Head of Program Purchasing
ZF Friedrichshafen · Chennai · onsite · Posted 65d ago
Undisclosed8–13 yrsfulltimeSourced from
About a minute. You'll make an account on the way through.
About this role
Job Summary
The Head of Program Purchasing is responsible for leading Program Purchasing activities within the Commercial Vehicle Solutions and Industrial Technology businesses throughout the product lifecycle. The role drives achievement of purchasing, cost, profitability, localization, and launch targets while ensuring supplier readiness and successful execution of customer programs. Acting as the key purchasing interface for regional management, the position collaborates closely with Program Management, Engineering, Operations, and Global Purchasing teams to support business growth, operational excellence, and purchasing transformation.
Responsibilities - Lead Program Purchasing activities for regional customers and product programs across Commercial Vehicle Solutions and Industrial Technology.
- Develop and implement sourcing strategies aligned with regional and global business objectives.
- Drive purchasing performance related to cost, productivity, localization, profitability, and supplier competitiveness.
- Lead supplier selection, nomination, negotiation, and sourcing decisions for strategic programs.
- Ensure supplier readiness and execution of all purchasing deliverables to support successful product launches and industrialization activities.
- Lead Value Analysis / Value Engineering (VA/VE) initiatives and cost optimization programs throughout the product lifecycle.
- Establish supplier risk management frameworks and mitigation actions to ensure business continuity.
- Drive supplier localization and regional sourcing strategies to strengthen resilience and competitiveness.
- Partner with regional and global stakeholders to achieve business and customer objectives.
- Lead organizational capability development and mentor purchasing teams to build future leadership pipelines.
- Represent Purchasing leadership in executive reviews, customer discussions, and strategic decision-making forums.
- Drive transformation initiatives, process excellence, and procurement digitalization across the region.
- Degree in Engineering, Business Administration, Supply Chain Management, or equivalent.
- Minimum 20+ years of relevant experience in Program Purchasing, Strategic Sourcing, Supplier Management, or Automotive Procurement, including leadership responsibilities.
- Strong experience in supplier negotiations, cost management, and program delivery.
- Proven success in leading cross-functional and multicultural teams.
- Experience working in global matrix organizations with diverse stakeholder groups.
- Strong commercial acumen and customer-oriented mindset.
- Knowledge of SAP, eSourcing platforms, procurement analytics, and digital procurement solutions preferred.
- Demonstrated ability to lead transformation initiatives and drive organizational changes.
Contact
Prabanand M K
Sourced from naukri
Skills
SAPProgram ManagementRegional ManagementpurchasingProgram deliveryStrategic Sourcingbusiness continuityAutomotiveProcess ExcellenceAnalyticsProcurement AnalyticsRisk ManagementoperationsProcurementAdministration
About ZF Friedrichshafen

ZF Friedrichshafen
Auto Components
13k+
employees
1915
111 years old
Friedrichshafen
Germany
₹13.2L PA avg
Avg at ZF Friedrichshafen
About
This company manufactures transmission systems for various transport sectors, providing solutions for vehicles across multiple environments.
Industries
Auto ComponentsIndustrial MachineryPowerUrban Transport
Employee ratings
10 reviews
3.9/ 5
Culture
3.0
Career growth
2.7
Work-life
3.8
Employees rate it well for
Work-Life Balance39Overall Company39
Find them on