Commodity buyer - Chassis

Job Title: Country Purchase Manager Chassis
Location: Chennai
Experience: 10–15 Years
Industry: Automotive / Automobile

Job Summary

We are looking for an experienced Country Purchase Manager – Chassis to lead strategic procurement and commodity management for chassis and platform-related components. The role will be responsible for developing sourcing strategies, driving cost optimization, managing supplier performance and risks, and leading a team of commodity buyers.

Key Responsibilities

• Develop and execute chassis and platform commodity strategies aligned with business objectives.
• Manage the complete sourcing lifecycle including RFQ/RFP, supplier evaluation, commercial analysis, negotiation and sourcing decisions.
• Identify, evaluate, qualify and rationalize supplier panels based on cost, quality, delivery, innovation and risk.
• Lead strategic negotiations to achieve cost reduction, productivity and total cost of ownership objectives.
• Manage supplier performance across quality, cost, delivery and service.
• Identify and mitigate supplier capacity, supply continuity and commercial risks.
• Drive supplier development, localization and continuous improvement initiatives.
• Monitor market trends, commodity costs and supply-market dynamics.
• Work closely with Engineering, Finance, Quality, Manufacturing, Projects and other internal stakeholders.
• Prepare and present sourcing proposals and recommendations to senior management.
• Ensure compliance with procurement policies, sourcing processes and commercial requirements.
• Track and deliver annual procurement targets including savings, productivity, compliance and risk management.
• Lead, coach and develop a team of Commodity Buyers.
• Promote best practices, knowledge sharing and continuous improvement within the procurement team.

Key Commodities / Domain

Candidates with experience in one or more of the following will be preferred:

• Chassis Systems
• Chassis Components
• Suspension
• Steering
• Braking Systems
• Axles
• Wheel-End Components
• Vehicle Dynamics
• Underbody Components
• Structural / Metallic Automotive Components

Required Skills

• Strategic Procurement
• Commodity Management
• Strategic Sourcing
• Supplier Development
• Vendor Management
• RFQ / RFP Management
• Cost Analysis & Cost Reduction
• Commercial Negotiation
• VA/VE
• Supplier Risk Management
• Supplier Performance Management
• Localization / New Supplier Development
• Contract Management
• Stakeholder Management
• Team Leadership

Educational Qualification

• B.E. / B.Tech. in Engineering
• MBA / Postgraduate qualification in Supply Chain, Procurement or Business Management will be an added advantage.

Candidate Profile

• 10–15 years of relevant experience in automotive procurement / strategic sourcing.
• Strong experience in commodity procurement and supplier management.
• Experience in managing automotive components, preferably chassis/platform-related commodities.
• Proven track record in cost savings, negotiations and sourcing strategy.
• Experience managing and developing a team of procurement professionals.
• Strong analytical, negotiation, communication and stakeholder-management skills.
• Experience with automotive OEMs or leading Tier-1 automotive suppliers preferred.