Manager / Associate Director - Automotive Procurement & Value Engineering

Experience: 7 - 18 Years

Open Positions:

- Manager - 7 - 10 Years (1 Opening)

- Associate Director - 14 - 18 Years (1 Opening)

Work Mode: Hybrid (5 Days Working)

Location: Chennai (Open to Relocation)

Interview Mode: 2 - 3 Virtual Rounds

Role Overview:

We are looking for experienced Automotive Procurement professionals with strong expertise in Direct Material Sourcing, Strategic Procurement, Value Engineering and Cost Optimization. The ideal candidate should have hands-on experience working with automotive OEMs or Tier-1/Tier-2 suppliers, driving sourcing strategies, supplier development, cost reduction and value engineering initiatives across multiple automotive component categories.

Key Responsibilities:

- Lead strategic sourcing and category management for automotive direct materials.

- Drive procurement cost optimization, value engineering and cost reduction initiatives.

- Conduct should-cost analysis, cost benchmarking and supplier negotiations.

- Manage RFQs, supplier selection, commercial negotiations and contract finalization.

- Drive supplier development, localization and alternate sourcing initiatives.

- Identify cost-saving opportunities across automotive components and assemblies.

- Collaborate with procurement, engineering, manufacturing and finance teams.

- Lead procurement transformation projects and client engagements.

Mandatory Skills:

- Automotive Direct Material Procurement

- Strategic Sourcing & Category Management

- Value Engineering / Value Analysis

- Should-Cost Analysis

- Procurement Cost Reduction

- Supplier Development & Vendor Management

- Automotive Manufacturing Processes

- Six Sigma / Operational Excellence

- Cost Optimization & Negotiation

Automotive Category Experience:

Experience in one or more of the following:

- Castings & Forgings

- Machined Components

- Sheet Metal & Fabrication

- Plastics & Polymer Components

- Electrical & Electronics

- Powertrain & Drivetrain

- Chassis & Suspension

- Interior & Exterior Components

Eligibility Criteria:

- B.E./B.Tech. in Mechanical, Automobile, Production, Industrial or Manufacturing Engineering.

- MBA from a reputed institute preferred.

- 7 - 18 years of relevant experience in automotive procurement and sourcing.

- Hands-on experience in automotive direct material sourcing and value engineering/cost reduction across multiple categories.

- Consulting experience with Big 4, Big 10 or reputed consulting firms preferred.

- Experience with automotive OEMs and Tier-1/Tier-2 suppliers desirable.

Preferred Target Companies:

Daimler, Renault, Hyundai, Ashok Leyland, TAFE, Royal Enfield, TVS, BMW India and other leading automotive OEMs, Tier-1 suppliers and consulting firms.

Additional Information:

- Notice Period: Less than 60 days preferred.

- Relocation: Open to relocation.

- Chennai relocation allowance applicable as per company policy.