice processing system to enhance efficiency and transparency.

- Collaborate with the tech team to develop tools and systems that support the entire procure-to-pay journey.

- Ensure the successful integration of new technologies with existing systems and processes.

- Identify and implement innovative technologies such as AI and blockchain to enhance procurement operations.

- Oversee data analytics initiatives to provide actionable insights and drive data-driven decision making.

- Develop a roadmap for continuous technological improvement in procurement processes

Profile Expectations:

- Minimum of 15 years of experience in procurement, with a strong background in B2B procurement firms or departments.

- Proven track record of reducing costs and improving vendor performance through strategic management and negotiation.

- Strong leadership skills with the ability to motivate and manage cross-functional teams.

- Procurement and logistics experience internationally for sourcing across South-East Asia Region

- Excellent communication and negotiation skills.

- Demonstrated experience in managing high-stakes stakeholder relationships, both internal and external.

- Highly motivated, action-oriented, and capable of making a significant impact on the organization.

- Preferred certifications: Certified Professional in Supply Management (CPSM), Certified Supply Chain Professional (CSCP), or similar credentials.