Assistant Manager - Materials Management

Role & responsibilities

Main Commodities: (Aluminium Die Casting, Forging, Machining, Steel, Iron castings, turned parts, Plastic etc)

• Manage end-to-end import procurement activities including sourcing, RFQ processing, commercial negotiations, purchase order placement, and supplier follow-up.
• Coordinate with overseas suppliers for procurement of raw materials, components, capital equipment, tooling, and engineering items as per business requirements.
• Handle import documentation including Purchase Orders, Proforma Invoices, Commercial Invoices, Packing Lists, Bill of Lading/Airway Bills, and customs-related documents.
• Coordinate with freight forwarders, customs brokers, shipping lines, and logistics service providers to ensure timely clearance and delivery of imported materials.
• Monitor shipment schedules, transit timelines, customs clearance status, and material availability to support uninterrupted production and project requirements.
• Develop and maintain strong relationships with global suppliers while ensuring compliance with quality, cost, delivery, and regulatory requirements.
• Track commodity price movements, foreign exchange trends, and international market developments to support cost-effective procurement decisions.
• Work closely with Engineering, Production, Quality, Finance, Stores, and SCM teams for import planning, material scheduling, and issue resolution.
• Prepare procurement MIS reports, import cost analyses, shipment tracking reports, and supplier performance reviews for management reporting.
• Drive cost optimization initiatives through supplier negotiations, alternate sourcing, localization opportunities, freight optimization, and process improvements.

Preferred candidate profile

• 7-10 years of experience in Import Purchase, International Sourcing, Procurement, or Supply Chain functions within Automotive, Auto Components, Engineering, or Manufacturing industries.
• Hands-on experience in handling imports procurement of commodities such as Bearings, Oil Seals, Steel Forgings, Turned Parts, Machined Components, and industrial consumables.
• Good knowledge of import-export procedures, customs regulations, INCOTERMS, international logistics, and documentation requirements.
• Experience in coordinating with overseas suppliers, freight forwarders, customs clearing agents, and logistics partners.
• Strong commercial negotiation skills with exposure to supplier management and international sourcing practices.
• Knowledge of foreign currency transactions, landed cost calculations, duty structures, and import cost analysis.
• Proficiency in ERP systems (SAP preferred), MS Excel, procurement MIS, and supply chain reporting tools.
• Strong analytical, problem-solving, and planning skills with the ability to manage multiple procurement activities simultaneously.
• Effective communication and stakeholder management skills to coordinate with global suppliers and internal cross-functional teams.
• Self-driven professional with a proactive approach towards supplier development, cost reduction, risk mitigation, and supply chain continuity.
• Strong communications in both verbal and email with import suppliers