Vendor Development

Roles and Responsibilities

Job Purpose

To lead the overall Vendor Development function for tractor and agricultural equipment components, focusing on strategic sourcing, new supplier development, localization, alternate sourcing, cost optimization and supplier capability enhancement.

The incumbent will be responsible for developing a strong and competitive vendor base to support existing production requirements as well as new product development (NPD) and future business expansion.

The role requires strong experience in the tractor / automotive industry, with an excellent understanding of manufacturing processes, component technologies, supplier capabilities and strategic procurement.

2. Key Responsibilities

A. Strategic Vendor Development

Develop and implement the vendor development strategy aligned with organizational business objectives.

Identify, evaluate and develop new suppliers for tractor and agricultural equipment components.

Build a competitive supplier base through domestic and alternate sourcing.

Drive localization and indigenous development of critical components.

Develop strategic suppliers for long-term business partnerships.

Identify opportunities for supplier consolidation and supply chain optimization.

Lead vendor development initiatives across multiple commodity groups.

B. New Product Development (NPD) & Engineering Coordination

Work closely with R&D, Design, Engineering and Manufacturing teams for new tractor model development.

Lead vendor development for new components and engineering changes.

Ensure timely development of samples, tooling, prototypes and production-ready components.

Coordinate APQP, PPAP, FMEA and supplier approval processes.

Ensure supplier technical capabilities meet product design and quality requirements.

Support engineering teams in value engineering and design-to-cost initiatives.

C. Commodity / Component Development

Should have strong exposure to developing vendors for tractor components, including:

Commodity

Components

Sheet Metal

Tractor body panels, chassis, brackets, fabricated structures

Castings

CI, SG Iron, aluminium castings

Forgings

Crankshafts, gears, shafts and other forged parts

Machined Components

Precision machining, housings, shafts, gears

Transmission

Gearboxes, transmission components, differential assemblies

Hydraulic

Hydraulic pumps, valves, cylinders and related components

Engine Components

Engine parts, fuel systems, manifolds

Rubber & Plastic

Hoses, seals, bushes, moulded components

Electrical

Wiring harnesses, sensors, switches, electrical assemblies

Chassis & Axles

Axle assemblies, brake components, clutch components

Others

Fasteners, bearings, exhaust systems and silencers

D. Cost Optimization & Strategic Sourcing

Drive annual cost reduction through strategic sourcing and supplier negotiations.

Develop alternate suppliers for cost competitiveness and supply continuity.

Lead localization, import substitution and value engineering initiatives.

Conduct cost benchmarking and detailed component cost analysis.

Negotiate long-term commercial agreements with strategic suppliers.

Drive VA/VE initiatives in coordination with Engineering and suppliers.

Ensure competitiveness in material, conversion and tooling costs.

E. Supplier Quality & Performance Management

Establish supplier evaluation and development systems.

Lead supplier capability assessments and manufacturing process audits.

Monitor supplier performance on Quality, Cost and Delivery (QCD).

Drive supplier improvement programmes to reduce rejection, PPM and delivery failures.

Ensure compliance with IATF 16949, ISO 9001 and applicable quality standards.

Work with Quality teams to resolve critical supplier-related issues.

F. Leadership & Team Management

Lead and develop the Vendor Development team.

Establish commodity-wise responsibilities, KRAs and performance parameters.

Develop supplier development roadmaps and review progress periodically.

Coordinate with Purchase, Quality, R&D, Production, PPC and Finance.

Drive a performance-oriented vendor development culture.

3. Key Deliverables / KRAs

Development of new and alternate suppliers.

Localization of imported components.

Achievement of annual cost reduction targets.

Timely vendor development for NPD projects.

Improvement in supplier quality and delivery performance.

Reduction in supplier dependency and supply chain risks.

Development of technically capable and commercially competitive suppliers.

Successful implementation of VA/VE and value engineering projects.

4. Candidate Profile

Qualification: B.E. / B.Tech in Mechanical / Automobile Engineering.

Experience: 18–25 years in Purchase, Strategic Sourcing and Vendor Development.

Strong experience in tractor, agricultural equipment, automotive or commercial vehicle manufacturing.

Must have handled senior-level responsibilities in vendor development and strategic sourcing.

Strong exposure to sheet metal, castings, forgings, machining, transmission, hydraulic and engine components.

Experience in localization, alternate sourcing, cost optimization and NPD sourcing.

Should have independently developed and managed a large supplier base.

Strong leadership, negotiation and stakeholder management capabilities.

5. Target Companies for Candidate Sourcing

Priority 1 – Tractor / Agricultural Equipment OEMs

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