Vendor Development Professional

Job Description

Reporting To: Head Supply Chain / Procurement Manager Job Purpose To lead and manage the development of mechanical vendors to support the manufacturing of heavy-duty vehicles and earth-moving equipment by ensuring quality, cost-effectiveness, and timely supply. The role focuses on developing robust vendor ecosystems, ensuring compliance, driving cost reductions, and maintaining product quality and supply chain efficiency. Key Responsibilities 1. Vendor Development & Strategic Sourcing o Develop and implement vendor development strategies aligned with business goals. o Identify, evaluate, and onboard new vendors based on capability, capacity, and quality standards. o Conduct supplier audits and assessments to ensure supplier qualifications. o Build a strong vendor base for key mechanical systems: heavy fabrication, cooling systems, hydraulic systems, etc. 2. Product Knowledge & Technical Expertise o In-depth knowledge of mechanical components and systems in heavy vehicles. o Understand material specifications, national and international standards (e.g., ASTM, IS, DIN). o Collaborate with design and R&D teams for selecting appropriate suppliers based on product needs. 3. New Product Development Support o Manage supplier involvement in New Product Development (NPD). o Lead and monitor APQP (Advanced Product Quality Planning) and PPAP (Production Part Approval Process) activities. o Ensure prototypes and first-batch supplies meet design, quality, and delivery expectations. 4. Compliance & Quality Assurance o Ensure supplier adherence to company policies, quality systems, and regulatory standards. o Work with QA teams to conduct regular audits, root cause analysis, and implement corrective actions. 5. Procurement and Supply Chain o Strong understanding of procurement processes, POs, contract terms, and negotiation strategies. o Monitor supply chain risks, plan inventory, and ensure uninterrupted material flow. 6. Vendor Relationship Management o Develop strong vendor relationships to foster transparency, performance improvement, and mutual growth. o Address and resolve supplier issues, delivery delays, and performance bottlenecks effectively. 7. Market Intelligence & Continuous Improvement o Stay updated with market trends, pricing, new technologies, and innovations in mechanical systems. o Benchmark best practices and drive cost optimization without compromising quality. 8. ERP & MIS Reporting o Expertise in ERP systems (preferably SAP), MS Excel, and report generation. o Maintain updated records of vendor performance, price trends, and audit outcomes. Educational Qualification B.E. / B.Tech in Mechanical Engineering or related field Certification in Supply Chain Management / Six Sigma / APQP-PPAP (preferred) Preferred Tools & Systems ERP Systems (SAP preferred) Microsoft Office (Excel, Word, PowerPoint) Quality tools and audit software