Head - Railways

About the Role

Adani Ports and SEZ is seeking a seasoned Head of Railways to oversee and manage all railway operations at the Gangavaram, Andhra Pradesh location. This pivotal role involves extensive liaison with railway officials, ensuring efficient rake management, and maintaining compliance with all operational and safety standards. The ideal candidate will possess strong leadership skills and a deep understanding of railway logistics and commercial operations.

Key Accountabilities

• Liaise with senior local and central railway officials to secure necessary approvals, manage rake allocations, and expedite pending invoice clearances.
• Monitor the placement of indents for railway rakes and intervene proactively to ensure the required number of rakes are available as per the operational plan.
• Oversee yard operations, including rake loading and unloading, and promptly alert relevant departments for any necessary corrective actions.
• Track and optimize loco turnaround time, wagon turnaround time, and loco utilization, implementing corrective measures as needed.
• Ensure strict adherence to all statutory requirements and safety norms for employees.
• Review breakdown, preventive, and predictive maintenance activities, taking decisive action to meet service standards.
• Support business development by providing crucial railway intelligence and manage port operations through effective railway liaison to ensure smooth and uninterrupted traffic movement.
• Handle all internal and external railway commercial and audit functions.

Competencies

Adani Behavioral Competencies

• Strategic Orientation: Ability to connect disparate information, visualize the broader business landscape, and understand the long-term consequences of current decisions. This includes integrating environmental, societal, and community interests into business strategies.
• Entrepreneurial Mind-Set: Proactively identify and capitalize on medium and short-term business opportunities with speed and agility, demonstrating comfort in ambiguous situations and resilience in the face of setbacks.
• Stakeholder Partnering: Cultivate and leverage both formal and informal networks to build enduring relationships based on respect, trust, and empathy. This involves understanding customer needs, taking ownership of issues, and striving for superior customer experiences.
• Outcome Orientation: Efficient and safe execution of tasks through effective planning, process optimization, and quality assurance. This includes analytical risk assessment and the development of robust contingency plans, coupled with a strong sense of ownership for desired outcomes.
• Transformation Mind-Set: Commitment to continuous learning and skill development in response to evolving business dynamics, applying new knowledge to new or changing contexts. This also involves challenging the status quo, building a case for change, and managing stakeholder alignment through uncertainty.
• Innovation Focus: Utilize technology to gain a competitive edge and build an agile organization capable of rapid response to business challenges and market demands.
• Team Orientation: Inspire a shared vision by fostering teamwork, actively contributing to team objectives, and leading by example. This includes encouraging diverse perspectives and effectively managing conflict.
• Employee Development: Maximize employee potential through timely feedback, performance management, and active sponsorship of development, fostering a work environment that values high performance and meritocracy.

Role-Specific Competencies

• Expertise in Railway Operations, Rake, and Loco Planning.
• Strong Customer Orientation and Vendor Management skills.
• Proficiency in coordinating with Indian Railway Operations and Commercials.
• Solid understanding of Financial/Commercial Acumen and Health, Safety, and Environment (HSE) principles.

Qualifications and Experience

• Educational Qualifications: Graduation in any discipline is required. A Master of Business Administration (MBA) or a Diploma in Rail Transport/Logistics is desirable.
• Relevant Experience: A minimum of 18 years of experience in Railway Operations and Commercial functions is essential.

Additional Information

This role requires a strategic thinker with extensive experience in railway operations and commercial management. The Head - Railways will be instrumental in ensuring the efficient and safe movement of goods via rail, contributing significantly to the overall success of Adani Ports and SEZ.