Commodity Manager - Forging & Casting

Role & responsibilities

Key Responsibilities

• Develop and execute strategic sourcing strategies for Forging and Castings commodities.
• Lead procurement activities and manage supplier relationships across the commodity categories.
• Identify global sourcing opportunities, supplier consolidation and cost-reduction initiatives.
• Drive RFQ/RFI processes, quotation analysis and supplier selection.
• Negotiate commercial and supply agreements covering cost, quality, delivery, lead time and payment terms.
• Conduct cost analysis and Total Cost of Ownership (TCO) evaluations.
• Monitor supplier performance against quality, delivery, service and cost KPIs.
• Lead supplier development, performance improvement and supplier transition activities.
• Prepare annual business plans and achieve year-on-year cost reduction targets.
• Manage supplier contracts, compliance and procurement risks.
• Work with cross-functional and global teams to ensure supply continuity.
• Drive continuous improvement initiatives using Lean / Six Sigma methodologies.

Required Skills

• Strong knowledge of Forging and Casting manufacturing processes, quality requirements and acceptance standards.
• Strategic sourcing and commodity management experience.
• Supplier development and commercial negotiation expertise.
• Cost breakdown, cost analysis and cost optimization.
• Knowledge of engineering drawings, blueprints and technical specifications.
• Understanding of automotive quality standards such as ISO/TS 16949 / IATF 16949.
• Experience in global sourcing and supplier management.
• Strong leadership, communication and stakeholder management skills.

Preferred Candidate Profile

• BE Mechanical with 1214 years of experience in procurement and strategic sourcing.
• Minimum 3 years of experience in strategic sourcing / commodity management.
• Hands-on experience in Forging and/or Castings commodity sourcing.
• Candidates from Automotive OEMs, Tier-1 Auto Ancillary or Engineering / Manufacturing industries preferred.
• Strong understanding of manufacturing processes, supplier capabilities, cost structures and quality standards.
• Experience in global supplier negotiations, cost reduction, contract management and supplier development.
• Candidates with team-handling experience and exposure to global cross-functional teams preferred.
• MBA / MS in Engineering will be an added advantage.