Platform Purchase Head - Automotive

Description: A leading client in the automotive space is looking for a Platform Purchase Head for its location in Bengaluru.

Role Overview:

The Platform Purchasing Head will be responsible for leading end-to-end sourcing strategy and execution for vehicle platforms, ensuring alignment with cost, quality, and timeline objectives. This role requires deep expertise in automotive purchasing, supplier development, and cross-functional collaboration across engineering, manufacturing, and supply chain teams.

The incumbent will play a critical role in driving supplier readiness, optimizing cost structures, and ensuring seamless product development and launch support.

Key Responsibilities:

1. Sourcing Strategy & Cost Management

- Drive sourcing strategy aligned to platform business case and cost targets (TCP).

- Lead Should Cost Benchmarking (SBC), quote analysis, and cost negotiations.

- Evaluate and finalize commodity-wise cost trade-offs to minimize overall vehicle cost deviations.

- Provide strategic inputs for make vs buy decisions and cost optimization initiatives.

2. Supplier Management & Development

- Lead supplier identification, evaluation, and panel finalization in collaboration with cross-functional teams.

- Ensure supplier capability in terms of capacity, capex readiness, and scalability.

- Drive Voice of Business (VoB) decisions and supplier allocation strategies.

- Build long-term supplier partnerships to support innovation and cost competitiveness.

3. New Product Development (NPD) Integration

- Ensure timely finalization of SORs (Statement of Requirements) and engineering drawings with feasibility inputs.

- Drive technical sign-offs ensuring suppliers meet design and cost expectations.

- Align sourcing deliverables with platform development timelines and milestones.

4. Program Execution & Delivery

- Ensure alignment between SBC, SOR, and supplier quotations.

- Own part development cost, tooling investments, and capex tracking.

- Drive timely PPAP (Production Part Approval Process) completion and smooth handover to SQE and Supply Chain teams.

- Monitor project milestones and proactively mitigate risks impacting launch timelines.

5. Cross-Functional Collaboration

- Work closely with Engineering, Quality, Manufacturing, and Finance teams to ensure seamless execution.

- Provide purchasing inputs into overall platform strategy and business case planning.

- Support continuous improvement initiatives across cost, quality, and delivery metrics.

Key Requirements:

- 17-25 years of experience in automotive purchasing, sourcing, or supply chain.

- Strong exposure to platform sourcing / vehicle programs / NPD environments.

- Expertise in cost engineering, supplier negotiations, and contract management.

- Deep understanding of PPAP, APQP, and automotive quality standards.

- Proven ability to manage large supplier ecosystems and complex sourcing programs.

- Strong leadership, stakeholder management, and decision-making skills.

Preferred Background:

- Experience with OEMs or Tier-1 automotive suppliers.

- Exposure to EV platforms or new-age mobility solutions is an added advantage.

- Engineering degree (Mechanical / Automobile / Production) preferred; MBA is a plus.