Head - Vendor Development

Job SummaryWe are looking for a senior leader to head Auto Ancillary Development (ADD) for our Commercial Vehicle Seating & Interior Components Division. The role will focus on developing new vendors, sourcing critical components, negotiating costs, and building a strong and reliable supplier base. The ADD Head will ensure all suppliers meet Quality, Cost, and Delivery (QCD) expectations, while driving localization, import substitution, and long-term supplier partnerships to support company growth.Key ResponsibilitiesVendor Development & Supplier Base Expansion- Identify and develop new vendors for seating and interior components such as metal structures, foam, trims, plastics, mechanisms, dashboards, and panels. - Conduct supplier capability studies, audits, and approvals in coordination with R&D, Quality, and Project teams. - Drive localization initiatives to reduce dependency on imports and achieve cost savings. - Build a robust vendor database that can support current and future business requirements.Sourcing & Cost Negotiation- Lead the complete sourcing process from RFQ to final supplier selection. - Carry out detailed cost analysis, benchmarking, and should-cost studies to ensure competitive pricing. - Negotiate with suppliers for the best cost, quality, and delivery terms, ensuring long-term competitiveness. - Finalize and maintain supplier contracts, cost sheets, and price agreements as per company guidelines.Supplier Relationship & Performance Management- Build strong, long-term partnerships with key suppliers for sustainable growth. - Regularly review supplier performance based on QCD (Quality, Cost, Delivery) and drive improvements where required. - Work with suppliers to introduce new technologies, innovations, and process improvements for interiors and seating components. - Reduce supplier risks through consolidation, dual sourcing, and diversification strategies.Project & Business Support- Ensure all sourcing and vendor development activities are completed on time for new product launches, engineering changes, and SOPs. - Work closely with R&D and Project Management teams to ensure suppliers can meet technical and commercial requirements. - Actively support APQP, sourcing gates, and program milestones to meet customer commitments. - Provide commercial inputs to program cost targets and ensure achievement of cost reduction plans.Governance & Compliance- Ensure that all sourcing processes are aligned with company policies, audit standards, and ethical practices. - Maintain clear and transparent documentation of vendor evaluations, negotiations, and approvals. - Establish governance systems to monitor costs, supplier agreements, and overall compliance.Qualifications & Skills- Education: BE/BTech in Mechanical/Automobile (MBA in Supply Chain/Operations preferred). - Experience: 20+ years in vendor development, sourcing, and procurement in automotive seating & interiors (commercial vehicle focus preferred). - Strong expertise in new vendor development, supplier negotiations, and cost optimization. - Knowledge of local/global sourcing practices, import management, and localization strategies. - Proficiency in ERP systems (SAP preferred), cost modeling, and commercial governance. - Strong leadership, people management, and cross-functional collaboration skills. - Excellent negotiation, communication, and decision-making abilities.

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