Blue Dart Express India, a leader in the logistics and express delivery sector, is part of the DHL Group. We provide reliable, time-sensitive delivery solutions to over 37,000+ locations across the country. Our robust domestic network and unmatched infrastructure position Blue Dart as a critical player in India’s logistics industry. We pride ourselves on innovation, service excellence, and creating long-term partnerships with our clients, enabling businesses to thrive in the fast-paced and ever-evolving logistics environment.

Position Overview

Job Title: Manager – Surface Network Optimization Function: Operations Reports To: Surface Head

Job Purpose

The Manager – Surface Network Optimization is responsible for designing, reengineering, and optimizing Blue Dart’s surface transportation network. This role ensures seamless connectivity across first-mile, middle-mile, and last-mile operations, while maintaining service quality, optimizing costs, and adhering to turnaround time (TAT) standards. The role is critical in enabling the efficient movement of shipments across diverse product offerings such as B2B, B2C, and e-commerce.

Key Responsibilities

Network Optimization and Reengineering

• Periodically reengineer the surface transportation national and regional networks to address changing business demands, shipment volumes, and service cluster requirements.

• Integrate first-mile, middle-mile, and last-mile operations to ensure efficient shipment flow and minimal transit delays.

Utilization and Vehicle Deployment

• Maximize the utilization of network assets, including vehicles, routes, and infrastructure.

• Optimize vehicle deployment by selecting the right vehicle mix based on shipment type, volume, and route characteristics.

Scheduling and Planning

• Develop schedules for national and regional surface networks, ensuring alignment with TAT and service-level agreements (SLAs).

• Collaborate with cross-functional teams to design robust schedules that minimize delays and maximize resource usage.

Performance Monitoring and Reporting

• Track key metrics such as network utilization, cost efficiency, and TAT adherence.

• Generate detailed performance reports to identify improvement opportunities and share insights with leadership.

Cost Management and Optimization

• Identify opportunities for cost reduction through efficient routing, scheduling, and vehicle utilization.

• Collaborate with procurement teams to secure cost-effective vehicle leasing or ownership models.

Technology Integration and Innovation

• Leverage route optimization tools and scheduling software to enhance network planning.

• Implement automation and data-driven solutions to improve decision-making and operational efficiency.

Stakeholder Collaboration

• Work with product teams to understand service requirements and ensure the network is tailored to meet specific needs.

• Collaborate with regional and national teams to maintain consistency in planning processes and operational execution.

Qualifications Education

• Essential: Bachelor’s degree in Logistics, Transportation, Supply Chain Management, Industrial Engineering, or related fields.

• Preferred: MBA in Operations, Supply Chain, or related field.

Work Experience

• Minimum 10-12 years of experience in network planning, logistics, or transportation roles.

• Proven expertise in managing high-volume transportation networks, including route optimization and vehicle deployment.

• Experience in logistics, e-commerce, or courier companies preferred.

Technical Skills

1. Logistics and Transportation Tools: Proficiency in SAP TM, Oracle TMS, or similar systems.

2. Route Optimization Software: Experience with tools like Route4Me, Llamasoft, or similar platforms.

3. GPS and Telematics Systems: Familiarity with real-time tracking tools for fleet and shipment monitoring.

4. Project Management Tools: Knowledge of JIRA, Microsoft Project, or similar platforms for managing network improvement projects (preferred)

Key Competencies & Skills

Core Competencies

• Analytical Thinking: Ability to analyze network data and identify opportunities for improvement.

• Project Management: Skilled in planning and executing large-scale network reengineering projects.

• Strategic Thinking: Aligns network initiatives with broader organizational objectives.

Behavioural Competencies

• Collaboration: Effectively works with diverse teams and external stakeholders.

• Adaptability: Thrives in dynamic and fast-paced environments.

• Communication Skills: Articulates complex network concepts to diverse audiences.

Key Performance Indicators (KPIs)  

1. Network Optimization  - Reduction in average transit times and improved shipment flow. 

2. Utilization Improvement - Increased vehicle and route utilization rates. 

3. Scheduling Efficiency - Adherence to schedule timelines and minimized delays. 

4. Cost Reduction - Measurable cost savings through optimized routing and vehicle deployment. 

5. TAT Improvement - Consistent improvement in TAT adherence. 

6. Technology Adoption - Successful deployment and utilization of route optimization tools.