DGM - Local Supply Chain & Component Development

Location: Noida

Function: Vendor Development & Procurement

Level: DGM

Experience: 15 - 20 years

Role Overview:

The role will lead strategic sourcing, supplier development, component localization, cost optimization and supply chain operations for wiring harness components.

The incumbent will be responsible for ensuring uninterrupted material availability, supplier quality and performance, competitive cost structures, and timely development and localization of new components. The role will work closely with Engineering, Manufacturing, Quality and Program Management teams from component development through SOP (Start of Production).

Key Responsibilities:

1. Supply Chain & Strategic Sourcing:

- Develop and implement sourcing strategies for wiring harness components.

- Lead supplier identification, evaluation, qualification and onboarding.

- Monitor supplier capacity, delivery performance, inventory levels and supply risks.

- Develop and implement risk-mitigation plans to ensure uninterrupted material availability and production continuity.

- Manage supplier documentation and commercial agreements, including GPA, NDA, COC and tooling-related arrangements.

- Lead supplier negotiations covering pricing, payment terms, contractual terms and annual cost reductions.

- Drive inventory optimisation initiatives.

2. Component Development & Localization:

- Lead development and localization of wiring harness components from design concept through SOP.

- Work closely with Design, Engineering, Quality and Manufacturing teams during new component and product development.

- Coordinate APQP, PPAP, sample submission, validation and production approval activities.

- Identify and evaluate alternative materials, technologies and processes for cost reduction and performance improvement.

- Drive and support Value Analysis / Value Engineering (VA/VE) initiatives.

- Ensure component development is aligned with new product and project milestones.

3. Supplier Development:

- Identify, evaluate and develop capable domestic and global suppliers.

- Conduct supplier assessments/audits covering quality systems, process capability and manufacturing readiness.

- Drive supplier improvement programmes across: Quality, Cost, Delivery, Technology, Sustainability.

- Support suppliers in implementing lean manufacturing and continuous improvement practices.

- Develop long-term supplier capability in line with business and programme requirements.

4. Cost Management & Productivity:

- Develop and drive annual cost-reduction plans through: Localization, Alternate sourcing, Design optimisation, Process improvements, Global sourcing opportunities.

- Conduct detailed cost analysis and benchmarking of wiring harness components.

- Lead commercial negotiations and productivity discussions with suppliers.

- Identify opportunities to improve cost competitiveness without compromising quality or supply continuity.

5. Cross-Functional & Project Coordination:

- Work closely with: Product Engineering, Program Management, Manufacturing, Quality Assurance, Other relevant internal stakeholders.

- The incumbent will ensure supply chain readiness for new projects and customer requirements, coordinating supplier and component development activities with overall programme timelines.

Key Performance Indicators:

- Supplier On-Time Delivery (OTD)

- Material availability and supply continuity

- Cost-reduction achievement

- Localization content

- Supplier PPM performance

- Timely new component development against project milestones

- Supplier audit compliance scores

Technical & Functional Expertise:

- Wiring harness components and associated manufacturing processes

- Strategic sourcing and supplier development

- Component localization

- APQP, PPAP, FMEA, MSA and SPC

- IATF 16949 requirements

- Supplier audits and supplier capability development

- Costing, cost analysis and commercial negotiations

- Project management

- ERP systems, preferably including Oracle or similar platforms

Leadership Competencies:

- Strategic thinking

- Strong leadership and team-management capability

- Negotiation and influencing skills

- Problem-solving and decision-making

- Analytical thinking

- Strong communication and stakeholder-management skills

- Continuous-improvement mindset

- Ability to work effectively across engineering, manufacturing, quality and procurement functions

Candidate Profile:

Education:

- Bachelor's degree in Mechanical Engineering, Electrical Engineering, Electronics Engineering, Industrial Engineering or a related discipline.

- MBA / qualification in Supply Chain Management would be preferred.

Experience:

- 15 - 20 years of relevant experience in strategic sourcing, supplier development, component development and/or supply chain management.

- Strong experience specifically related to wiring harness components is required.

- Experience in component localization, supplier development, cost reduction and new product/component development is important.

- The candidate should have demonstrated experience working cross-functionally with Engineering, Manufacturing, Quality and Programme teams.

Preferred Industry Background:

- Automotive Wiring Harness Manufacturers

- Tier-1 Automotive Suppliers

- Connector Manufacturers

- Electrical / Automotive Electrical Component Manufacturers

- Consumer Electronics/ Consumer Appliances

What This Role Really Requires:

- This is not a conventional procurement or purchase role. The position combines strategic sourcing + supplier development + component localization + new component development + cost engineering + supply-chain readiness.

- The strongest candidates are likely to be professionals who have worked closely with engineering and manufacturing teams and have personally driven suppliers from development/qualification through localization and SOP, while simultaneously managing cost, quality and delivery.