About the role
- Manage end-to-end sourcing and procurement of mechanical components, assemblies, and fabricated parts.
- Source components manufactured through sheet metal fabrication, CNC machining, injection moulding, die casting, extrusion, and other relevant manufacturing processes.
- Identify and evaluate suppliers based on technical capabilities, quality, cost, capacity, and delivery performance.
- Review engineering drawings, BOMs, material specifications, and technical requirements to ensure accurate sourcing.
- Float RFQs, evaluate supplier quotations, prepare commercial comparisons, and finalize sourcing recommendations.
- Ensure timely material availability to support prototype development, NPI builds, pilot production, and regular manufacturing.
- Identify and onboard new suppliers for mechanical components and manufacturing processes.
- Conduct supplier assessments covering technical capability, infrastructure, production capacity, quality systems, and commercial competitiveness.
- Develop alternate suppliers to reduce supply chain risks and dependency on single sources.
- Coordinate supplier visits, technical discussions, manufacturing feasibility reviews, and process improvement activities.
- Build strong relationships with suppliers to ensure long-term cost competitiveness, reliability, and continuous improvement.
- Maintain an updated supplier database and monitor supplier performance against defined KPIs.
- Drive cost reduction initiatives through supplier negotiations, alternate materials, manufacturing process improvements, and value engineering.
- Prepare detailed cost comparisons and conduct should-cost analysis for mechanical components.
- Negotiate pricing, payment terms, tooling costs, lead times, minimum order quantities, and supply agreements.
- Identify opportunities for localization, supplier consolidation, and improved procurement efficiency.
- Work with Design and Engineering teams on design-to-cost and value analysis/value engineering (VA/VE) initiatives.
- Track cost-saving opportunities and maintain accurate sourcing and commercial records.
- Collaborate with R&D, Design, NPI, and Production teams during new product development.
- Identify suitable suppliers for prototype, development, and production-stage mechanical components.
- Coordinate sample development, prototype procurement, tooling development, and supplier readiness.
- Support Design for Manufacturing (DFM) discussions and manufacturing feasibility assessments.
- Ensure mechanical components meet technical specifications, quality requirements, and project timelines.
- Coordinate with suppliers and internal stakeholders to resolve technical and commercial issues during development.
- Support smooth transition from prototype development to mass production.
- Coordinate with the Supplier Quality Assurance (SQA) team for supplier qualification, sample inspection, and component approval.
- Ensure suppliers meet defined quality standards, drawing specifications, and manufacturing requirements.
- Monitor supplier performance on quality, cost, and on-time delivery.
- Work with suppliers and Quality teams to resolve component defects, dimensional deviations, and recurring quality concerns.
- Support corrective and preventive action implementation for supplier-related issues.
- Track critical components, long-lead-time items, and supplier delivery commitments.
- Escalate supply risks and implement corrective actions to avoid production disruptions.
- Coordinate with Planning, Stores, Production, and Finance teams to support procurement requirements.
- Maintain accurate supplier quotations, purchase order records, pricing agreements, and procurement documentation.
- Support material planning based on production schedules, inventory levels, and lead times.
- Ensure adherence to approved procurement procedures, vendor onboarding requirements, and internal controls.
- Track open purchase orders, supplier commitments, and material availability.
- Prepare periodic sourcing reports, cost-saving trackers, and supplier performance updates.
- Strong understanding of mechanical manufacturing processes, including sheet metal fabrication, CNC machining, injection moulding, die casting, and surface finishing.
- Ability to interpret engineering drawings, GD&T, dimensional tolerances, BOMs, and technical specifications.
- Experience in supplier sourcing, vendor development, supplier evaluation, and procurement of mechanical components.
- Knowledge of materials such as aluminium, steel, stainless steel, engineering plastics, and their manufacturing applications.
- Strong understanding of component costing, tooling costs, manufacturing cost drivers, and commercial negotiations.
- Experience in sourcing components for enclosures, housings, brackets, heat sinks, fasteners, and other mechanical assemblies.
- Familiarity with supplier quality processes, inspection requirements, and corrective action methodologies.
- Working knowledge of ERP systems, purchase order management, and procurement documentation.
- Proficiency in MS Excel for costing analysis, supplier comparisons, and procurement reporting.
- Exposure to NPI, product development, prototype sourcing, and production ramp-up.
- Knowledge of automotive or EV industry quality requirements will be an added advantage.
- Takes end-to-end responsibility for assigned sourcing activities, supplier commitments, and procurement deliverables.
- Demonstrates a proactive approach to resolving challenges and meeting project deadlines.
- Demonstrates strong negotiation skills while maintaining professional supplier relationships.
- Makes commercially sound decisions by balancing quality, cost, delivery, and long-term business requirements.
- Identifies potential sourcing risks and develops practical solutions.
- Uses data, technical understanding, and commercial analysis to make informed decisions.
- Communicates effectively with suppliers, engineering teams, quality teams, and internal stakeholders.
- Ensures timely escalation of critical issues and maintains transparency in sourcing activities.
- Works effectively with cross-functional teams to achieve product development and production objectives.
- Demonstrates a collaborative approach to resolving technical, quality, and supply chain challenges.
- Prioritizes multiple sourcing requirements while meeting project and production timelines.
- Demonstrates strong follow-up skills and maintains discipline in tracking supplier commitments.
- Adapts to changing product requirements, sourcing priorities, and business needs.
- Shows willingness to learn new manufacturing technologies, materials, and sourcing practices.
- Maintains confidentiality, transparency, and ethical standards in procurement and supplier interactions.
- Ensures fairness and compliance with company policies during supplier selection and commercial negotiations.
- Demonstrates accuracy in reviewing technical drawings, quotations, supplier agreements, and procurement documentation.
- Identifies potential discrepancies before they impact quality, cost, or delivery.
- B.E./B.Tech in Mechanical Engineering or a related discipline.
- 5–8 years of relevant experience in mechanical sourcing, vendor development, procurement, or supply chain management.
- Experience in automotive, EV, electronics manufacturing, industrial equipment, or precision engineering industries will be preferred.
- Proven experience in sourcing custom-designed and manufactured mechanical components.
- Hands-on exposure to supplier negotiations, cost optimization, and supplier development.
- Experience working with cross-functional Engineering, NPI, Production, and Quality teams.
- Cost savings achieved through sourcing and negotiation initiatives.
- Supplier on-time delivery performance.
- Supplier quality performance and rejection rates.
- Timely sourcing and development of mechanical components for NPI projects.
- Supplier development and alternate-source qualification.
- Procurement lead-time reduction.
- Supplier responsiveness and resolution of sourcing-related issues.