Manager - Strategic Sourcing

Lauritz Knudsen Electrical and Automation is a pioneering electrical and automation brand with a rich legacy of over 70 years in India. We offer comprehensive portfolio of low-voltage switchgear, medium-voltage switchgear, automation solutions, software, and services catering to diverse segments, including homes, agriculture, buildings, infrastructure, and industry.
This position will be based at Ahmednagar Factory for Lauritz Knudsen Electrical & Automation (A unit of Schneider Electric India Pvt. Ltd.)
Designation: Manager - Strategic Sourcing
Experience: 5 - 10 years

Education: B.E/B.Tech (Mechanical)

Job Description:

Strategic Sourcing - Roles & Responsibilities

1. Category & Commodity Management

• Develop and execute sourcing strategies for key commodities including Electromechanical Assemblies, Thermoplastic & Rubber Moulding, Machining, Forging, Casting, Sheet Metal, and Special Processes (Plating, Heat Treatment, Surface Finishing, etc.).
• Build category roadmaps aligned with business objectives, technology trends, and supply market dynamics.
• Leverage manufacturing process knowledge.

1. New Product Development (NPD) Sourcing

• Lead sourcing activities for new product development by identifying and developing capable suppliers within target cost and timeline.
• Collaborate with Design, Engineering, Quality, Manufacturing, and Project Management teams during product development.
• Ensure supplier readiness, tooling development, PPAP/APQP completion, and timely production launch.

1. Strategic Cost Management

• Drive annual material cost reduction programs through strategic negotiations, value engineering, localization, alternate sourcing, and productivity initiatives.
• Achieve annualized procurement savings targets (minimum 5% of material spend) while maintaining quality and delivery performance.
• Lead periodic price negotiations, labour rate revisions, and long-term commercial agreements.

1. Commercial Excellence

• Conduct should-cost analysis, activity-based costing (ABC), zero-based costing (ZBC), and benchmarking to support commercial negotiations.
• Validate supplier quotations through cost breakdown analysis and market intelligence.
• Ensure monthly commodity price revisions and contract compliance.

1. Supplier Development & Risk Management

• Identify, evaluate, onboard, and develop strategic suppliers to build a resilient and competitive supply base.
• Conduct supplier capability assessments, technical audits, and performance reviews.
• Drive supplier capability enhancement through training, continuous improvement initiatives, and performance scorecards.
• Implement supplier risk mitigation strategies, including dual sourcing, localization, business continuity planning, and supplier de-risking.

1. Supply Base Optimization

• Lead supplier rationalization initiatives to optimize supplier footprint while improving quality, cost, delivery, and innovation.
• Develop strategic partnerships with key suppliers for long-term business growth.
• Monitor supplier financial health, capacity, technology capability, and sustainability.

1. Cost Analytics & Procurement Intelligence

• Perform spend analysis to identify cost reduction opportunities and sourcing leverage.
• Utilize procurement analytics, market trends, commodity indices, and benchmarking for informed sourcing decisions.
• Prepare sourcing dashboards, KPIs, and executive reports for management review.

1. Contract & Negotiation Management

• Lead commercial negotiations covering pricing, payment terms, logistics, warranty, tooling ownership, and contractual obligations.
• Ensure procurement agreements comply with company policies and mitigate commercial risks.
• Manage long-term agreements and supplier performance commitments.

1. Cross-Functional Collaboration

• Partner with Engineering, Manufacturing, Quality, Finance, Planning, and Logistics to ensure seamless project execution.
• Support localization, value engineering, and product cost optimization initiatives.
• Facilitate effective communication between internal stakeholders and suppliers to resolve technical and commercial issues.

1. Continuous Improvement & Digital Procurement

• Drive Lean Procurement, process standardization, and procurement digitalization initiatives.
• Promote automation, data-driven sourcing, and continuous improvement across procurement processes.
• Foster a culture of innovation, supplier collaboration, and operational excellence

• Meaningful work with direct impact on business performance and operational success
• Career development opportunities in a global organization committed to your growth
• Collaborative culture that encourages innovation and values diverse perspectives
• Flexible work arrangements designed to support your professional and personal well-being