Head Strategic Purchase

Job Title Senior Manager – Strategic Purchase & Vendor Development
Job Purpose
To lead the strategic sourcing and vendor development function for a high-precision
manufacturing facility producing tool holders precision gearbox assemblies and precision
machined components. The role is responsible for developing a robust supplier network
ensuring uninterrupted material availability optimizing total procurement cost improving
supplier quality and delivery performance driving localization mitigating supply risks and
supporting new product development while maintaining world-class quality standards. This
role also requires strategic oversight and leadership in sourcing materials equipment and
services necessary for the production of high-quality / high-precision tool holders and
gearboxes. The role supports business growth through vendor capability enhancement
localization cost optimization risk mitigation and new product development

Key Responsibilities
1. Strategic Procurement
• Develop and execute strategic sourcing plans aligned with business objectives.
• Formulate annual procurement strategies for direct and indirect materials.
• Identify opportunities for cost reduction and value engineering.
• Develop category strategies for critical commodities.
• Implement long-term sourcing agreements with strategic suppliers.
• Ensure procurement complies with organizational policies and governance.

2. Supplier Identification & Development
Develop Vendor base for:
• Precision CNC machined components
• Tool holder components Gearbox housings Gear shafts Precision gears Forgings
Castings
• Heat-treated components Surface treatment and coating processes
• Hydraulic and pneumatic components
• Bearings Fasteners Seals Cutting tools Special tooling Packaging materials
Identify evaluate qualify and develop alternate suppliers to ensure supply continuity.
3. Supplier / Vendor Qualification
Lead supplier qualification through:
• Technical Manufacturing capability Financial risk assessment
• Capacity & Commercial evaluation
• Process capability (Cp/Cpk)
• Quality system evaluation sustainability assessment
Maintain and periodically review the Approved Supplier List (ASL).
4. Strategic Sourcing & Negotiation
• Lead RFQ RFI and RFP processes.
• Conduct techno-commercial evaluations.
• Perform total cost of ownership (TCO) analysis.
• Benchmark supplier pricing and market trends.
• Negotiate pricing payment terms lead times logistics tooling investments and long-
term contracts.
• Develop should-cost models for key commodities
5. Supplier Capability Assessment
Evaluate supplier capability for:
• Precision machining accuracy Geometric tolerances GD&T compliance Surface finish
capability Material traceability
• SPC implementation Process controls
• Preventive maintenance Tool management Calibration system Inspection capability
6. Supplier Performance Management
Monitor supplier performance using KPIs such as:
• Supplier PPM On-Time Delivery (OTD) Cost competitiveness Lead time adherence
Responsiveness Capacity utilization
• Corrective action closure Audit scores Warranty and rejection trends
Conduct quarterly supplier performance reviews and implement supplier improvement plans.
7. Supplier Quality & Process Improvement
Drive supplier excellence through:
• APQP PPAP PFMEA SPC MSA Control Plans Standardization Process audits
• 8D problem solving
• Lean Manufacturing Kaizen Six Sigma initiatives
Reduce supplier defects and improve process capability.
7. Cost Optimization
Lead initiatives for:
• Annual cost reduction Value Engineering (VE) Value Analysis (VA)
• Productivity improvements Process optimization Material substitution
• Design-to-cost Localization Logistics optimization
Deliver annual procurement savings while maintaining quality and reliability.
8. New Product Development Support
Partner with Engineering and R&D to:
• Source suppliers / vendors for new products.
• Conduct Design for Manufacturability (DFM) reviews
• Support prototype development.
• Coordinate PPAP approvals.
• Validate supplier capacity / production readiness.
• Ensure timely launch of new products.
9. Inventory & Supply Chain Optimization
• Optimize procurement lead times Improve supplier replenishment systems.
• Reduce inventory carrying costs.
• Monitor supplier capacity against demand forecasts.
• Support S&OP activities.
• Prevent material shortages impacting production.
10. Risk Management
Identify and mitigate risks related to:
• Single-source suppliers Capacity constraints Commodity price fluctuations
• Supply disruptions Financial instability Geopolitical risks Regulatory compliance
Develop contingency sourcing and business continuity plans.
11. Supplier Audits
Plan and conduct:
• New supplier Quality system Manufacturing process Capacity Technical capability
Quality system audits
Ensure timely closure of audit findings.
12. Compliance
Ensure supplier compliance with:
• ISO 9001
• ISO 14001 ISO 45001 IATF 16949 (where applicable)
• Customer-specific requirements
• RoHS/REACH (where applicable)
• Company Supplier Code of Conduct
13. Cross-Functional Collaboration
Work closely with:
• Manufacturing Production Planning Quality Assurance Engineering R&D Finance
Stores Logistics Sales & Marketing Project Management
Key Deliverables
• Reliable supplier base
• Zero production stoppages due to material shortages
• High supplier quality performance
• Annual procurement cost savings
• Robust localization program
• Successful new supplier approvals
• Improved supplier delivery performance
• Reduced procurement lead time
• Strong supplier partnerships
• Sustainable procurement practices
Educational Qualifications
• Bachelor's Degree in Mechanical Engineering Production Engineering Manufacturing
Engineering or Industrial Engineering.
• MBA in Supply Chain Management Operations or Procurement is preferred.
• Professional certifications such as CIPS CPSM APICS/ASCM Lean Six Sigma Green
Belt/Black Belt or Lead Auditor are desirable.
Experience
• 10–15 years of progressive experience in strategic purchasing sourcing and vendor
development within a high-precision manufacturing environment.
• Experience with industries such as:
o High-precision tool holders
o Industrial gearboxes
o Machine tools Precision machining
Technical Competencies
Manufacturing Processes
• CNC Turning Milling Multi-axis Machining Grinding (Cylindrical Surface Internal)
Gear Hobbing Gear Shaping Gear Grinding Broaching Honing and Lapping
• Heat Treatment Surface Coating and Finishing
• Forging and Casting
• Precision Assembly
Procurement & Supply Chain
• Strategic sourcing and category management
• Total Cost of Ownership (TCO) Cost analysis
• Contract management
• Supplier relationship management (SRM)
• Risk management
• Inventory optimization
• S&OP support
• Cost analysis and market intelligence
Quality & Engineering
• Engineering drawing interpretation
• GD&T APQP PPAP PFMEA MSA SPC
• 8D and Root Cause Analysis
• Cp/Cpk analysis
• CMM and precision metrology
Systems
• ERP systems
• Advanced Microsoft Excel Power BI and procurement analytics
• e-Procurement platforms
Leadership Competencies
• Strategic thinking and planning
• Commercial acumen
• Negotiation and influencing
• Supplier relationship management
• Cross-functional leadership
• Data-driven decision making
• Analytical problem-solving
• Project management
• Continuous improvement
• Coaching and team development
• Stakeholder management
• Integrity and ethical sourcin