1. PRIME FUNCTION

To lead and manage the Outsourcing and Supplier Development function for forging, machining, and other automotive components, ensuring development of a robust Tier-1 and Tier-2 supplier base, competitive sourcing, supplier quality, cost effectiveness, capacity availability, and timely delivery.

The role will be responsible for supplier identification, RFQ analysis, commercial evaluation, supplier audits, vendor approval, development of new suppliers, and management of the outsourcing team across multiple locations.

2. JOB DESCRIPTION

The position will lead strategic and operational outsourcing activities for automotive components including bearings, bushes, bolts, castings, sheet metals, and other outsourced components.

The role requires strong knowledge of the automotive supplier ecosystem, particularly Tier-1 and Tier-2 suppliers, with hands-on experience in forging and machining components.

The position will manage a team of 7–10 members across multiple locations and ensure effective supplier development, sourcing, cost management, capacity planning, and MIS reporting.

3. RESPONSIBILITIES

Outsourcing & Supplier Development

• Identify and develop new suppliers for forging, machining, and other automotive components.
• Develop and maintain a strong Tier-1 and Tier-2 supplier network.
• Evaluate supplier capabilities, manufacturing processes, capacity, quality systems, and commercial competitiveness.
• Conduct supplier visits and coordinate supplier development activities.
• Identify alternate and second-source suppliers to ensure business continuity.
• Develop suppliers based on technical, quality, cost, capacity, and delivery requirements.

RFQ & Commercial Evaluation

• Identify suitable suppliers and float RFQs based on business requirements.
• Analyze supplier quotations, costing, commercial terms, and price competitiveness.
• Conduct comparative analysis and negotiate with suppliers to achieve cost-effective sourcing.
• Support should-cost analysis and benchmarking of components.
• Ensure commercial terms are aligned with organizational requirements.

Supplier Audit & Approval

• Coordinate and participate in supplier audits covering manufacturing capability, quality systems, capacity, infrastructure, and process controls.
• Evaluate supplier performance and readiness for business allocation.
• Coordinate vendor approval and onboarding in line with organizational procedures.
• Drive corrective actions and supplier improvement initiatives where required.

Supplier Performance Management

• Monitor supplier performance on Quality, Cost, Delivery, Capacity, and Responsiveness.
• Develop action plans for underperforming suppliers.
• Work closely with Quality, Engineering, Purchase, Production Planning, and Operations teams for supplier-related issues.
• Ensure timely resolution of supply and capacity constraints.

Team Management

• Lead and manage a team of 7–10 members across multiple locations.
• Allocate responsibilities and monitor team performance.
• Develop team capability in supplier development, sourcing, negotiation, and commercial evaluation.
• Conduct regular reviews and ensure timely closure of sourcing and supplier-development activities.

MIS & Management Reporting

• Prepare and present regular MIS reports on:
• Supplier development
• RFQ status
• Cost savings
• New supplier development
• Supplier performance
• Capacity status
• Supplier audits and approvals
• Business allocation
• Provide regular updates to senior management on key supplier risks, opportunities, and action plans.

Cross-Functional Coordination

• Work closely with Purchase, Quality, Engineering, SCM, Production Planning, Finance, and Plant Operations.
• Coordinate with multiple manufacturing locations to understand outsourcing requirements.
• Support new product development and localization activities through supplier development.

Travel

• Willingness to travel extensively across supplier locations and manufacturing plants as required.

4. AUTHORITY

• Recommend new suppliers based on technical, quality, capacity, and commercial evaluation.
• Recommend supplier allocation and development priorities.
• Initiate supplier audits and development activities.
• Lead commercial discussions and negotiations within approved authority limits.
• Recommend alternate suppliers for business continuity and risk mitigation.
• Review and approve supplier development action plans within the defined scope.
• Escalate critical supplier quality, capacity, cost, and delivery risks to senior management.

5. JOB SPECIFICATION

Education

• Diploma / Diploma in Mechanical Engineering: 20–25 years of relevant experience.
• BE / B.Tech – Mechanical / Production / Automobile Engineering:

Experience

• 18–25 years of relevant experience in Outsourcing, Supplier Development, Strategic Sourcing, Purchase, or Supply Chain within the automotive industry.
• Strong experience in forging and machining automotive components.
• Experience in managing outsourced components such as:
• Bearings
• Bushes
• Bolts / Fasteners
• Castings
• Sheet Metal Components
• Machined Components
• Other automotive components
• Strong understanding of Tier-1 and Tier-2 automotive supplier base.
• Experience in supplier identification, RFQ analysis, commercial evaluation, negotiation, supplier audits, and vendor development.
• Proven experience in managing teams across multiple locations.
• Experience in preparing and presenting MIS reports to senior management.
• Willingness to travel extensively to supplier locations and plants.
• Preferred age: Below 50 years.

6. COMPETENCY

Functional Competencies

• Outsourcing & Supplier Development
• Strategic Sourcing
• Forging & Machining Processes
• Automotive Component Knowledge
• Supplier Identification & Development
• RFQ & Quotation Analysis
• Costing & Cost Benchmarking
• Commercial Negotiation
• Supplier Auditing
• Vendor Approval & Development
• Supplier Performance Management
• Tier-1 / Tier-2 Supplier Network
• MIS & Management Reporting
• Supply Chain Risk Management

Behavioural / Leadership Competencies

• Strong negotiation skills
• Strategic thinking
• Supplier relationship management
• Team leadership
• Analytical and commercial acumen
• Decision-making
• Problem-solving
• Cross-functional collaboration
• Communication and influencing skills
• Willingness to travel

7. PERFORMANCE MEASURES

• New supplier development and approval
• Supplier development lead time
• RFQ response and quotation evaluation turnaround time
• Cost savings / cost competitiveness achieved
• Supplier quality performance
• Supplier delivery performance
• Supplier capacity readiness
• Reduction in single-source / supply risks
• Successful development of alternate suppliers
• Supplier audit and corrective-action closure
• New product / component sourcing support
• Team productivity and performance
• Accuracy and timeliness of MIS reporting
• Stakeholder satisfaction