Sachin Bajaj is currently the BPM Supply Chain Network Design Leader at AkzoNobel. With experience spanning consulting, e-commerce, and global supply chain strategy, he has built a career around solving complex network problems and designing supply chains that are analytical, adaptive, and future ready. His work blends data, strategy, and operational insight to create resilient networks capable of navigating volatility.
How did you move into your current role?
My journey into supply chain started with a curiosity about how products move and how decisions shape outcomes. I began in consulting and later e-commerce, where I became fascinated by complex network problems. Over time, this curiosity evolved into a passion for roles that blended analytics, strategy, and operations. That path naturally brought me to network design, where I focus on building resilient and efficient supply chains.
What is your current role and main responsibilities?
I lead Network Design, where each day is a new strategic puzzle. My work centers on shaping how our supply chain should look years from now, optimizing footprints, planning flows, and modelling scenarios. I collaborate across functions to turn insights into decisions that keep the network agile and future ready.
What does a typical workday look like?
My day starts early with a quick scan of metrics, priorities, and a short planning session that sets the tone. The rest of the day typically involves reviewing models, working with my team, and aligning with stakeholders. It is a mix of strategic thinking and hands-on problem-solving, which keeps the role exciting.
What lessons did you take from the pandemic?
The pandemic reminded us that even strong supply chains can be fragile. Resilience is not built in a crisis, it is designed long before one happens. It reinforced the importance of visibility, flexible planning, and faster decision cycles. The biggest positive shift was the acceleration of digital collaboration.
What are the biggest challenges in your role?
Balancing cost, service, and complexity across a global network is a constant challenge. Decisions are never isolated. I rely on data storytelling and scenario modelling to bring teams together and guide decisions that are both smart and sustainable.
Which tools or technologies excite you?
I am energized by tools that make future planning more dynamic, such as AI-enabled planning, digital twins, and predictive analytics. We are testing technologies that allow us to visualize the network as a living system, making decisions faster and with more precision.
How do you integrate sustainability or ethics into your work?
Sustainability is built into every design conversation. Whether optimizing flows, reducing emissions, or reshaping footprints, we aim for networks that are efficient and responsible toward the environment and the communities they impact.
How do you stay informed about trends and technologies?
I stay updated through industry reports, forums, conferences, and continuous conversations with peers, technology partners, and academia. These exchanges often reveal early signals of where the field is heading.
Which skills matter most for supply chain leaders today?
Leaders today need to blend analytics with empathy. Understanding data while guiding people through change is crucial. Strategic thinking, problem-solving, and clear communication are essential. I develop these skills by staying hands-on, learning continuously, and mentoring others.
Which trends will shape the profession ahead?
AI, digital twins, nearshoring, and sustainability will reshape how supply chains operate. Global uncertainty will push networks to become more modular and resilient. The next decade will reward leaders and organizations that adapt the fastest.
What advice would you give to someone starting a supply chain career?
Explore widely. This field is vast and full of opportunity. Stay curious, understand operations firsthand, and build strong problem-solving skills. Most importantly, embrace technology early. It is becoming the core language of supply chain work.
Sachin Bajaj
BPM Supply Chain Network Design Leader
LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/sachin-bajaj-supplychainleader
Chain.NET profile: https://www.chain.net/u/1f738c10
Sachin, along with many other supply chain leaders, participates in the regular events and discussions organized by GSCC. See the event calendar at www.chain.net/c/events.
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I realy think Sachin’s insights are just brilliant! He captures the essence of supply chains and his approach to problem-solving is so refreshingly modern. It’s clear he knows his stuff and is making a difference!
I can’t believe how overrated this whole supply chain thing is. Sure, it’s important, but come on! We act like it’s rocket science. Most people just want their packages on time and don’t care about AI or digital twins.
This article offers valuable insights into the supply chain field, especially regarding resilience and adaptability. It highlights how crucial it is to integrate technology into strategies to stay ahead in a rapidly changing environment.
But isn’t it ironic? All this talk about sustainability while companies still prioritize profits over everything else. It’s like saying we care but then ignoring real change for the sake of bottom lines.
‘Balancing cost, service, and complexity’? More like ‘balancing chaos!’ It’s easy to talk about all these tools and tech, but when will they actually make a difference? I’m skeptical of all this high-tech mumbo jumbo.
‘Stay curious’? That’s rich coming from someone in such a high position! It sounds like a cliché motivational poster. How about giving real advice instead of just fluff that could be found in any self-help book?