Strategic Supplier Development & Performance Manager

We're seeking a Supplier Development & Performance Manager to serve as our client's strategic on-ground representative in India, leading local supplier development and management while ensuring alignment with global purchasing standards set by their European headquarters.

As part of an established international group, our client supplies high-pressure hydraulics, refrigeration, and mining applications to large OEM and retail customers worldwide.

This is a performance-critical role within the Global Purchasing organization where you'll be responsible for qualifying, developing, and managing Indian suppliers who often become designated global partners across 40+ countries. You'll act as the key interface between global expectations and local supplier execution during a major organizational transformation phase.

Key Responsibilities:

• Lead supplier scouting, evaluation, and qualification across India based on technical, quality, and operational criteria
• Conduct comprehensive on-site supplier audits and capability assessments
• Drive supplier development initiatives focused on Quality, Logistics, Technology, Cost, and Sustainability (QLTC+S)
• Monitor supplier performance scorecards and drive corrective actions for non-conformities
• Act as local escalation point for quality issues and ensure adherence to certifications (ISO, IATF, etc.)
• Support new product introductions by ensuring supplier readiness
• Provide actionable market intelligence to HQ on supplier trends, risks, and opportunities
• Collaborate with global Engineering, R&D, and Operations teams

Requirements

Essential Requirements:

• Minimum 10 years experience in supplier development, sourcing execution, or manufacturing/supplier quality roles
• Must have worked in a multinational company with supplier development responsibilities
• Proven track record in leading supplier audits and qualification processes (PPAP, APQP, quality management systems)
• In-depth knowledge of Indian manufacturing landscape and supply base
• Education in Supply Chain Management, Engineering (Mechanical, Industrial, Production), or related field
• Technical aptitude to assess production processes and quality systems
• Fluent in English (spoken & written) and local languages (Hindi, Tamil, Kannada, etc.)
• Strong presence, maturity, and ability to represent company with authority
• Persistent, detail-oriented approach with strong communication and negotiation skills

Preferred Requirements:

• Experience in automotive, electronics, or industrial goods sectors
• Quality certifications (Six Sigma, ASQ, ISO Lead Auditor)
• Experience collaborating with global sourcing/procurement teams
• Diploma holders considered with adequate experience and proven supplier base collaboration

Benefits

• Competitive salary:

  €20,000 gross annually (approximately ₹1 900 000)

• Permanent position

  with strategic career growth opportunities
• Opportunity to influence global supply chain across 40+ countries
• Be part of a major organizational transformation in a well-established global group
• Direct reporting line to European-based Global Purchasing Director

• Future career path:

  Potential evolution into regional supplier performance or development leadership role

Working Arrangements:

• Full-time office presence required

  (100% onsite - not flexible for remote work)

• Frequent travel

  to supplier sites across India

Equal Employment Opportunity and Non-Discrimination Policy

Equal Employment Opportunity Statement:

Constitutional Commitment:

Commitment to Diversity:

Reasonable Accommodations:

Compensation Information:

Compliance with Indian Laws:

• The Constitution of India
• Industrial Employment (Standing Orders) Act, 1946
• Equal Remuneration Act, 1976
• Rights of Persons with Disabilities Act, 2016
• Sexual Harassment of Women at Workplace Act, 2013
• Maternity Benefit Act, 2017
• Contract Labour (Regulation and Abolition) Act, 1970
• Applicable State Labor Laws

Workplace Harassment:

Labor Law Compliance:

• Employee Provident Fund (EPF) requirements
• Employee State Insurance (ESI) obligations
• Professional Tax regulations
• Gratuity Act provisions
• Applicable labor registration and licensing requirements

State-Specific Compliance:

• All States:

  We comply with respective State labor laws, shop and establishment acts, and minimum wage notifications.

• Karnataka/Maharashtra:

  We adhere to state-specific employment regulations for our Bengaluru and Pune operations.

• Multi-State Operations:

  We ensure compliance with labor laws in all states where our clients operate.

Privacy and Data Protection:

Caste and Social Justice:

Documentation Requirements:

Local Cultural Sensitivity:

Grievance Mechanism:

Note: