(Immediate Start) Strategic Supplier Development

Job Description

We're seeking a Supplier Development & Performance Manager to serve as our client's strategic on-ground representative in India, leading local supplier development and management while ensuring alignment with global purchasing standards set by their European headquarters.

As part of an established international group, our client supplies high-pressure hydraulics, refrigeration, and mining applications to large OEM and retail customers worldwide.

This is a performance-critical role within the Global Purchasing organization where you'll be responsible for qualifying, developing, and managing Indian suppliers who often become designated global partners across 40+ countries. You'll act as the key interface between global expectations and local supplier execution during a major organizational transformation phase.

Key Responsibilities:

- Lead supplier scouting, evaluation, and qualification across India based on technical, quality, and operational criteria
- Conduct comprehensive on-site supplier audits and capability assessments
- Drive supplier development initiatives focused on Quality, Logistics, Technology, Cost, and Sustainability (QLTC+S)
- Monitor supplier performance scorecards and drive corrective actions for non-conformities
- Act as local escalation point for quality issues and ensure adherence to certifications (ISO, IATF, etc.)
- Support new product introductions by ensuring supplier readiness
- Provide actionable market intelligence to HQ on supplier trends, risks, and opportunities
- Collaborate with global Engineering, R&D, and Operations teams

Requirements

Essential Requirements:

- Minimum 10 years experience in supplier development, sourcing execution, or manufacturing/supplier quality roles
- Must have worked in a multinational company with supplier development responsibilities
- Proven track record in leading supplier audits and qualification processes (PPAP, APQP, quality management systems)
- In-depth knowledge of Indian manufacturing landscape and supply base
- Education in Supply Chain Management, Engineering (Mechanical, Industrial, Production), or related field
- Technical aptitude to assess production processes and quality systems
- Fluent in English (spoken & written) and local languages (Hindi, Tamil, Kannada, etc.)
- Strong presence, maturity, and ability to represent company with authority
- Persistent, detail-oriented approach with strong communication and negotiation skills

Preferred Requirements:

- Experience in automotive, electronics, or industrial goods sectors
- Quality certifications (Six Sigma, ASQ, ISO Lead Auditor)
- Experience collaborating with global sourcing/procurement teams
- Diploma holders considered with adequate experience and proven supplier base collaboration

Benefits

- Competitive salary: 20,000 gross annually (approximately 1 900 000)
- Permanent position with strategic career growth opportunities
- Opportunity to influence global supply chain across 40+ countries
- Be part of a major organizational transformation in a well-established global group
- Direct reporting line to European-based Global Purchasing Director
- Future career path: Potential evolution into regional supplier performance or development leadership role

Working Arrangements:

- Full-time office presence required (100% onsite - not flexible for remote work)
- Frequent travel to supplier sites across India

Equal Employment Opportunity and Non-Discrimination Policy

Equal Employment Opportunity Statement: Both Keller Executive Search and our clients are Equal Opportunity Employers. For all positions, whether with Keller Executive Search or our clients, qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to caste, creed, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, gender expression, marital status, pregnancy, nationality, place of birth, language, age, disability, genetic information, political affiliation, or any other characteristic protected under Indian law.

Constitutional Commitment: Keller Executive Search and its clients uphold the principles enshrined in the Indian Constitution, particularly Articles 14, 15, and 16, ensuring equality before law and equal opportunity in matters of public employment for all citizens.

Commitment to Diversity: Keller Executive Search and its clients are committed to fostering a diverse and inclusive work environment where all individuals, regardless of background, are valued and respected in accordance with India's rich cultural diversity.

Reasonable Accommodations: Both Keller Executive Search and our clients are committed to providing reasonable accommodations to persons with disabilities in accordance with the Rights of Persons with Disabilities Act, 2016, and pregnant employees under the Maternity Benefit Act, 2017. We engage in good faith discussions to determine effective, reasonable accommodations.

Compensation Information: For client positions, compensation information is available in the job post or will be shared during the interview process. Compensation is determined based on skills, experience, role requirements, and market standards. We comply with applicable minimum wage laws and Equal Remuneration Act, 1976, ensuring equal pay for equal work regardless of gender.

Compliance with Indian Laws: Both Keller Executive Search and our clients comply with all applicable Central and State laws governing employment, including but not limited to:

- The Constitution of India
- Industrial Employment (Standing Orders) Act, 1946
- Equal Remuneration Act, 1976
- Rights of Persons with Disabilities Act, 2016
- Sexual Harassment of Women at Workplace Act, 2013
- Maternity Benefit Act, 2017
- Contract Labour (Regulation and Abolition) Act, 1970
- Applicable State Labor Laws

Workplace Harassment: Both Keller Executive Search and our clients expressly prohibit any form of workplace harassment, including sexual harassment as defined under the Sexual Harassment of Women at Workplace (Prevention, Prohibition and Redressal) Act, 2013, and harassment based on caste, religion, gender, disability, or any other protected characteristic.

Labor Law Compliance: Keller Executive Search and/or our clients maintain compliance with:

- Employee Provident Fund (EPF) requirements
- Employee State Insurance (ESI) obligations
- Professional Tax regulations
- Gratuity Act provisions
- Applicable labor registration and licensing requirements

State-Specific Compliance:

- All States: We comply with respective State labor laws, shop and establishment acts, and minimum wage notifications.
- Karnataka/Maharashtra: We adhere to state-specific employment regulations for our Bengaluru and Pune operations.
- Multi-State Operations: We ensure compliance with labor laws in all states where our clients operate.

Privacy and Data Protection: We handle personal information in accordance with applicable Indian data protection laws and regulations, including the Information Technology Act, 2000, and related rules.

Caste and Social Justice: In compliance with Indian constitutional principles and applicable laws, we do not discriminate based on caste, tribe, or social background, and support affirmative action where legally mandated.

Documentation Requirements: Employment verification will be conducted in accordance with Indian documentation requirements while respecting privacy rights and anti-discrimination principles.

Local Cultural Sensitivity: Both Keller Executive Search and our clients respect India's diverse cultural, linguistic, and religious practices and accommodate reasonable requests for religious observances and cultural practices where operationally feasible.

Grievance Mechanism: We maintain appropriate grievance redressal mechanisms in compliance with Indian labor laws and encourage reporting of any violations of this policy.

Note: This job posting may be for a position with Keller Executive Search or one of our clients operating in India. The specific employer will be identified during the application and interview process. Employment laws and requirements may vary depending on the employer, location, and applicable state regulations. All employment will be subject to applicable Indian labor laws and statutory compliances.