IT Operations Assoc Manager - Digital Transformation (Supply Chain)

The primary objective of this role is to enable, optimize, and digitally transform the end-to-end supply chain by designing, delivering, and sustaining technology solutions that improve operational efficiency, service levels, cost performance, and business agility.

The role acts as a strategic partner to Supply Chain functions-Planning, Procurement, Agro, Manufacturing, EHS, Quality, Warehousing, Logistics, and Customer Service-to ensure technology investments drive tangible business outcomes.

The purpose and scope of the role is to:

• Align Supply Chain business needs with digital & IT capabilities by deeply understanding functional processes and pain points.
• Drive digital transformation initiatives that leverage automation, analytics, AI/ML, and integrated platforms to modernize supply chain operations.
• Ensure seamless orchestration of systems and data across multiple functions and partners to support real-time visibility and decision-making.
• Serve as the bridge between business teams and technical teams, enabling solutions that are technically robust, scalable, secure, reasonable in cost and deliver the intended value.
• Enable continuous improvement and adoption, ensuring that solutions are effectively utilized and continually enhanced to meet evolving business needs.
• Engage cross-functional teams including Finance/Controls, Sales, R&D, Engineering and other external supply chain partners to ensure seamless integration of IT capabilities with business processes.

Business Engagement & Requirement Management

• Act as the primary IT partner for Supply Chain teams across Planning, Manufacturing, Agro, Procurement, Logistics, Warehousing, and Customer Service.
• Proactively identify digital opportunities and pain points by engaging with stakeholders at all levels.
• Gather, validate, and translate functional requirements into clear solution specifications.
• Ensure alignment of all initiatives with supply chain strategy and enterprise architecture.

Solution Design & Functional Leadership

• Lead functional solution design for key Supply Chain processes (e.g. transportation, logistics, warehousing, Agro etc)
• Evaluate technology options and recommend solutions based on fit, scalability, cost, and integration needs.
• Set up and actively lead design workshops, process mapping sessions, and blueprint creation.
• Ensure data, process, and integration consistency across applications.

Project & Program Delivery

• End-to-end ownership of digital initiatives, including planning, vendor coordination, execution, testing, deployment, and hypercare.
• Drive cross-functional teams to meet timelines, quality standards, and business outcomes.
• Conduct and coordinate for UAT (user acceptance test) cycles, ensuring scenarios reflect true operational needs.
• Manage risks, dependencies, and change requests throughout the project lifecycle.

Stakeholder Communication & Change Management

• Provide regular updates on project progress, risks, and decisions needed.
• Prepare communication materials, training documentation, and user onboarding content.
• Foster a culture of digital adoption, helping users confidently leverage new tools and systems.

Data & Analytics Enablement

• Support accurate and timely data flows across systems.
• Collaborate with analytics teams to deliver dashboards, KPIs, and predictive insights.
• Ensure data quality, governance, and integration integrity across supply chain applications.

Value Delivery & Performance Tracking

• Track benefits realization of IT investments (cost savings, service improvements, automation benefits).
• Ensure digital initiatives directly support supply chain KPIs
• Present performance insights and improvement opportunities to leadership teams.

Continuous Improvement & Digital Optimization

• Identify automation, simplification, and digitization opportunities across supply chain processes.
• Lead process improvement initiatives using analytics and automation.
• Influence adoption through training, communication, and capability-building interventions.

Governance, Compliance & Risk Management

• Ensure solutions follow IT and cybersecurity policies, regulatory requirements, and audit guidelines.
• Maintain strong controls around change management, access management, and data protection.
• Represent Supply Chain IT in governance forums and architecture councils.

Application Operations & Support

• Ensure day-to-day stability, performance, and availability of supply chain applications.
• Act as the escalation point for high-priority incidents and coordinate resolution with support teams.
• Drive root cause analysis and permanent fixes to minimize repeated issues.
• Maintain system documentation, SOPs, and configuration records.

Vendor & Partner Management

• Coordinate with technology vendors, implementation partners, and managed service teams.
• Evaluate vendor deliverables, quality, SLAs, and compliance.
• Ensure external partners understand business context and deliver solutions aligned with expectations.

Experience Requirements

• Bachelor's degree in Engineering and Masters in Business Management
• 10-12 years of experience in Supply Chain IT, Digital, or Business-facing roles through Consulting assignments.
• Experience delivering or supporting large-scale digital transformation programs in FMCG or related industries.
• Proven experience in multi-stakeholder, cross-functional environments.
• Exposure to global or multi-market operations

Technical & Systems Knowledge

• Advanced Planning Systems (e.g. APO, Blue Yonder)
• WMS/TMS solutions (e.g. Blue Yonder, SAP EWM/TM)
• Control Tower platforms
• ERP (SAP ECC/S4HANA - core MM, PP, SD modules)
• Understanding of integration technologies (APIs, EDI, IDocs, event-driven platforms).
• Familiarity with cloud platforms (e.g. AWS, Azure) and their use in enterprise applications.