Ajai Kumar

A skilled, innovative, & result-oriented professional with more than 17 years of dynamic experience in material procurement & management; specialised in strategic procurement and vendor development, negotiation, risk management, inventory management. Seasoned professional in general and operations management with comprehensive experience leading teams, optimizing processes, and implementing cost-effective strategies. Skilled in strategic planning, staff development, and operational efficiency, consistently improving workflow and reducing costs.

Proven track record of enhancing overall business performance through effective leadership and innovative problem-solving.

Head (Materials Management) - Jaishnavi Properties Pvt.Ltd. - Lucknow, India

(2021-06)

• Spearheaded the development & implementation of procurement strategies that resulted in cost reduction of 18% ensuring high quality products with timely delivery.
• Formulated and executed complete material management operations aligned with organisational goals and objectives.
• Responsibilities include supplier development, procurement activities through RFQ, negotiation, ordering & arrangement of material supply, stores/inventory management, arrangement of government approvals, and management of marketing & sales team.
• Developed and implemented operational strategies to improve efficiency, reduce costs and maximize customer satisfaction.
• Established and maintained effective communication with staff members to ensure efficient operations.
• Monitored financial performance and identified areas for improvement in cost savings and revenue generation.
• Coordinated training activities for employees to ensure compliance with company policies and procedures.
• Maintained relationships with vendors to obtain the best pricing on supplies and materials.
• Created a positive work environment by developing team building activities that encouraged collaboration among departments.
• Analysed existing processes for effectiveness and developed new systems as needed to enhance overall productivity levels.
• Implemented employee recognition programs to motivate staff members towards achieving organizational goals.
• Monitored progress by establishing plans, budgets and measuring results.

Manager (Materials Management) - Bharat Pumps and Compressors Ltd. - Prayagraj (Allahabad), India

(2020-09 - 2021-05)

Worked in Purchase Department under Materials Management Division involving procurement of Capex-Opex, Maintenance-Repair-Operation materials, inventory management, logistics arrangement, and foreign trade activities.

• Managed a team of 10+ employees by providing guidance, setting goals and objectives, delegating tasks, and monitoring performance.
• Developed and implemented strategies to improve operational efficiency, reduce costs, and increase productivity.
• Coordinated with internal departments to ensure successful execution of projects according to timeline and budget constraints.
• Collaborated with external vendors to negotiate contracts that met company requirements while minimising costs.
• Provided strategic direction to departmental heads regarding resource allocation decisions.
• Established effective communication channels between different departments within the organization.
• Implemented new technologies such as ERP systems or CRM tools to streamline business processes.
• Managed crisis situations, implementing contingency plans to minimize impact on operations.
• Implemented process improvements to increase operational efficiency and reduce costs.
• Oversaw talent acquisition, training, and development programs to build high-performing teams.
• Managed annual budgeting process, including forecasting and financial analysis to optimize resources.
• Resolved customer inquiries and complaints requiring management-level escalation.
• Planned and delivered training sessions to improve employee effectiveness and address areas of weakness.
• Implemented quality control measures to uphold company standards.

Dy. Manager (Materials Management) - Bharat Pumps and Compressors Ltd. - Prayagraj (Allahabad), India

(2017-09 - 2020-08)

• Involved in procurement activities, vendor development, floating tenders, negotiation of price & commercial terms, and coordination with suppliers for timely delivery.

Sr. Engineer (Procurement) - Bharat Pumps and Compressors Ltd. - Prayagraj (Allahabad), India

(2013-09 - 2017-08)

• Engaged in engineering tasks related to procurement and vendor management. Managed procurement processes, vendor evaluation, and inventory management, along with coordination with internal departments.

Engineer (Procurement) - Bharat Pumps and Compressors Ltd. - Prayagraj (Allahabad), India

(2009-09 - 2013-08)

• Responsible for engineering support in procurement and inventory management.

Graduate Engineer Trainee - Bharat Pumps and Compressors Ltd. - Prayagraj (Allahabad), India

(2008-09 - 2009-08)

• Involved in training and development in the engineering departments.

Bachelor of Legislative Law - Law - Dr Ram Manohar Lohia Awadh University, Ayodhya (2023-06)

Master of Business Administration - General Management - Institute of Chartered Financial Analyst of India (ICFAI) University (2014-06)

Bachelor of Technology - Mechanical Engineering - Institute of Engineering & Technology, Lucknow (2008-06)

Intermediate - UP Board (2000-06)

High School - UP Board (1998-06)