Purchase Manager

Role Summary:
Lead supplier development activities in the India region in close collaboration with DIAT. Drive both Cost-Down (CD) initiatives and manufacturing capability improvement. Leverage deep understanding of manufacturing technologies, cost analysis expertise, and hands-on improvement skills to enhance supplier competitiveness in partnership with the Regional Production Innovation Center, the IGC supplier improvement team, and buyers.Key Responsibilities
(1) Cost-Down (CD) Activities

• Establish target costs from drawings/specifications and conduct fact-based cost analysis through on-site confirmation of actual manufacturing processes.

• Facilitate idea generation, alignment, and implementation of CD measures in collaboration with suppliers, IGCs, and buyers.

• Plan and execute CD initiatives including VE/VA, ZBC, process optimization, yield improvement, and productivity enhancement.

• Manage CD progress, conduct results reviews, and provide regular reporting.

(2) Supplier Capability Improvement

• Diagnose suppliers’ manufacturing processes, quality systems, equipment, and process capability.

• Identify issues and improvement points, and implement countermeasures jointly with the IGC SCE team.

• Provide manufacturing engineering guidance; promote QC methodologies (PFMEA, CP/CTQ, SPC, etc.); and support line improvements on the shop floor.

• Formulate and monitor long-term supplier development plans (people, equipment, and quality).

(3) Cross-Functional / Cross-Regional Collaboration

• Work closely with DIAT, IGC, Quality, and Manufacturing Engineering and other relevant functions.

• Facilitate improvement activities at supplier sites.

• Share the latest improvement methods, cost-structure data, and capex plans across the global organization.

(4) Strategy for Supplier Competitiveness

• Track industry trends and technology maturity in India and design mid- to long-term competitiveness roadmaps.

• Develop new suppliers through capability assessment, development themes, and roadmap creation.

• Drive the advancement of existing suppliers in quality, delivery, cost, and technology.

Skills & Requirements
Deep understanding of manufacturing technologies (machining, molding, assembly, electronic component manufacturing, etc.)

Cost analysis capability (process-wise costing, cost breakdown, yield and equipment utilization understanding)

Practical experience leading supplier-site improvement initiatives

Strong communication and facilitation skills

Analytical strength, execution ability, and on-site action orientation

Ability to conduct business in English

Good to Have:
Experience in Procurement, VE/VA, or IE

Knowledge of quality management methods (FMEA/SPC/7QC, etc.)

Understanding of Indian supplier landscape and manufacturing maturity

Experience working in a global organization