Kalaaichelvii Karuppiah

EXECUTIVE PROFILE Visionary supply chain leader with 25+ years of experience driving global operations, strategic sourcing, and transformation initiatives across electronics, FMCG, and safety industries. Proven ability to deliver business impact through cost optimization, resilience strategies, and digitalization. Skilled in influencing C-suite decisions and leading cross-functional teams to achieve enterprise goals. STRATEGIC LEADERSHIP HIGHLIGHTS Directed global supply chain strategy for multi-million-dollar business units, ensuring resilience during COVID disruptions .Championed digital transformation with EDI and real-time dashboards, improving supplier collaboration and decision-making .Negotiated strategic sourcing agreements, reducing freight costs by 20% and packaging costs by 30%.Implemented inventory optimization initiatives, delivering RM 8M reduction and improved working capital GLOBAL EXPERIENCE SUMMARY • Flex – Materials Director (2022–Present): Led end-to-end supply chain, implemented resilience strategies, and drove cost optimization • Smiths Detection – Supply Chain Manager (2020–2022): Managed global demand planning across APAC, MENA, LATAM, EMEA, USA • Nestlé Malaysia – Strategic Materials Manager (2012–2019): Delivered regional sourcing strategies and supported new product launches • Western Digital – Planning & Inventory Manager (1996–2012): Optimized inventory and procurement for high-value SKUs GLOBAL TEAM MANAGEMENT EXPERIENCE Led cross-regional teams across APAC, EMEA, LATAM, and USA to execute global supply chain strategies .Managed multi-cultural teams and fostered collaboration for enterprise-wide initiatives Coached managers and senior leaders for strategic decision-making and leadership development Implemented governance frameworks to align global operations with corporate objectives CROSS-FUNCTIONAL COLLABORATION. Partnered with Engineering and R&D teams to align material strategies with product development roadmaps RISK MANAGEMENT, SUPPLIER COLLABORATION & TEAM LEADERSHIP Developed and implemented risk mitigation strategies to address global supply disruptions and geopolitical challenges .Proactively managed inventory buffers and alternative sourcing to minimize operational risks .Implemented Supplier Managed Inventory (SMI) programs to improve supply reliability and reduce lead times .implemented talent development programs to build future-ready supply chain leadership