Logistics Specialist Book Sourcing || Immediate Joiner

Job Description: Logistics Specialist, Book Sourcing

Location: Kolkata, Mumbai, Chennai, Bengaluru, Hyderabad, Ahmedabad, Lucknow, Jaipur, Thiruvananthapuram, Bhubaneswar (100% Field-Based)

Role Summary:

We are seeking an exceptionally aggressive and proactive Logistics Specialist to drive the physical sourcing and acquisition of books for our ambitious digitization project. This role is 100% field-based, requiring extensive travel within the City/State and potentially beyond. The ideal candidate will be a highly organized, target-driven individual with expert knowledge of logistics, strong vendor management skills, and a proven ability to resolve bottlenecks efficiently. Prior experience in the book industry is highly preferred.

Key Responsibilities:

• Field Operations & Travel:
• Conduct daily field visits to various book vendors, distributors, and other sourcing points across the City/State and surrounding regions.
• Oversee the physical collection, verification, and initial handling of books from identified sources.
• Manage and coordinate all aspects of local transportation and logistics for acquired book volumes.

• Vendor Management & Communication:
• Serve as the primary point of contact for all logistics-related vendor communications.
• Build and maintain strong, collaborative relationships with book vendors and logistics partners.
• Negotiate favorable terms and ensure adherence to agreed-upon service levels.
• Proactively manage overall vendor performance to ensure smooth operations.
• Bottleneck Resolution:
• Identify and swiftly resolve any logistical bottlenecks or operational challenges that arise during the book sourcing and collection process.
• Implement immediate solutions to ensure uninterrupted flow of materials.

• Reporting & Data Management:
• Maintain meticulous daily and weekly records of book sourcing quantities, collection status, and logistical movements.
• Utilize Excel and other relevant reporting/logistic tools to track progress, generate comprehensive reports, and provide data-driven insights.
• Ensure accurate data capture for book counts, condition, and transit details.

• Target Achievement:
• Comfortable working with and consistently achieving aggressive daily/weekly targets for book sourcing and collection volumes.
• Contribute directly to the project's overall book acquisition goals.

• Quality Control (Logistics Aspect):
• Ensure books are collected and transported in optimal condition, minimizing damage or loss during transit.
• Implement best practices for packing and handling sensitive materials.

• Cross-functional Coordination:
• Liaise effectively with internal sourcing, project management, and quality assurance teams to ensure seamless integration of logistics activities with overall project goals.'

Qualifications & Skills:

• Experience:
• 2-3 years in a logistics, supply chain, or field operations role, with a strong track record of managing physical inventory and vendor relationships.
• Prior experience in the book industry, publishing, or library services is highly preferred.

• Technical Proficiency:
• Expert-level proficiency in Microsoft Excel for data tracking, analysis, and reporting.
• Familiarity with other relevant reporting tools and logistics management software.

• Communication & Interpersonal Skills:
• Excellent verbal and written communication skills in English and the respective states regional language.
• Strong negotiation and persuasion abilities.
• Demonstrated ability to build and maintain effective vendor relationships.

• Problem-Solving:
• Highly proactive and resourceful in identifying and resolving operational bottlenecks and unforeseen challenges.
• Strong analytical skills to assess logistical issues and propose effective solutions.

• Work Ethic:
• Aggressive and self-driven with a strong sense of urgency.
• Comfortable with 100% field work and extensive travel within the City/State.
• Results-oriented and comfortable with target-based performance metrics.

• Location: Must be physically based in the required City/State.

Preferred Attributes:

• Familiarity with local logistics providers and transportation networks within the City/State.
• Ability to work independently while also being a strong team player.
• High attention to detail and accuracy in all logistical processes and reporting.
• Demonstrated ability to adapt to dynamic project requirements and fast-paced environments.