Vendor Development Executive

Role Objective

The Vendor Development Executive will support the Manager – Vendor Development in identifying, evaluating, onboarding, and developing suppliers for aerospace-grade components and subsystems for UAVs, eVTOLs, and other unmanned platforms. The role will focus on strengthening the supply chain ecosystem, enabling Strategic Sourcing, BOM indigenisation, cost optimization, and compliance with aerospace quality standards.

Key Responsibilities

Supplier Identification & Onboarding

• Research, shortlist, and connect with potential suppliers for precision machining, structural, propulsion, electrical, avionics, and composite components.
• Conduct preliminary capability studies, facility visits, and supplier registration processes.
• Assist in NDA execution, documentation, and onboarding compliance checks.

Supplier Evaluation & Audits

• Support audits for technical capability, certifications, and compliance (AS9100D, ISO, NADCAP, DGCA, CEMILAC).
• Prepare supplier evaluation reports and scorecards for review by the Manager.
• Monitor initial supplier trial runs, prototypes, and First Article Inspections (FAI).

Procurement & Costing Support

• Collect RFQs from suppliers, consolidate quotations, and assist in cost comparisons.
• Support cost benchmarking studies and VA/VE initiatives.
• Prepare costing sheets and provide analysis for supplier negotiations.

Supplier Performance Monitoring

• Track supplier delivery timelines, OTIF (On-Time In-Full) compliance, and NCR (Non-Conformance Report) status.
• Update and maintain vendor performance dashboards and databases.
• Assist in driving corrective actions and follow-ups with suppliers.

Cross-Functional Collaboration

• Work closely with Engineering, Quality, and Production teams to align supplier deliverables with project needs.
• Support engineering change management (ECN) activities involving suppliers.
• Coordinate with Finance for PR/PO tracking and vendor payment documentation.

Documentation & Reporting

• Maintain vendor master database and all associated records (audits, certifications, scorecards).
• Prepare weekly reports on supplier status, RFQ progress, and vendor issues.
• Assist Manager in preparing MIS and Board review reports for Procurement & Vendor Development.

Qualifications & Experience

• B.E. / B.Tech in Mechanical / Aerospace / Production Engineering.
• 2–5 years of experience in vendor development, supplier quality, or sourcing (aerospace, automotive Tier-1, or defence manufacturing preferred).
• Exposure to manufacturing processes like CNC/VMC machining, sheet metal, plastic injection Molding, composites, or aerospace Assembly.
• Familiarity with PPAP, FAIR, APQP, and FAI documentation is desirable.
• Basic understanding of ERP/MRP systems (SAP, Odoo, Oracle, or similar).

Key Skills & Competencies

• Strong technical knowledge of manufacturing processes.
• Good analytical and costing skills.
• Documentation and reporting skills (Excel, PowerPoint, Google Sheets).
• Strong interpersonal and vendor communication skills.
• Ability to travel for supplier audits and plant visits.
• Team player with a proactive, problem-solving attitude.