IKONS:
Manas Nijhawan is the Director of Supply Chain for Coca-Cola India and South West Asia, and he currently serves as the Global Director of Supply Chain at The Coca-Cola Company in the USA. A graduate of the Management Development Institute (MDI) in Gujarat, Manas is a dynamic leader known for his strong bias for action. He leads by example and inspires those around him to reach their full potential.
Avinash Talwar is the Director of Supply Chain Management (Strategic & Plant Sourcing) at Dr. Reddy’s Laboratories, located in the Hyderabad, India. He is a Gold Medalist with a Post Graduate Diploma in Packaging Technology from the Indian Institute of Packaging in Mumbai and holds a Bachelor’s Degree in Pharmacy from Nagpur University.
What is the Job?
The role encompasses various functional areas, including planning, warehousing, packaging, and coordination of cargo transport (air, railway, sea, and road). It also involves purchasing, materials management, operations management, and international operations—collectively known as supply chain management. In essence, the job is about ensuring that goods are transported efficiently from one location to another, reaching consumers in optimal condition, within the shortest possible time, and at an economical price.
Can you go for it?
Speed, efficiency, timely delivery, safety, and cost-effectiveness are the cornerstones of effective supply chain management. Strong decision-making skills, presence of mind, and excellent public relations abilities are critical for success in this field. If you possess these skills along with the relevant qualifications, you have a strong chance of excelling in this career.
Is there a future in this Job?
The market for supply chain management (SCM), logistics, and materials management in India is expanding year by year. The ongoing integration of the Indian economy with global markets has heightened the demand for improved supply chain and logistics management.
In India, promising developments such as the formation of State Road Development Corporations and the National Highways Development Project (NHDP) signal a positive future. The National Highways Authority of India’s initiative, which includes the ‘Golden Quadrilateral’ project connecting major cities to rural areas, will revolutionize delivery systems upon completion. Additionally, advancements in communication technologies are enabling logistics professionals to track goods more effectively.
With time being a critical factor—especially for perishable products—there will be significant opportunities for those who can deliver efficiently and reliably.
Where to begin?
In Goa:
You can pursue a BBA (General) or a BBA in Shipping & Logistics at MES College in Vasco. After that, consider enrolling in an MBA program at Goa Institute of Management Studies or Goa University. Alternatively, you may opt for a Correspondence Diploma in Logistics or Materials Management after graduation through institutions like Symbiosis Center for Distance Learning – www.scdl.net or IGNOU, as well as other distance-learning universities across the country.
Outside Goa:
The Indian Institute of Materials Management (www.iimm.org) in Mumbai, is the premier training institution in India, with 17 branches nationwide. IIMM offers the following programs:
• Graduate Diploma in Materials Management (GDMM) – 2-year full-time.
• Three-year Post Graduate Diploma in Materials Management (PGDMM) – available through correspondence.
• One-year Distance Education in Logistics Management – also through correspondence.
You could also consider joining the Indian Institute of Foreign Trade (IIFT) in Delhi – www.iift.ac.in/iift/index.php, which is ranked among the top 10 business colleges in the country. Their MBA programs include specializations in International Marketing, Finance, Strategy, and more.
Employment Avenues:
All export/import houses require skilled logistics managers, and there is significant employment potential for individuals who can deliver results. Opportunities also abound in government agencies and training institutions.
Salaries:
Starting salaries in this field are generally modest. Initially, you can expect to earn between ₹25,000 and ₹75,000 per month. However, as you demonstrate your potential and contribute positively to the organization, salaries can increase significantly. With experience and proven results, earnings can rise from ₹50,000 per month to ₹250,000 or even higher.
Don’t settle for just a degree or diploma — enhance your CV by completing online learning programs with certification in areas relevant to your chosen career. This will significantly improve your employment prospects compared to holding only a basic qualification. Additionally, consider boosting your confidence by enrolling in public speaking courses, such as those offered by Toastmasters International.
For government job opportunities, please check: www.employment-newspaper.com
page updated: October 2024