Lead and manage the end-to-end procurement and strategic sourcing function for the organization by ensuring cost-effective procurement, supplier development, material availability, inventory optimization, supply chain efficiency, and risk management to support business growth, manufacturing continuity, operational excellence, and profitability objectives.

Key Responsibilities / Accountabilities

• Lead the overall procurement and sourcing strategy for raw materials, bought-out components, consumables, tooling, capital equipment, indirect materials, and services.
• Develop procurement policies, sourcing frameworks, supplier strategies, and governance mechanisms aligned with organizational goals. 
• Drive strategic sourcing, supplier negotiations, long-term contracts, and procurement optimization initiatives to improve cost competitiveness and supply continuity. 
• Lead vendor identification, evaluation, onboarding, development, performance management, and supplier relationship management activities. 
• Ensure timely availability of materials and services to support manufacturing, projects, maintenance, and business operations. 
• Drive cost reduction, localization, value engineering, and alternate sourcing initiatives across procurement categories. 
• Monitor procurement KPIs including cost savings, supplier performance, inventory levels, on-time delivery, quality performance, and working capital optimization. 
• Collaborate with Manufacturing, Planning, Quality, Engineering, Finance, Stores, and Project Management teams for procurement planning and execution. 
• Lead procurement planning for new product introduction (NPI), expansion projects, automation initiatives, and capital investments. 
• Monitor commodity trends, market intelligence, pricing fluctuations, supply chain risks, and mitigation strategies. 
• Ensure procurement compliance with statutory regulations, organizational policies, audit requirements, and ethical sourcing practices. 
• Drive digital procurement initiatives including ERP optimization, procurement analytics, supplier portals, and automation systems. 
• Lead supplier quality improvement and corrective action initiatives in coordination with QA/QC and Manufacturing teams. 
• Manage procurement budgets, commercial negotiations, contract management, and procurement-related financial controls. 
• Support inventory optimization initiatives and ensure alignment between procurement strategy and production planning. 
• Develop strong supplier partnerships to improve responsiveness, innovation, quality, and long-term business value. 
• Lead procurement audits, customer audits, compliance reviews, and supply chain assessments. 
• Mentor and develop procurement teams through capability building, succession planning, and performance management.
• Drive continuous improvement initiatives related to procurement efficiency, process standardization, and supply chain excellence.

Knowledge and Experience

• Bachelor’s / Diploma degree in Engineering, Supply Chain, Commerce, or Business Administration. 
• MBA / PGDM in Supply Chain, Operations, or Materials Management preferred. 
• 15–24 years of progressive procurement and supply chain experience in manufacturing industries. 
• Strong experience in strategic sourcing, procurement operations, supplier management, and supply chain optimization. 
• Exposure to hydraulics, automotive, engineering products, CNC machining, precision manufacturing, or industrial equipment industries preferred. 
• Strong commercial acumen including negotiation, cost analysis, contract management, and budgeting. 
• Deep understanding of inventory management, material planning, localization, vendor development, and procurement analytics. 
• Familiarity with ERP systems, procurement automation tools, MIS reporting, and digital supply chain systems. 
• Knowledge of taxation basics, import/export coordination, compliance requirements, and procurement governance. 
• Experience in managing large supplier networks and cross-functional stakeholder coordination. 
• Exposure to Lean Supply Chain, inventory optimization, and continuous improvement methodologies.