Team member - Sourcing

Senior Team Member - Sourcing (Battery Pack Manufacturing)

Purpose of the Role

Responsible for strategic sourcing, supplier development, localization, and new product development (NPD) support for battery pack manufacturing components and processes. The role will drive supplier identification, technical assessment, cost optimization, and supplier capability development, with a strong focus on welding, fabrication, machining, and aluminum manufacturing technologies used in battery pack structures and enclosures.

Key Responsibilities

Strategic Sourcing & Supplier Development

• Lead sourcing activities for new product development and production requirements.
• Identify, evaluate, develop, and onboard suppliers for battery pack structural components, enclosures, and welded assemblies.
• Develop sourcing strategies to achieve cost, quality, delivery, and technology objectives.
• Conduct supplier capability assessments, technical evaluations, and commercial negotiations.
• Drive supplier localization and value engineering initiatives.
• Establish long-term supplier partnerships for critical manufacturing processes and technologies.
• Monitor supplier performance and ensure compliance with quality, cost, and delivery targets.

New Product Development Support

• Collaborate with Engineering, Manufacturing, Quality, and Program teams during product development.
• Support supplier selection and manufacturing feasibility assessments for new products.
• Drive prototype sourcing, development builds, and production readiness activities.
• Participate in APQP, PPAP, and supplier qualification processes.
• Ensure supplier readiness to meet project timelines and launch milestones.

Technical Sourcing & Process Development

• Source and develop suppliers specializing in Friction Stir Welding (FSW), welding, fabrication, machining, and aluminum processing technologies.
• Evaluate supplier manufacturing processes, tooling concepts, fixtures, and process controls.
• Support design-for-manufacturability and design-for-cost initiatives.
• Work with suppliers to improve manufacturing efficiency, product quality, and process capability.
• Assess supplier capability for battery enclosure and structural component manufacturing.

Supplier Quality & Technical Validation

• Conduct technical reviews and process audits at supplier locations.
• Ensure supplier compliance with applicable welding and manufacturing standards.
• Review welding procedure specifications, qualification records, inspection reports, and process documentation.
• Support root cause analysis and corrective action implementation for supplier quality concerns.
• Drive continuous improvement initiatives across the supplier base.

Stakeholder Management

• Coordinate with Design, Manufacturing Engineering, Quality, Supply Chain, and Project Management teams.
• Interface with suppliers, tooling partners, fabrication vendors, and contract manufacturers.
• Support project planning, sourcing timelines, risk assessments, and supplier development roadmaps.
• Lead technical and commercial reviews with internal and external stakeholders.

Qualifications

• B.E./B.Tech in Mechanical Engineering, Production Engineering, Metallurgy, Manufacturing Engineering, Industrial Engineering, or related discipline.
• 5-8 years of experience in Strategic Sourcing, Supplier Development, or New Product Development.
• Experience in automotive, EV, battery pack manufacturing, aluminum fabrication, or industrial manufacturing sectors.
• Proven experience in supplier development and NPD sourcing projects.

Technical Skills

Mandatory

• Friction Stir Welding (FSW)
• Knowledge of ISO 25239-4:2020 - Friction Stir Welding - Aluminium Part 4: Specification and Qualification of Welding Procedures
• Supplier Development and Technical Sourcing

Welding Technologies

• Solid State Welding
• MIG (Metal Inert Gas) Welding
• TIG (Tungsten Inert Gas) Welding
• Laser Welding
• Cold Metal Transfer (CMT) Welding
• Aluminum Welding

Manufacturing Processes

• Aluminum Profile Extrusion
• Fabrication
• Machining
• Welding Fixture Design

Quality & Inspection

• Welding Non-Destructive Testing (NDT) Analysis
• Weld Quality Inspection
• Weld Drawings and Welding Symbols Interpretation
• Supplier Process Audit
• Root Cause Analysis and Corrective Actions

Preferred Skills

• Battery Pack Enclosure Manufacturing
• EV Battery Pack Manufacturing Processes
• Costing and Cost Breakdown Analysis
• APQP and PPAP
• Localization and Value Engineering
• Strategic Negotiation and Commercial Management
• Supplier Capability Assessment
• Project Management
• Cross-functional Stakeholder Management
• Lean Manufacturing and Continuous Improvement