Head - Purchase - Automotive/Heavy Engineering

Head - Purchase / Strategic Sourcing

Department: Procurement / Supply Chain Management

Reporting To: VP - Operations

Location: Manufacturing Plant / Corporate Office

Job Purpose

The Head - Purchase will lead the organization's end-to-end procurement and strategic sourcing function across domestic and global supply chains within the automotive and engineering manufacturing industry. The role is responsible for developing procurement strategies, driving cost optimization, supplier development, localization, procurement governance, and ensuring uninterrupted material availability to support manufacturing operations and business growth.

The incumbent will provide strategic leadership across direct and indirect procurement while fostering strong supplier partnerships, digital procurement excellence, and cross-functional collaboration.

Key Responsibilities

1.Strategic Procurement & Sourcing

- Develop and implement procurement strategies aligned with business objectives.

- Lead strategic sourcing initiatives across domestic and international markets.

Build category-specific sourcing strategies for:

- Sheet Metal Components

- Machined Components

- Castings & Forgings

- Plastic Moulded Parts

- Electronics & Electrical Components

- Bought-out Parts & Assemblies

- Tooling, Consumables & Indirect Materials

- Drive supplier consolidation, localization, and import substitution initiatives.

- Conduct spend analysis, commodity benchmarking, and market intelligence.

2.Domestic & Global Procurement

- Manage procurement operations across domestic and international supplier networks.

- Lead global sourcing, import procurement, and commercial negotiations.

- Coordinate with logistics, customs, finance, and planning teams for seamless imports.

- Develop alternate sourcing strategies to mitigate supply risks.

- Monitor commodity trends, foreign exchange impacts, and geopolitical risks.

3. Procurement Operations

- Ensure timely procurement in line with production schedules and MRP plans.

- Manage Purchase Requisitions (PR), Purchase Orders (PO), delivery schedules, and supplier follow-up.

- Coordinate closely with PPC, Production, Stores, Quality, Engineering, and SCM.

- Optimize inventory levels while ensuring uninterrupted production.

- Monitor procurement KPIs and service levels.

4. Supplier Development & Relationship Management

- Identify, evaluate, onboard, and develop strategic suppliers.

- Conduct supplier capability assessments, audits, and technical-commercial evaluations.

- Develop supplier scorecards and continuous improvement plans.

- Lead commercial negotiations covering pricing, contracts, payment terms, and long-term agreements.

- Ensure supplier compliance with quality, delivery, and regulatory requirements.