Ajay Augustine K
Auckland
Summary
Dynamic and seasoned techno-commercial leader with a multifaceted expertise across procurement, logistics, supply chain management, sales, and engineering. Recognized for driving collaboration and innovative problem-solving, consistently elevating business processes and profitability.
Bringing over 15 years of hands-on experience, I excel in leading and optimizing logistics operations. Proven track record in establishing and managing warehouses, supervising high-performing teams, and spearheading strategic initiatives for efficiency enhancement. Proficient in fostering cross-functional collaboration and implementing cutting-edge solutions to drive continuous improvement. Ready to bring a wealth of experience to lead your logistics team to new heights of success.
Overview
16
16
years of professional experience
Work History
Logistics Manager
Link Alliance (CRL) / Downer NZ
, Auckland
04.2022 - Current
- Led the establishment of a new warehouse facility, overseeing the entire setup process from design to operational readiness.
- Ensured compliance with government regulations related to warehousing and logistics activities
- Developed and implemented warehouse policies and procedures to improve efficiency, accuracy, and safety.
- Supervised, coordinated, and controlled day-to-day logistics operations, managing a team of twenty five professionals.
- Developed and implemented strategic plans to optimize supply chain efficiency, reduce costs, and improve overall performance.
- Streamlined transportation processes, resulting in a 17% reduction in truck turnaround times and a 60% decrease in transportation costs.
- Implemented inventory management strategies
- Monitored inventory levels and conducted regular audits of all items in the warehouse.
- Fostered strong relationships with key suppliers, negotiating favorable terms, and ensuring on-time delivery of materials.
- Conducted regular performance evaluations and implemented training initiatives to cross-train employees on a diverse range of tasks, resulting in improved overall productivity.
Commodity & Logistics Specialist
New Zealand Steel
Auckland
10.2019 - 04.2022
- Overseeing sales and procurement operations for bulk mineral commodities and metal scrap.
- Led the logistics function, optimizing sea, rail, and road transportation, as well as the handling and storage of bulk commodities.
- Successfully led and managed business improvement projects, contributing to heightened operational efficiency and cost savings.
- Developed annual and quarterly budgets for sales, logistics, and purchasing, adeptly aligning financial goals of the business.
- Cultivated a safety-centric culture and upheld rigorous health and safety compliance across the entire organization as a key priority.
- Implemented strategic key account management initiatives, cultivating robust client relationships and achieving notable results.
- Led the execution of Request for Proposals (RFPs) to meet business needs, skillfully negotiating advantageous terms with suppliers, and optimizing overall procurement processes.
- Oversaw vessel nomination schedules, coordinated port activities, and ensured contract adherence to guarantee efficient, timely, and cost-effective operations.
- Directed forecasting, purchase requisition, and goods receipt processes to uphold optimal inventory levels, ensuring seamless operations.
- Consistently examined and reported performance metrics to senior leadership, delivering valuable insights and recommendations for ongoing improvement.
- Worked collaboratively with cross-functional teams to enhance inventory management, minimizing stockouts and optimizing overall stock levels.
Lead Regional Container Scheduler
Coda Group
Auckland
07.2018 - 10.2019
- Streamlined freight flow across the North Island for optimal efficiency.
- Successfully achieved project goals in terms of cost, time, and customer value through effective planning and execution
- Served as a subject matter expert for the development of new IT projects and improvements to existing systems, contributing to enhanced operational capabilities
- Managed escalation and crisis situations, demonstrating effective problem-solving skills and maintaining a high level of customer satisfaction
- Oversaw general account maintenance and PO reconciliation for the North Island, ensuring accurate financial records and compliance
- Managed container schedule adherence and capacity, optimizing logistics operations and minimizing delays.
- Determined the most efficient timeline for completing a given assignment while ensuring optimal resource utilization.
- Eliminated process discrepancies, implementing continuous improvements for scheduling procedures.
Regional Container Scheduler
Coda Group
Auckland
04.2015 - 07.2018
- Collaborated seamlessly with stakeholders to devise creative solutions aimed at improving efficiency and boosting profitability
- Consistently demonstrated excellence in surpassing key performance measures, illustrating a steadfast commitment to achieving and exceeding organizational goals.
- Effectively leveraged rail and road transportation capacities, optimizing logistics operations and contributing to cost reduction.
- Executed operational improvement projects, yielding heightened efficiency and positively impacting overall business performance.
Sales Consultant
Noel Leeming Group
Auckland
08.2012 - 04.2015
- Demonstrated expertise in product knowledge and sales techniques, consistently meeting and exceeding sales targets.
- Specialized in electronic devices and appliances, providing in-depth product knowledge to customers and assisting in making informed purchasing decisions.
- Proactively identified customer needs and provided tailored solutions, contributing to upselling opportunities and increased revenue.
- Cultivated and maintained strong customer relationships through effective communication and personalized service.
- Addressed customer inquiries, concerns, and after-sales service needs, ensuring a high level of customer satisfaction.
- Contributed to the development and implementation of sales strategies to drive revenue growth.
Assistant Manager Logistics
Jindal South West (JSW) Steel Ltd
India
09.2008 - 02.2012
- Managed operations at a rail dispatch yard specializing in steel products, leading a team of 12 staff and overseeing up to 120 contractors. The dispatch yard consisted of four loading lanes for 60-wagon trains, four staging lanes, and one lane as an in-motion weighbridge. Oversight included the management and operation of five gantry cranes, five forklifts, four diesel locomotives, coil tilters, and various other loading equipment.
- Achieved annual cost reduction by implementing process optimizations for material handling and transportation, resulting in improved efficiency and reduced operational expenses
- Successfully transitioned to recycling of packaging materials, significantly reducing dispatch costs and enhancing overall cost-effectiveness
- Effectively led supply chain planning initiatives, fostering seamless collaboration with marketing and production teams to optimize processes from order placement to delivery, ensuring a more efficient and synchronized operation in the capacity of a Logistics Manager.
- Offered leadership to a diverse team, cultivating a collaborative and results-driven environment.
- Facilitated regular training sessions and conducted performance evaluations, ensuring a high level of competence and accountability within the logistics team.
Trainee Mechanical Maintenance Engineer
Synthite Industries
India
05.2008 - 09.2008
- Engaged actively in the selection process for new technology and equipment within the manufacturing facility.
- Worked collaboratively with the engineering team to assess and select machinery, enhancing overall efficiency and productivity in the manufacturing process.
- Worked collaboratively with cross-functional teams, contractors, and suppliers to supervise the successful implementation of the new spice dryer equipment.
- Collaborated with environmental engineers and various stakeholders to formulate a cost-effective and sustainable effluent treatment solution.
- Underwent comprehensive training in the mechanical maintenance of various machinery within an industrial setting.
- Gained hands-on experience in troubleshooting, repairing, and maintaining mechanical systems to ensure optimal functionality.
Education
Post Graduate Diploma in Business Administration - Business Administration
Auckland University of Technology
Auckland, NZ06-2013
Bachelor of Technology - Mechanical Engineering
Cochin University of Science And Technology
Cochin, India05-2008
Skills
- Warehouse & Logistics Management
- Business Leadership
- Procurement Management
- Inventory Management
- Contract Management
- Strategic Initiatives
- Change Management
- Stakeholder Relationship Management
- Business Analysis
- Staff Development
- Budgeting and Cost Control
- Systems Implementation
Accomplishments
- Certified in Safety Leadership for Supervisors & Managers (SLSM), specializing in Enabling Operational Safety Performance through an 8-week online module program provided by Safety Futures.
- uccessfully concluded a two-month academic project at the Vikram Sarabhai Space Centre (VSSC), under the esteemed Indian Space Research Organisation (ISRO).
Affiliations
- Finance Committee Member at a community organization, contributing to financial decision-making and planning through regular participation in bimonthly meetings.
Languages
English
Native/ Bilingual
Malayalam
Native/ Bilingual
Hindi
Limited
Tamil
Limited
References
References available upon request.
Timeline
Logistics Manager
Link Alliance (CRL) / Downer NZ
04.2022 - Current
Commodity & Logistics Specialist
New Zealand Steel
10.2019 - 04.2022
Lead Regional Container Scheduler
Coda Group
07.2018 - 10.2019
Regional Container Scheduler
Coda Group
04.2015 - 07.2018
Sales Consultant
Noel Leeming Group
08.2012 - 04.2015
Assistant Manager Logistics
Jindal South West (JSW) Steel Ltd
09.2008 - 02.2012
Trainee Mechanical Maintenance Engineer
Synthite Industries
05.2008 - 09.2008
Post Graduate Diploma in Business Administration - Business Administration
Auckland University of Technology
Bachelor of Technology - Mechanical Engineering
Cochin University of Science And Technology
Similar Profiles
Efren JosolEfren Josol
WELDER/Mechanical Fitter at AIS/Aquaheat Company CRL Proj. Auckland NZWELDER/Mechanical Fitter at AIS/Aquaheat Company CRL Proj. Auckland NZ
Brad HillBrad Hill
Project Manager at Downer NZProject Manager at Downer NZ
MA. RACHELL S. BANDELARIAMA. RACHELL S. BANDELARIA
Contract Administrator at DOWNER NZContract Administrator at DOWNER NZ