Manoj Kumar Thakur

Led regional packaging sourcing strategy integrating technical design inputs and commercial KPIs. Negotiated cost improvements through supplier consolidation and value engineering. Executed ESG-aligned vendor audits and digital supplier dashboards.

 Manage procurement processes for various products and services, including packaging materials, equipment, and services for 5 manufacturing units of EFI  Developed and implemented cost reduction initiatives to reduce procurement costs while maintaining quality standards  Identified and evaluated potential suppliers, negotiated contracts, and monitored supplier performance  Developed and maintained supplier relationships to ensure reliable and cost-effective procurement of goods and services  Conducted market research and analyzed pricing trends to identify cost savings opportunities and stay current with industry trends.

 Managing the team of three direct reports by offering support and constructive feedback  Developed and implemented best practices, quality assurance standards and project management procedures  Recruited high-performing and accomplished team members, nurturing talent to develop skilled and capable workforce  Developed artwork team in India to support global artworks  Collaborate with cross-functional teams to supporting development and implementation of sustainability packaging strategies  Delivering all NPD's first time right on time within the budget  Leading technical audits, validation & supplier upgradation program  Collaborating with global peers for packaging strategy, system, process & technology transfer from global to region  Identified issues, analyzed information and provided solutions to problems  Tool development from concept initiation, pilot tool to Validation & commissioning of tool (Glass, IBM, EBM, IM & ISBM technologies)  Technical support to component supplier validation, approval & continues improvement as per European standard against business requirement  Conducting feasibility studies on Marketing design proposals; in conjunction with internal and external development partners, e.g. Purchasing, Manufacturing, Distribution & agreed supplier partners  Delivered continuous improvement strategies, process optimization approaches and operational engineering support to management team Achievement's:  Developed 100% local PCR PET bottles  Developed local glass supplier to cater global manufacturing unit  Technical audits for suppliers in different geographies  Developed suppliers for Glass, Cartons Tubes & labels

 Owning packaging functionality, structural design & any related technical issues. Providing technical inputs to all aspects of packaging. Leading Packaging development process from brief to in-market execution, providing advice on best packaging options that deliver against the objectives set out in the brief ensuring packaging integrity. Continuous trouble shooting if any in packaging issues from artwork development to final packaging  Providing the packaging qualification expertise on NPD. Delivering NPD on time & within budgeted cost. Monitor & update team on new developments in packaging for NPD.  Continuous tracking of the wastage reduction & the carbon footprint in packaging material thru implementation of various value addition projects in coalition with the global packaging team.  Catering to marketing for developing new package design & development at minimum costs liaising with new or alternate vendors  Validations, timely vendor audits  Handling the development of molds, custom molds (for various packaging designs, components etc.) for products and conducting transit/ in-process trials.  Conducting various trials on packaging machines  Maintaining coordination with QA, QC and Manufacturing Departments for achieving high product quality standards.  Interfacing with Marketing and Operations wings for the development of packs; and with Regulatory Agencies, Ad Agencies and Marketing for developing artwork.  Creating Purchase orders, Master Data, Material Indent, BOM in SAP

 Availability of new packaging material at plants as per approved artwork and quality in first go within specified timeline.  Ensuring the timely availability of Raw Ingredients at Factories  Ensuring the timely production, Dispatch and availability of new products at warehouse.  Generation & Release of Packaging Material BOM for new products for Factory  Timely release of approved specifications & Specifications to Vendors.  On time cylinder development.  Ensuring the Quality of packaging materials.  Raising packaging development briefs, new pack proposal, pack change proposal.  Making Plan of action for new products launch & coordinating with the packaging material suppliers for samples, test proofing & trial runs.  Coordination with purchase, sourcing, operation team & production unit for arrangement of Packaging & other raw materials for smooth production.

 Hold techno commercial discussions with vendors on price, delivery schedules, quality etc.  Negotiate effectively to agree price and other terms of contract with vendors for packaging material  Drive vendor development process from identification to qualification. Periodic evaluation jointly with Quality.  Managing New product Introduction & Procurement for New product & other commercials (mold cost, cylinder cost, plate cost etc.)  Ensuring the timely production, Dispatch and availability of new products at warehouse  Driving cost saving project in co-ordination with marketing, Quality and plant to minimize the overall cost.  Preparation of MIS Reports / SOP’s and best practices for sourcing  Quarterly vendor performance rating and closer of actionable for improvement of vendor rating  Tracking of prices of all key RM (Papers, HDPE, LDPE, Aluminium, PP, PS & Tin etc.) to prepare the sourcing strategy.  Support sourcing strategy of packaging material, analysis of buying details, developing & maintaining standard formats, data presentation & future actionable, Implementation (switching, alternate development, etc)  Coordination with Artwork Designers, Sales & Marketing team, Legal & Engineering department for New Artwork Development  Identification of critical item where supply contracts are required and getting it into contract as per group policies.  Continuously Identify, evaluate & facilitate new packaging supplier, trends & technology development for cost & productivity improvement  Conduct Periodic risk assessment of items & suppliers & work out risk mitigating action plan.  Evaluate, Monitor, control and improve vendor performance and drive improvements in vendor management  Key participant in Innovation & renovation or new packaging development projects from the sourcing side.

B.Tech (Dairy Technology