Strategic Sourcing & Vendor Development (Mechanical)

Qualifications

• Graduate in Mechanical Engineering

  (minimum requirement).

Role & responsibilities

Strategic Sourcing & Vendor Development

• Own sourcing strategy and supplier development for mechanical commodities including sheet metal, fabrication, RTM, FRP, aluminium extrusion, and bought-out mechanical parts.
• Develop and qualify suppliers for battery-specific mechanical materials such as

  TIM, cell connect systems, bus bars

  , and related assemblies.
• Lead sourcing and vendor development for mechanical components used in

  EV charging stations and infrastructure

  .
• Drive RFQs, techno-commercial evaluations, negotiations, and supplier nomination decisions.
• Establish dual / multiple sourcing and localization strategies to ensure supply continuity and scalability.

Production Purchasing & Cost Management

• Ensure timely availability of mechanical components for

  series production

  in line with demand plans.
• Drive cost reduction initiatives through VA/VE, should-costing, localization, and long-term commercial agreements.
• Monitor supplier performance on cost, quality, delivery, and capacity; initiate corrective actions as required.

Team Leadership & Cross-Functional Coordination

• Manage and mentor a team of buyers; allocate commodities, set targets, and review performance.
• Work closely with Engineering, Quality, Manufacturing, and Program teams during NPI, ramp-up, and steady-state production.
• Support supplier audits, capability assessments, and continuous improvement initiatives.

Preferred candidate profile

• 15+ years of experience

  in mechanical sourcing, vendor development, and production purchasing in automotive, EV, battery, or industrial manufacturing environments.
• Strong commodity expertise in

  sheet metal, fabrication, RTM, FRP, aluminium extrusion, and bought-out mechanical components

  .
• Experience sourcing

  battery-specific mechanical materials

  such as TIM, cell connect systems, bus bars, and related assemblies is highly preferred.
• Proven ability to manage sourcing teams and lead complex supplier ecosystems.
• Strong negotiation, cost management, and supplier development capabilities.
• Good understanding of manufacturing processes, drawings, specifications, and quality systems.
• Effective communication and stakeholder management skills with a results-driven mindset.