We are seeking a Strategic Sourcing Manager - Indirect to lead the procurement and supplier development for critical mechanical components. This role involves developing and executing sourcing strategies, managing supplier relationships, and ensuring cost-effectiveness and supply chain resilience for parts like suspension and braking systems.
Role & Responsibilities
- Develop and implement category strategies for proprietary mechanical parts in line with business and product requirements.
- Conduct supplier scouting, evaluation, and development for critical components such as suspension, transmission, brakes, clutches, axles, and related aggregates.
- Lead cost benchmarking, VA/VE initiatives, should-cost analysis, and TCO optimization to achieve cost savings and value creation.
- Drive RFQ/RFP processes, technical/commercial negotiations, contract finalization, and supplier onboarding.
- Collaborate with Engineering, Quality, Manufacturing, and Program Management teams during new product development (NPD) to ensure supplier readiness.
- Monitor supplier performance on QCDDM parameters (Quality, Cost, Delivery, Development, Management).
- Ensure risk management and dual sourcing strategies to mitigate supply disruptions.
- Work on localization and indigenization initiatives to reduce import dependency.
- Stay updated on market trends, raw material price fluctuations, and regulatory changes impacting automotive components.
- Drive sustainability and ESG compliance in the supplier base.
Skills Required
- Strong understanding of mechanical aggregates such as suspension, braking systems, driveline, clutch, and transmission components.
- Proficiency in strategic sourcing methodologies, cost breakdowns, and supplier negotiations.
- Knowledge of manufacturing processes (forging, casting, machining, stamping, heat treatment, etc.).
- Experience in supplier quality systems (TS16949 / IATF 16949 standards).
- Strong stakeholder management and cross-functional collaboration skills.
- Analytical mindset with expertise in cost engineering and VA/VE.
- Familiarity with ERP tools (SAP/Oracle/Ariba etc.).
