Head - Sourcing & Development in London

Job Purpose
To lead and manage supplier development, strategic sourcing, cost optimization, and localization initiatives for automotive & engineering components, ensuring quality, cost competitiveness, timely delivery, and alignment with new product development and production requirements.

Occasional travel within the UK, EU, India & across Globe for supplier / client visits, presentations & trade shows.

Key Job Duties & Responsibilities
Strategic Sourcing & Supplier Management

Define and execute sourcing strategies for automotive components (Sheet metal, ABS / GRP – plastic, Glass, electronics, powertrain, chassis, interiors, etc.).

Identify, evaluate, and onboard new suppliers (local and global).

Lead supplier negotiations for pricing, tooling, contracts, and long‐term agreements.

Drive cost reduction initiatives through VA/VE, localization, and alternate sourcing.

Manage supplier performance (QCDDM – Quality, Cost, Delivery, Development, Management).

Supplier Development & Localization

Lead supplier development programs to improve quality, capacity, and technical capability.

Support localization of imported parts to reduce cost and dependency.

Conduct supplier audits (process, quality systems, capacity, compliance).

Work closely with suppliers on APQP, PPAP, and SOP readiness.

Resourcing across geographies to bring in Synergy / Cost reduction / Quality improvement for value addition.

New Product Development (NPD) Support

Collaborate with R&D, Engineering, and Manufacturing during new model development.

Ensure early supplier involvement for design feasibility and cost optimization.

Finalize suppliers for new parts within project timelines.

Track tooling development and trial approvals.

Quality & Compliance

Ensure supplier compliance with automotive quality standards (IATF 16949, ISO 9001, ISO 14001).

Drive zero-defect mindset and continuous improvement.

Handle supplier-related quality issues and corrective actions.

Team Leadership & Cross-Functional Coordination

Lead and mentor sourcing and development teams.

Coordinate with Production, Quality, Finance, Logistics, and R&D teams.

Develop KPIs and performance dashboards for sourcing activities.

Required Skills
Technical & Professional Skills

Strong knowledge of automotive components and manufacturing processes

Expertise in strategic sourcing and supplier development

Costing knowledge (should-costing, BOM analysis, tooling cost evaluation)

Technical feasibility study and its sign-off with supplier partner & customer.

Part cost settlement based on ZBC, target Cost and competitive commercials

Fixture, Tooling & Gauges Management – Commercial, technical, tooling ownership and tooling agreement.

Understanding of APQP, PPAP, FMEA, SPC, MSA

Contract negotiation and vendor management skills

Know-how of India based suppliers Manufacturing process and technology

Leadership & Behavioural Skills

Strong leadership and decision‐making ability

Excellent negotiation and stakeholder management skills

Analytical and problem‐solving mindset

Ability to work in fast‐paced, project‐driven environments

Effective communication and presentation skills

Ability to work independently and as part of a team

Proven experience working in India within the automotive manufacturing industry or specifically with Indian manufacturers or suppliers is desirable

Familiarity with sustainability and ethical sourcing frameworks.

Experience Required

20–30 years of experience in automotive sourcing, procurement, or supplier development

Minimum 15+ years in a leadership role handling strategic sourcing or supplier development

Experience working with Tier-1 / Tier-2 automotive suppliers

Exposure to OEM environments preferred

Experience in localization and cost‐reduction projects is essential

Educational Qualifications

Bachelor\’s Degree in Engineering (Mechanical / Automobile / Production / Industrial) – Mandatory

Post Graduation Study – Degree / Diploma, Master\’s degree (MBA – Supply Chain / Operations / Procurement/ Finance/ Material Science) Or Equivalent experience – Preferred

Certifications in Supply Chain, Six Sigma, or Quality Systems Or Equivalent experience will be an Added advantage

Key Performance Indicators (KPIs)

Cost reduction and savings achieved

Supplier quality performance (PPM, rejection rate)

On‐time supplier delivery performance

Localization and new supplier development success

NPD sourcing milestone adherence

Timely deliveries and Development Lead time optimization

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