Vendor Development- Plastics

Job Description (JD): Vendor Development Manager Plastics / Polymers

Experience: 8–10 Years
Industry: Plastics, Polymers, Injection Molding, Packaging, Automotive, Consumer Durables, Industrial Manufacturing
Department: Strategic Sourcing / Vendor Development
Location: Bangalore

Position Summary

We are seeking an experienced Vendor Development Manager with 8–10 years of experience in the Plastics/Polymers category to drive supplier development, sourcing, cost optimization, quality improvement, and supply continuity. The role will be responsible for identifying and developing strategic suppliers for plastic raw materials, polymers, compounds, masterbatches, molded parts, and related products while ensuring compliance with quality, cost, and delivery requirements.

Key Responsibilities

Vendor Development & Strategic Sourcing

• Identify, evaluate, onboard, and develop new suppliers for plastic/polymer raw materials and components.
• Develop a robust supplier base for polymers, engineering plastics, compounds, additives, masterbatches, and molded parts.
• Drive supplier localization and alternate source development initiatives.
• Build and maintain long-term strategic relationships with key suppliers.

Procurement & Commercial Management

• Lead RFQs/RFPs, supplier negotiations, and contract finalization.
• Achieve annual cost reduction targets through value engineering, competitive sourcing, and process optimization.
• Analyze market trends, raw material indices, and supply-demand dynamics within the polymer industry.
• Manage price negotiations and commercial terms to ensure cost competitiveness.

Supplier Quality & Performance Management

• Collaborate with Quality and Manufacturing teams to ensure supplier compliance with quality standards.
• Monitor supplier KPIs including quality, cost, delivery, responsiveness, and service levels.

Technical Evaluation

• Evaluate supplier manufacturing processes including injection molding, blow molding, extrusion, thermoforming, and compounding.
• Assess technical capabilities related to material selection, product development, tooling, and process optimization.
• Support new product development (NPD) projects through supplier involvement and technical collaboration.

Cross-Functional Collaboration

• Work closely with R&D, Engineering, Quality, Manufacturing, Planning, and Finance teams.
• Support product localization, value engineering, and sustainability initiatives.
• Participate in new supplier and new product qualification programs.

Educational Qualifications

• Bachelor's Degree in Mechanical Engineering, Polymer Engineering, Plastics Engineering, Chemical Engineering, or related field.
• 8–10 years of experience in Vendor Development, Strategic Sourcing, or Procurement within Plastics/Polymers industries.
• Proven experience in sourcing polymers, plastic components, molded parts, or packaging materials.

Required Skills & Competencies

• Strong knowledge of plastic raw materials such as PP, PE, ABS, PA, POM, PC, PVC, PET, and engineering polymers.
• Understanding of injection molding, extrusion, blow molding, thermoforming, and compounding processes.
• Expertise in supplier audits, vendor qualification, and supplier performance management.
• Strong commercial negotiation and cost analysis skills.
• Excellent analytical, problem-solving, and stakeholder management skills.
• Proficiency in ERP systems (SAP/Oracle) and MS Office tools.