Sourcing Engineer

Job description

Will be responsible for sourcing, cost optimization, supplier development, and supply assurance of plastic and rubber components used in two-wheeler vehicles. The role focuses on ensuring quality, cost competitiveness, timely delivery, and supplier sustainability while supporting new model development and localization initiatives. **Key Responsibilities** **1. Strategic & Operational Procurement** - Manage end-to-end procurement of plastic and rubber parts (injection molded parts, blow molded parts, rubber hoses, seals, grommets, mounts, etc.). - Execute sourcing strategies aligned with cost, quality, delivery, and risk objectives. - Finalize suppliers through RFQ/RFP processes, commercial negotiations, and technical evaluations. - Ensure adherence to procurement policies, SOPs, and ethical standards. **2. Supplier Management & Development** - Identify, evaluate, and onboard new suppliers to support capacity, localization, and technology needs. - Drive **supplier performance management** (QCDDM – Quality, Cost, Delivery, Development, Management). - Conduct supplier audits, capacity assessments, and improvement programs. - Develop long-term partnerships with key plastic and rubber vendors. **3. Cost Management & Value Engineering** - Lead **cost reduction initiatives** including VA/VE, localization, alternate sourcing, and design-to-cost activities. - Analyze tooling costs, raw material trends (PP, ABS, Nylon, EPDM, NBR, etc.), and conversion costs. - Support annual cost-down targets and productivity improvement plans. **4. New Product Development (NPD) Support** - Work closely with **R&D, Quality, and Manufacturing** teams during new model and variant development. - Coordinate part development, supplier nomination, APQP, PPAP, and tooling timelines. - Ensure on-time availability of parts for trials, pilot builds, and SOP. **5. Quality & Compliance** - Ensure suppliers comply with OEM quality standards, IATF/ISO requirements, and regulatory norms. - Support resolution of supplier quality issues through structured root cause analysis and corrective actions. - Monitor warranty feedback and field issues related to plastic and rubber parts. **6. Inventory & Supply Assurance** - Coordinate with planning teams to ensure uninterrupted supply and optimal inventory levels. - Manage risks related to single-source suppliers, capacity constraints, and logistics disruptions. - Support localization and dual-sourcing strategies to improve supply resilience. **Key Interfaces** - **Internal** : R&D, Quality, Manufacturing, PPC, Finance, SCM. - **External** : Plastic & rubber part suppliers, toolmakers, logistics partners