ROLE PURPOSE
We are looking for an experienced Strategic Sourcing professional to drive sourcing and vendor development for AC units, cycle components, and contract manufacturing. The role will own supplier identification, evaluation, commercial negotiations, costing, and vendor readiness across NPD programs, working closely with R&D, Product Development, Quality, and Manufacturing teams to drive should-costing, ZBC, VAVE, supplier quality, and cost optimisation while ensuring supply continuity and timely SOP readiness.
KEY RESPONSIBILITIES
Identify, audit, evaluate, and onboard vendors for AC units, cycle components (compressors, condensers, evaporators, expansion valves), and contract manufacturing.
Assess supplier capability, capacity, quality systems, and financial stability before onboarding, and finalise tooling suppliers aligned with NPD timelines.
Develop ZBC, should-cost models, and BOM cost analyses for AC units and components.
Negotiate piece price, tooling cost, payment terms, MOQ, capacity commitments, and raw material pricing.
Drive VAVE and cost optimisation through alternate materials, processes, and suppliers, benchmarking against market cost structures.
Align sourcing activities with NPD timelines, DFM/DFT inputs, APQP/PPAP gates, and SOP readiness.
Maintain sourcing trackers, cost sheets, and supplier scorecards for management reviews.
Drive APQP and PPAP processes for new component sourcing and validation, and lead 8D/CAPA activities for quality escalations.
Monitor supplier OTIF performance and mitigate supply risks through contingency planning and dual-sourcing strategies.
Review contract manufacturing commercials for cost and capacity alignment, and close vendor readiness gaps ahead of SOP.
MUST-HAVE EXPERIENCE
B.E./B.Tech in Mechanical, Production, Industrial Engineering, or a related discipline.
7-10 years of experience in Strategic Sourcing or Procurement, preferably within R&D/NPD-led manufacturing environments.
Strong experience sourcing AC units and cycle components, particularly compressors, condensers, evaporators, and expansion valves.
Exposure to AC OEM/ODM, Automotive, FMCG, or FMCD manufacturing environments preferred.
Hands-on expertise in should-cost modelling, Zero-Based Costing (ZBC), and BOM cost analysis.
Strong understanding of VAVE, supplier development, vendor auditing, and cost optimisation.
Working knowledge of APQP, PPAP, DFM/DFT, 8D, and CAPA processes.
Experience managing supplier performance through metrics such as OTIF, quality, cost, and readiness.
Strong commercial and negotiation skills, with the ability to manage cross-functional stakeholders under tight NPD timelines.
Experience with contract manufacturing and multi-source/alternate sourcing strategies
