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
2022.04 - 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
2019.10 - 2022.04
- 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
2018.07 - 2019.10
- 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
2015.04 - 2018.07
- 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
2012.08 - 2015.04
- 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
2008.09 - 2012.02
- 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
2008.05 - 2008.09
- 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, NZ2013-06
Bachelor of Technology - Mechanical Engineering
Cochin University of Science And Technology
Cochin, India2008-05
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
2022.04 - Current
Commodity & Logistics Specialist
New Zealand Steel
2019.10 - 2022.04
Lead Regional Container Scheduler
Coda Group
2018.07 - 2019.10
Regional Container Scheduler
Coda Group
2015.04 - 2018.07
Sales Consultant
Noel Leeming Group
2012.08 - 2015.04
Assistant Manager Logistics
Jindal South West (JSW) Steel Ltd
2008.09 - 2012.02
Trainee Mechanical Maintenance Engineer
Synthite Industries
2008.05 - 2008.09
Post Graduate Diploma in Business Administration - Business Administration
Auckland University of Technology
Bachelor of Technology - Mechanical Engineering
Cochin University of Science And Technology
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