Strategic Sourcing Manager

About the Company SAN Automotive Pvt. Ltd. is a leading manufacturer of precision sheet metal components and assemblies for the agricultural machinery, farm equipment, and automotive sectors. Backed by IATF 16949-certified facilities in Faridabad, we supply high-performance components to global OEMs including AGCO, FENDT, VALTRA, PTx, MASSEY FERGUSON, CNH, Kubota, Escorts, and other major industry players. Our new Agricultural Machinery & Implements Division is a strategic growth vertical, led by the CEO of the division. We are now seeking a highly specialized Sourcing Manager who will anchor the sourcing roadmap and build a world-class vendor ecosystem for this segment. Role Overview The Sourcing Manager – Agriculture Machinery Division will lead the procurement and supplier development strategy for agricultural implements and farm machinery components. The role demands strong technical understanding of agri-implements (rotavators, rotary tillers, ploughs, cultivators, seeders, subsoilers, harvest attachments, transmission elements, blades, gear systems, shanks, tynes, controllers, hydraulics, etc.), combined with expertise in cost engineering, supplier capability assessment, negotiations, and long-term vendor development. This position requires a strategic thinker with extensive industry knowledge—someone who understands which vendor produces the best gears, who excels in tynes/shanks, who delivers reliable blades, who specializes in transmissions, and who has global-grade technological capabilities. The candidate must have strong on-ground experience in specification benchmarking, vendor audits, compliance, and cost optimization. Key Responsibilities 1. Strategic Sourcing & Category Expertise - Develop sourcing strategies for the full spectrum of agricultural implements and components—rotavators, rotary tillers, cultivators, seeders, ploughs, PTO shafts, powertrain units, blade assemblies, shanks, tynes, transmissions, controllers, sheet metal assemblies, castings, forgings, etc. - Conduct deep market and technology benchmarking across Indian and international markets. - Identify best-fit suppliers based on component specialization, efficiency, technological capability, and cost competitiveness. - Align sourcing decisions with the division's long-term product strategy and new product introductions (NPI). 2. Supplier Identification, Evaluation & Onboarding - Build a robust vendor base by identifying Tier 1, Tier 2, and niche component suppliers across India, China, Europe, and other agri-tech hubs. - Conduct comprehensive technical and commercial vendor audits assessing: - Production capability and machinery layout - Quality systems (ISO/IATF), PPAP, APQP - Tooling readiness and scalability - Costing methodology - Financial stability - Sustainability and ethical practices - Drive supplier onboarding including RFQ, capability mapping, and qualification processes. 3. Cost Engineering, Negotiation & Contract Management - Lead complex negotiations for high-value components, raw materials, tooling, and long-term supply contracts. - Perform detailed cost breakdowns (should-cost analysis, BOM-based costing, value engineering). - Develop cost models for proprietary and standard components used in agri-implements. - Ensure optimal commercial terms, price stability, and long-term value for the organization. - Prepare, review, and manage contracts ensuring compliance with corporate and legal frameworks. 4. Technology & Specification Expertise - Possess in-depth knowledge of: - Implement components: blades, tynes, shanks, gearboxes, rotors, flanges - Mechanical systems: PTO systems, transmissions, bearings, shafts - Hydraulics & linkages: 3-point linkage, cylinders, valves - Electronic controls: sensors, controllers, ECU-based elements - Fabrication & machining processes relevant to agricultural machinery - Ability to compare global and domestic specifications and recommend vendors capable of meeting OEM-compliant standards. - Work closely with R&D and production teams to evaluate samples, prototypes, and pilot batches. 5. Supplier Performance, Development & Risk Management - Establish vendor KPIs—delivery, quality, cost, responsiveness, NPD support. - Drive supplier improvement programs (Kaizen, VAVE, lean initiatives). - Implement risk assessment and mitigation strategies for supply disruptions, geopolitical conditions, material shortages, quality failures, and logistics. - Build long-term relationships with strategic suppliers ensuring reliability, innovation support, and competitive advantage. 6. Budget Ownership, Cost Optimization & Compliance - Own sourcing budgets for the agri-machinery division and support profitability targets. - Drive cost-saving initiatives: VAVE, localization, alternate sourcing, consolidation. - Ensure compliance with: - Internal SOPs - IATF/ISO requirements - Import/export norms - Sustainability and safety regulations - Maintain complete documentation for audits, tracking, and reporting. Desired Candidate Profile Education - B.Tech./M.Tech. in Agricultural Engineering or Mechanical Engineering from a reputed institution. Experience - Minimum 7–8 years in sourcing, procurement, or supplier management within agricultural machinery, implements, tractors, or heavy off-highway equipment. - Hands-on technical and commercial negotiations for agri-implement components. - Strong exposure to vendor audits, NPD sourcing, and supplier development. Industry Knowledge - Deep understanding of Indian and global agri-machinery ecosystems, vendor clusters, and component manufacturers. - Should know who manufactures what—from gear systems in Rajkot to rotavator blades in Punjab to gearbox specialists in Italy or Turkey. Technical Skills - Sourcing Strategy & Supplier Development - Cost Engineering (Should-Costing, VAVE) - Technical Specification Evaluation - Advanced Negotiation & Contract Management - ERP/Procurement Systems (SAP/Oracle/MS Dynamics) - Import Procurement, Logistics & Compliance - Risk Management & Market Intelligence Soft Skills - Strategic thinker with strong analytical and commercial acumen - Excellent communication, collaboration, and relationship-building skills - Strong leadership and team management - Detail-oriented, organized, and able to manage multiple priorities - High ownership, integrity, and result-driven mindset How to Apply Email: hr2_san@sanautomotive.com Phone: +91 9560059846 Contact Person: Ms. Sakshi Gupta – HR