Country Manager India (Logistics-Tech Startup)

Rukan is an AI and technology company building infrastructure platforms for physical industries. We're launching a new logistics technology product in India that uses AI to solve a major structural inefficiency in the domestic freight market. The product is in stealth details will be shared with shortlisted candidates.

We're backed by an experienced founder with a prior exit and active operations across APAC.

The Role:

You will be our first hire in India. This is a founding team position you will build the India operation from zero, reporting directly to the CEO.

Your core responsibilities in the first 90 days:

• Carrier/driver network development: Personally recruit the first 50 trucking operators on key corridors originating from Hyderabad. This means visiting truck stops, transport nagars, and building trust face-to-face with owner-operators.
• Customer acquisition: Identify and sign 10-20 SME shippers (manufacturers, distributors, building materials, FMCG) who regularly ship partial loads on intercity corridors.
• Operations setup: Establish a small operations base in Hyderabad. Hire 1-2 field staff to support recruitment and coordination.
• Market intelligence: Feed real-time insights on pricing, carrier behavior, route dynamics, and competition back to the CEO. Your observations directly shape the product.

After 90 days, you transition to scaling: expanding corridors, building the local team, and driving daily transaction volume.

What We're Looking For:

Must-haves:

Hyderabad preferred (strategic hub positioned between Mumbai, Bangalore, and Chennai freight corridors). Open to exceptional candidates based in Mumbai, Bangalore, Pune, or Delhi NCR. 3-7 years in Indian trucking, freight, logistics, or transport operations. You understand how loads get booked, how brokers work, how truck owners think. Fluent in Hindi and Telugu. Conversational Urdu is a strong plus. Comfortable spending time at truck stops, not just in an office. Entrepreneurial mindset you're joining at Day 1.

Strong-to-haves:

Prior experience at a logistics-tech platform (BlackBuck, Vahak, Rivigo, Porter, LetsTransport, Delhivery, or similar). Experience recruiting drivers or carriers for a platform business. Understanding of FASTag, GPS telematics, and digital payment systems.

Compensation:

Competitive salary + performance bonuses + equity path

How to Apply:

Send a message or apply with a short note answering: (1) What's your direct experience with Indian trucking or freight (2) If you had 30 days to sign up 25 truck owners on the Hyderabad-Bangalore corridor, how would you do it