Job Description: Supplier Sourcing / Development Team Lead Department: Supplier Sourcing / Development Team Reports To: Head of Supplier Development Job Summary: The Supplier Sourcing / Development Team Lead will spearhead the strategic sourcing and development of suppliers in the sheet metal and machining categories. This role combines strong technical insight with leadership to drive end-to-end supplier readiness from identification and onboarding to stabilization and cost optimization. The Team Lead will work cross-functionally with NPD, QA, and Procurement to ensure seamless supplier integration, on-time delivery, and total cost competitiveness. They will also mentor a team of manufacturing engineers to support project execution and supplier alignment. Roles & Responsibilities: Supplier Identification & Expansion : Identify, evaluate, and develop new suppliers; expand strategic partnerships through multiple sourcing strategies to ensure flexibility and scalability. Supplier Capability Assessment : Rigorously assess suppliers based on 4M criteria (Man, Machine, Method, Material) for capability fit and risk profiling. Onboarding & Compliance : Manage end-to-end onboarding, including audits, documentation, and compliance to ensure readiness. NPD Readiness : Drive 1st batch proven and ensure timely completion of PPAP (Production Part Approval Process) for new suppliers/products. Monitoring & Stabilization : Track supplier performance post-onboarding, ensuring smooth ramp-up, delivery consistency, and issue resolution until stabilization. Cost Benchmarking & Reduction : Lead cost benchmarking activities and collaborate with suppliers for cost reduction , VAVE projects, and localization initiatives. Cross-functional Integration : Collaborate with internal NPD, QA, and Procurement teams to align sourcing with project milestones and technical requirements. Mentoring & Leadership : Guide and support manufacturing engineers in evaluating, developing, and managing suppliers in line with strategic goals. Risk Mitigation : Ensure robust risk mitigation practices, including dual sourcing and performance contingency plans for critical parts. Key Result Areas (KRAs): 1. Strategic supplier network growth & diversification 2. NPD supplier readiness with on-time 1st batch delivery and PPAP sign-off 3. Supplier cost competitiveness & VAVE success 4. Supplier performance stabilization post-development 5. Risk mitigation via dual/multi-sourcing strategy Key Performance Indicators (KPIs): KPI Target Qualifications & Experience: Bachelors degree in mechanical/manufacturing/industrial engineering (Masters preferred). 10- 15 years of experience in manufacturing engg, supplier development, sourcing, and industrialization within sheet metal and machining environments. Deep knowledge of manufacturing processes, tooling, and quality systems (PPAP, APQP, etc.). Proven track record in cost reduction, localization, and supplier stabilization efforts. Strong project management and cross-functional collaboration skills. Experience in leading and mentoring technical teams.
