Job Description

About ACCESS:
ACCESS Development Services is a national livelihoods promotion organization with a focus on incubating innovations and developing sustainable models for livelihoods promotion of the poor. To this end, ACCESS is structured uniquely to work at all levels of the value chain – implementing programmes on the ground (Tier I), working with Civil Society Organizations, Government Departments, Corporate sector, and Multilateral / Bilateral Agencies (Tier II) as also undertaking national initiatives to influence and support policy initiatives and strengthening the enabling environment (Tier III). ACCESS, with its head office in New Delhi has a pan-India presence having state offices in 9 states and 26 project offices. More at www.accessdev.org
Program Summary – SAKHI Utpadan Samiti
Sakhi, a flagship CSR initiative of Hindustan Zinc (Vedanta Group), empowers rural women in Rajasthan and Uttarakhand through sustainable livelihoods. Since 2016, it has mobilized thousands into Self Help Groups (SHGs), fostering entrepreneurship and economic participation.
Established in 2018 as an ISO 9001-certified enterprise, Sakhi Utpadan Samiti offers over 200 textile and 70+ food products through a growing network of 250 retail stores. Through its brands—heartswithfingers, DaiChi, and Upaya Sakhi—it connects women artisans directly to markets, enabling consumers to make responsible purchases that benefit the makers. Committed to inclusivity, entrepreneurship, and sustainability, Sakhi strengthens rural value chains and promotes economic independence and dignity for women in its communities.
Position Summary:
The Operations Head will lead and manage end-to-end operations for SAKHI’s women-led micro enterprise, which produces pickles, spices, pulses, honey, and millet cookies. This strategic role focuses on driving efficient manufacturing, sourcing, supply chain management, and maintaining high-quality standards. The incumbent will ensure operational excellence, process optimization, and scalability while championing the enterprise’s mission to empower women entrepreneurs.
Responsibilities:
Strategic Supply Chain & Manufacturing Oversight
● Manage and optimize the full supply chain, from raw material sourcing to finished goods delivery.
● Oversee manufacturing operations, ensuring quality, efficiency, and compliance with food safety standards.
● Implement best practices for sourcing, vendor evaluation, and inventory management.
● Drive innovation and benchmark processes against industry standards to foster continuous improvements.
Cross-Functional Collaboration
● Collaborate with Production, Quality Assurance, Procurement, and Logistics teams to ensure seamless operations.
● Coordinate with Marketing, Sales, and Finance teams to align production plans with market demand and financial goals.
● Support women entrepreneurs and field teams with technical guidance to enhance production quality and capabilities.
Reporting & Performance Tracking
● Develop and monitor KPIs to track operational efficiency, quality, and supply chain effectiveness.
● Provide regular performance reports and actionable insights to senior management.
● Lead problem-solving initiatives and use data-driven approaches to improve operational outcomes.
Qualifications:
● Bachelor’s or Master’s degree in Operations Management, Food Technology, Supply Chain Management, or related fields.
Experience:
● 7 to 8 years of experience in operations management, preferably in food processing or FMCG sectors.
● Proven track record managing manufacturing units, supply chains, and vendor relationships.
● Experience working with micro or social enterprises is highly desirable.
Skills & Competencies:
● Deep knowledge of food safety standards, quality management systems, and supply chain best practices.
● Strong leadership and team management capabilities.
● Analytical mindset with expertise in operational data analysis and reporting tools.
● Excellent problem-solving and decision-making skills.
● Effective communication and interpersonal skills.
● Passion for social impact and women’s empowerment.
Compensation:
The salary range for this position is commensurate to industry standards and will be determined based upon experience set of the candidate and the HR policies of the organization.

ACCESS is an Equal Opportunity Employer, and is committed to providing an environment of fairness, and mutual respect where all applicants have access to equal employment opportunities. ACCESS values diversity and inclusion, and all qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, caste, color, gender, sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, religion, national origin, marital status, age, language, decent, place of birth, residence and disability.