Sourcing and Vendor Development Manager

We are looking for a seasoned Sourcing and Vendor Development Manager to spearhead strategic sourcing initiatives and optimize our supply chain at Rapsri Engineering Products Company Ltd (REPCO). In this pivotal role, you will be responsible for the procurement of raw materials, including cathode copper, ETP copper, silver anodes, brass and bronze scrap, and foundry/machine shop/plating consumables. You will drive vendor development for critical components like extruded brass tubes, brass and bronze sand castings, and forging, ensuring quality and cost-effectiveness. The ideal candidate will lead contract negotiations, manage import/export activities, and implement cost reduction strategies across our vendor base. This role demands a proactive leader with a strong understanding of commodity pricing, material requirements planning, and a commitment to lean manufacturing principles. You will collaborate with cross-functional teams, uphold ISO 9001 standards, and contribute to the overall efficiency and profitability of REPCO. Your expertise in setting up sourcing systems and rationalizing the vendor base will be instrumental in our continued growth and global competitiveness.

Responsibilities:

Strategic Sourcing & Procurement

• Develop and implement comprehensive sourcing strategies for raw materials (Copper, Brass, Bronze, Silver) and consumables, aligning with REPCO's production needs and quality standards.
• Conduct thorough market analysis to identify potential suppliers, assess commodity pricing trends, and negotiate favorable contract terms to minimize procurement costs.
• Oversee the entire procurement cycle, from purchase order creation to invoice processing, ensuring compliance with company policies and regulatory requirements.
• Manage import/export activities, including documentation, customs clearance, and logistics, to ensure timely and cost-effective delivery of materials.
• Implement and maintain an effective Material Requirements Planning (MRP) system to optimize inventory levels and minimize stockouts.
• Monitor supplier performance, track key metrics, and implement corrective actions to address any deviations from agreed-upon service levels.

Vendor Development & Management

• Identify, evaluate, and onboard new vendors for critical components (castings, forgings, extrusions), ensuring they meet REPCO's quality, cost, and delivery requirements.
• Conduct regular vendor audits to assess their capabilities, adherence to quality standards (ISO 9001), and compliance with ethical sourcing practices.
• Develop and maintain strong relationships with key suppliers, fostering collaboration and open communication to drive continuous improvement.
• Implement vendor rationalization strategies to consolidate the supplier base, reduce complexity, and leverage volume discounts.
• Negotiate long-term agreements with strategic suppliers to secure favorable pricing, payment terms, and supply commitments.
• Collaborate with engineering and quality teams to resolve any technical issues, improve product design, and enhance overall supplier performance.

Cost Reduction & Value Engineering

• Lead cost reduction initiatives across the supply chain, identifying opportunities to optimize material usage, streamline processes, and negotiate better pricing.
• Conduct value engineering studies to identify alternative materials, processes, or designs that can reduce costs without compromising quality or performance.
• Analyze spent data to identify areas of excessive spending or inefficiency and develop targeted strategies to address these issues.
• Implement lean manufacturing principles to eliminate waste, improve efficiency, and reduce lead times in the procurement process.
• Benchmark REPCO's procurement costs against industry best practices and identify opportunities to close the gap and improve competitiveness.
• Track and report on cost savings achieved through sourcing initiatives, demonstrating the value of the procurement function to senior management.

Compliance & Reporting

• Ensure compliance with all relevant import/export regulations, trade agreements, and ethical sourcing standards.
• Maintain accurate records of all procurement transactions, contracts, and supplier communications, ensuring transparency and auditability.
• Prepare regular reports on key procurement metrics, including spend analysis, supplier performance, and cost savings.
• Collaborate with finance and accounting teams to ensure accurate budgeting, forecasting, and financial reporting.
• Oversee the implementation and maintenance of the ERP system (SAP, Oracle) for procurement and inventory management.
• Conduct regular internal audits to assess compliance with procurement policies and procedures and implement corrective actions as needed.

General Expectations and Past Experiences:

• Proven experience (10+ years) in strategic sourcing, vendor development, and contract negotiation within a manufacturing environment, preferably in metals or related industries.
• In-depth knowledge of raw materials procurement, including cathode copper, ETP copper, silver anodes, brass and bronze scrap, and foundry/machine shop/plating consumables.
• Demonstrated ability to develop and implement cost reduction strategies, negotiate favorable contract terms, and manage import/export activities.
• Strong understanding of commodity pricing analysis, material requirements planning (MRP), and lean manufacturing principles.
• Proficiency in using ERP systems for procurement and inventory management.
• Excellent analytical, problem-solving, and communication skills, with the ability to build strong relationships with suppliers and internal stakeholders.
• Bachelor's degree in engineering, Supply Chain Management, or related field.