Head - Vendor Development

Job Summary

We are looking for a senior leader to head Auto Ancillary Development (ADD) for our Commercial Vehicle Seating & Interior Components Division. The role will focus on developing new vendors, sourcing critical components, negotiating costs, and building a strong and reliable supplier base. The ADD Head will ensure all suppliers meet Quality, Cost, and Delivery (QCD) expectations, while driving localization, import substitution, and long-term supplier partnerships to support company growth.

Key Responsibilities

Vendor Development & Supplier Base Expansion

• Identify and develop new vendors for seating and interior components such as metal structures, foam, trims, plastics, mechanisms, dashboards, and panels.
• Conduct supplier capability studies, audits, and approvals in coordination with R&D, Quality, and Project teams.
• Drive localization initiatives to reduce dependency on imports and achieve cost savings.
• Build a robust vendor database that can support current and future business requirements.

Sourcing & Cost Negotiation

• Lead the complete sourcing process from RFQ to final supplier selection.
• Carry out detailed cost analysis, benchmarking, and should-cost studies to ensure competitive pricing.
• Negotiate with suppliers for the best cost, quality, and delivery terms, ensuring long-term competitiveness.
• Finalize and maintain supplier contracts, cost sheets, and price agreements as per company guidelines.

Supplier Relationship & Performance Management

• Build strong, long-term partnerships with key suppliers for sustainable growth.
• Regularly review supplier performance based on QCD (Quality, Cost, Delivery) and drive improvements where required.
• Work with suppliers to introduce new technologies, innovations, and process improvements for interiors and seating components.
• Reduce supplier risks through consolidation, dual sourcing, and diversification strategies.

Project & Business Support

• Ensure all sourcing and vendor development activities are completed on time for new product launches, engineering changes, and SOPs.
• Work closely with R&D and Project Management teams to ensure suppliers can meet technical and commercial requirements.
• Actively support APQP, sourcing gates, and program milestones to meet customer commitments.
• Provide commercial inputs to program cost targets and ensure achievement of cost reduction plans.

Governance & Compliance

• Ensure that all sourcing processes are aligned with company policies, audit standards, and ethical practices.
• Maintain clear and transparent documentation of vendor evaluations, negotiations, and approvals.
• Establish governance systems to monitor costs, supplier agreements, and overall compliance.

Qualifications & Skills

• Education:
  BE/BTech in Mechanical/Automobile (MBA in Supply Chain/Operations preferred).
• Experience:
  20+ years in vendor development, sourcing, and procurement in automotive seating & interiors (commercial vehicle focus preferred).
• Strong expertise in new vendor development, supplier negotiations, and cost optimization.
• Knowledge of local/global sourcing practices, import management, and localization strategies.
• Proficiency in ERP systems (SAP preferred), cost modeling, and commercial governance.
• Strong leadership, people management, and cross-functional collaboration skills.
• Excellent negotiation, communication, and decision-making abilities.