Umapathi Venkatachalam

Results-driven Senior Supply Chain & Operations Leader with over 30 years of experience specialising in building and scaling end-to-end e-commerce and supply chain ecosystems. Proven ability to drive significant improvements in customer growth, operational efficiency, and cost optimisation across diverse industries, achieving a 30% increase in customer-centric growth and 22% improvement in operational efficiency. Proven track record in scaling B2B/B2C/D2C platforms, managing strategic vendor partnerships (SRM), and implementing advanced WMS/TMS (Oracle WMS, SAP WM/SD/EDI) to drive capital-efficient growth.

Based in Chennai with deep expertise in Automotive, IT, Manufacturing, and Digital Commerce — with proven track record optimising multi-category logistics across India and the Middle East. Successfully led multi-site operations and cross-functional teams exceeding 100 professionals, achieving cost optimisations of over INR 40 Cr. Expert in Supply Chain Strategy, International Trade (EXIM), Project Logistics (ODC), WMS/TMS Implementation (SAP, Oracle), Inventory & Demand Planning, Procurement Strategy, Supplier Relationship Management (SRM), and Lean Transformation Methodologies.

Recently drove the creation and scaling of an end-to-end e-commerce business, integrating supply chain, customer experience, and data-driven operations — seeking senior leadership roles to drive operational transformation, cost optimisation, and scalable supply chain strategies.

Head — Digital Commerce & Supply Chain Operations at Large Retail & E-commerce Enterprises (2021-11 – Present)

• Spearheaded establishment and growth of end-to-end e-commerce and supply chain operations, driving a 30% increase in customer-centric growth.
• Launched and scaled digital commerce business across B2B, B2C, and D2C channels, achieving 25% revenue growth within the first year of operation.
• Designed and deployed a comprehensive e-commerce platform, enhancing customer engagement and increasing sales potential by 20%.
• Optimised user experience and transaction security while managing complete supply chain operations, reducing order fulfilment errors by 15%.
• Built an integrated supply chain and fulfilment ecosystem, improving operational efficiency by 22% and accelerating service delivery timelines.
• Oversaw logistics and distribution networks for efficient last-mile delivery, enhancing customer satisfaction scores by 18%.
• Formed strategic partnerships with vendors, distributors, and logistics providers, expanding operational capabilities and reducing lead times by 10%.
• Developed and executed business strategies including detailed budgeting, ROI analysis, and cost optimisations, achieving 10% reduction in operational costs and 100% regulatory compliance.

Supply Chain & Logistics Manager — Project & Infrastructure Leadership at Landmark Group (2013-02 – 2021-10)

• Executed end-to-end supply chain operations for large-scale warehouse and infrastructure projects in Jeddah, managing portfolios valued at SAR 100 million.
• Managed complex warehousing, logistics, and retail distribution portfolios, ensuring 98% on-time project completion.
• Directed full lifecycle project management, achieving on-time and within-budget delivery, saving an average of 5% on project costs.
• Spearheaded cross-functional coordination among operations, supply chain, HR, finance, and engineering teams, improving inter-departmental efficiency by 15%.
• Oversaw planning, resource mobilisation, scheduling, and execution for large-scale warehouse setups, reducing setup time by 20%.
• Achieved SAR 2.5 million in annual transport cost savings through strategic warehouse optimisation initiatives and TMS implementation.
• Orchestrated the successful implementation of Oracle WMS across KSA, improving inventory accuracy to 99% and enhancing operational visibility.
• Strengthened safety compliance and risk management frameworks, resulting in a 30% reduction in workplace incidents.

Logistics Manager — Global Supply Chain, EXIM & Project Logistics at ReGen Powertech Pvt. Ltd (2011-07 – 2012-12)

• Led end-to-end EXIM operations for industrial and renewable energy projects, optimising import strategy and regulatory compliance, reducing customs clearance time by 25%.
• Directed import logistics operations to ensure seamless shipment clearance and plant integration, achieving 99.5% on-time delivery.
• Spearheaded logistics planning for heavy ODC cargo, guaranteeing safe delivery of windmill towers and blades exceeding 53 MT with zero damage incidents.
• Designed comprehensive logistics strategies including port planning, route surveys, and regulatory approvals for ODC shipments, reducing transit times by 15%.
• Orchestrated strategic planning of import costs and logistics performance, focusing on demurrage and detention optimisation, saving over INR 50 Lakhs annually.
• Established SEZ/FTWZ frameworks that optimised duty structures, warehousing, and transportation costs, achieving INR 24 Cr. in annual cost savings.
• Secured INR 3.7 Cr. in duty savings via government incentives through strategic FTWZ optimisation.

Assistant Manager — Supply Chain & Manufacturing Operations at Schneider Electric (2007-08 – 2011-07)

• Led end-to-end logistics and operations in high-volume manufacturing, enhancing performance and cost efficiency, resulting in a 12% reduction in operational costs.
• Spearheaded a cross-functional team of over 35 professionals managing planning, subcontracting, forecasting, and warehouse operations.
• Directed inbound/outbound logistics achieving 98% on-time delivery performance across domestic and international markets.
• Achieved 99.8% material flow accuracy, significantly boosting production line performance and reducing downtime by 10%.
• Reduced logistics costs and plant inventory by 15%, optimising material flow and overall operational efficiency.
• Executed lean manufacturing practices including Kanban, 5S, and Kaizen, enhancing efficiency and minimising waste by 18%.
• Oversaw reverse logistics, rejection handling, and inventory reconciliation, reducing return rates by 5%.
• Developed comprehensive performance dashboards and reports for senior management, supporting strategic decision-making and identifying key cost-saving opportunities.

Sr. Executive — Logistics (Plant Distribution & Transportation) at HCL Info Systems Ltd. (2005-03 – 2007-08)

• Managed plant distribution and transportation logistics for IT products, ensuring timely delivery to over 50 retail outlets.
• Optimised transportation routes and carrier selection, achieving a 10% reduction in freight costs.
• Implemented inventory tracking systems to improve stock visibility and reduce stock-outs by 8%.
• Coordinated with warehouse teams to ensure efficient loading/unloading, reducing turnaround time by 15%.

Early Career — Logistics, Warehouse & SCM Operations at Valeo Friction Materials | TVS Logistic | Arihant Industry (1996-05 – 2005-02)

• Managed warehouse operations (receiving, put-away, picking, dispatch) and operated WMS for inventory tracking and order fulfilment across multiple facilities.
• Supported plant SCM and logistics including inbound material handling, outbound distribution, supplier coordination, and inventory accuracy management.
• Supervised store operations, inventory control, and material issuance; collaborated with production teams to ensure timely material availability.

Bachelor of Technology in Mechanical Engineering – CSJMU, Kanpur, India (2010)

Master of Business Administration in Materials Management – IIMM, Mumbai, India (2009)

Post Graduate Diploma in Material Management in Material Management – IIMM, Mumbai, India (2007)

Bachelor of Business Administration in Business Administration – Madras University, Chennai, India (2000)

Diploma in Export Management in Export Management – IIEM, Bangalore, India (2003)

Diploma in Mechanical Engineering in Mechanical Engineering – SRM University, Chennai, India (1996)