Category Buyer

Overview

Strategic procurement role driving sourcing strategy, supplier development, cost competitiveness, localization, and capacity expansion for Fuel Systems, Oil Pumps, Water Pumps, Machining, Casting, and Forging commodities.

What you'll do

• Develop, manage and execute the category strategy, managing policies, agreements, source catalogs, and special procurement programs.
• Recognize opportunities for cost decreases, inventory reductions and quality improvement, and take responsibility for the soundness of business proposals and risk assessment.
• Act as the liaison between the organization and suppliers to communicate information explicitly, considering production demands and suppliers' conditions.
• Document supplier performance on time sensitiveness and production, and maintain strong supplier relationships.

What you'll need

• 7-10 years of experience in strategic sourcing, procurement, or supplier management.
• Strong category management experience in Fuel Systems, Oil Pumps, Water Pumps, or Engine Components.
• Proven track record in supplier negotiations, RFQs, supplier nominations, and contract management.
• Experience with castings, forgings, precision machining, and assembly manufacturing processes.
• Knowledge of APQP, PPAP, PCN, PFMEA, Control Plans, and supplier quality systems.
• Demonstrated success in cost reduction, localization, VA/VE, and SSP improvement initiatives.
• Experience in supplier capacity planning, demand ramp-up support, and supply risk mitigation.
• Ability to lead cross-functional teams across Procurement, Engineering, SQE, Manufacturing, and Operations.
• Strong commercial acumen, including should-cost analysis and total cost of ownership (TCO).
• Proven ability to manage strategic supplier relationships while driving quality, delivery, cost, and business continuity performance.

Nice to have

• Experience with leading automotive, off-highway, engine, or component manufacturers.
• Direct experience sourcing and managing Fuel System Components, Oil Pumps, Water Pumps, Precision Machined Components, Castings, and Forgings, with exposure to low/medium volume manufacturing and engine applications.
• Bachelor's degree from a Tier 1 College or University.

Details

• Location: Bangalore, Karnataka.
• Work mode: onsite, 5 working days a week from the office.
• Relocation is available for this position.