Manager - Operations (Network) - Military veterans preferred

Job Title: Manager – Operations (Network)
Function: Operations
Reports to: Head – Ground Operations
Location: Mumbai, India

About Blue Dart Express India

Blue Dart Express India, a leader in the logistics and express delivery sector, is part of the DHL Group. We provide reliable, time-sensitive delivery solutions to over 37,000+ locations across the country. Our robust domestic network and unmatched infrastructure position Blue Dart as a critical player in India’s logistics industry. We pride ourselves on innovation, service excellence, and creating long-term partnerships with our clients, enabling businesses to thrive in the fast-paced and ever-evolving logistics environment.

Position Overview:

The Network Manager is responsible for overseeing the air product movement network, including road networks, speed trucks, co-loaders, and train services. This role ensures efficient utilization of resources, cost optimization, and high service standards in network operations, while leading the Network Control Centre and coordinating with various internal and external stakeholders. The manager will be instrumental in maintaining high operational efficiency, improving service levels, and driving cost-saving initiatives.

Job Purpose:

To manage and optimize the road network for air product movement, ensuring maximum efficiency, cost-effectiveness, and timely delivery. This includes overseeing various modes of transportation such as road networks, speed trucks, co-loaders, and trains. The role aims to improve performance, reduce operational costs, and ensure service levels are maintained across all transportation channels.

Key Responsibilities:

Financial:

• Review and monitor the network performance, ensuring optimal utilization of the existing network and meeting the company's expectations for cost per kilogram (CPK).
• Evaluate regional network proposals, ensuring cost and operational efficiency before submitting them to the Head of Ground Operations.
• Analyze both intra and inter-regional networks, proposing re-engineering solutions (e.g., merging networks or introducing multi-product solutions) to enhance cost efficiency without compromising service quality.

Operational:

• Oversee and manage networks across the country, including road networks connecting air hubs, speed trucks, co-loaders, and trains.
• Ensure adherence to SOPs for all network movements (e.g., vehicle driver protocols, GPS, electronic locks).
• Negotiate rates and service offers with service providers in consultation with the Head of Ground Operations through the RFQ process.
• Enhance network efficiency, improving arrival service levels (ASL) by analyzing and improving connectivity, especially for intra/inter-network movements carrying air products (DP, Etail, Apex, Dart Plus).
• Monitor and ensure the arrival service levels of Dart Plus are improved and maintained. Ensure optimal vehicle utilization by incorporating multi-product lanes wherever needed.
• Track the volume growth of Dart Plus and determine requirements for new lanes to improve speed truck network efficiency.
• Maintain an MIS (Management Information System) for air road networks, speed trucks, co-loaders, and train movements to monitor utilization and operational cost per kilogram.
• Conduct regular review meetings with service providers to maintain performance and service quality.

People:

• Lead the Air Network Control Centre, which monitors multiple networks (road, co-loader, and train) connecting air hubs and speed trucks connecting Etail hubs for all air products.
• Monitor and manage misconnections in BZ & commercial flights, ensuring minimal service impact by pushing hubs to make connections via the next available mode.
• Coordinate with the regional network team to ensure efficiency across intra/inter networks, both operationally and financially.

Key Competencies & Skills:

• Strong leadership and people management skills.
• In-depth knowledge of network operations, transportation management systems (TMS), and logistics.
• Excellent negotiation and vendor management abilities.
• Strong problem-solving and analytical skills to optimize network performance and cost-efficiency.
• Ability to work with cross-functional teams to drive operational efficiency.
• Strong communication and interpersonal skills to collaborate effectively with internal and external stakeholders.

Qualifications:

Education:

• Bachelor’s degree in Business, Operations, Logistics, or a related field (Master’s preferred).

Experience:

• Minimum of 5 years of experience in network management, logistics, or a related role, with a proven track record of improving operational efficiency.
• Familiarity with transportation management systems (TMS) and network performance optimization.
• Experience in negotiating with vendors and managing service providers.
• Strong understanding of air logistics and multi-modal transportation networks.

Key Performance Indicators: