Strategic Procurement Engineer

THERMAX; Pune District; On-site; INR 900,000 - 1,500,000; Full time

Job summary

THERMAX in Pune is seeking an Associate Strategic Procurement Engineer to develop and localize critical supplier ecosystems in India. The role interfaces with Engineering, Quality, and Global Procurement to achieve cost competitiveness and resilient supply chains.

The candidate will lead supplier development, perform techno-commercial evaluations, and manage localization of components such as machined parts, gaskets, and precision hardware. Willingness to travel across India is expected.

Qualifications

• Strong strategic sourcing and supplier development experience.
• Experience in techno-commercial evaluation and supplier negotiations.
• Knowledge of cost analysis and should-cost estimation.
• Vendor qualification and supplier audits.
• Working knowledge of ERP systems such as SAP or Oracle.

Responsibilities

• Identify, qualify, and develop Indian suppliers for machined and nickel-coated parts, gaskets, and precision hardware.
• Coordinate with Design and Manufacturing teams to implement manufacturability improvements.
• Prepare RFQs, techno-commercial comparisons, supplier evaluation reports, and sourcing recommendations.
• Track procurement KPIs: cost reduction, localization, supplier performance, delivery, and risk.
• Support supplier process qualification, prototype development, and production readiness.
• Ensure suppliers understand engineering drawings, plating standards, and quality requirements.
• Monitor supplier readiness for project milestones and procurement timelines.

Skills

Strategic sourcing

Supplier development

Techno-commercial evaluation

Cost analysis

Vendor qualification

SAP/Oracle

Localization

Education

B.E./B.Tech Mechanical Engineering

Tools

SAP/Oracle

Job description

Strategic Procurement Engineer

Job Description: Associate Strategic Procurement Engineer

1. Job Details

Position & Designation: Associate Strategic Procurement Engineer

Grade: P2 / P3

Division & Department: Green Hydrogen SCM

Reporting To: Lead Strategic Procurement

Place of Posting: Pune

2. Job Profile

A. Key Objectives

• The Associate Strategic Procurement Engineer will play a key role in developing and localizing the supply chain for critical components in India.
• The role will focus on identifying, qualifying, and developing capable manufacturing partners for critical components while supporting strategic procurement initiatives to achieve cost competitiveness, quality excellence, and supply chain resilience.
• The incumbent will work closely with Engineering, Quality, Manufacturing, and Global Procurement teams to establish a reliable and sustainable domestic vendor ecosystem.

B. Major Deliverables

1. Supplier Development & Localization

• Identify, evaluate, qualify, and develop Indian suppliers for machined and nickel-coated parts, gaskets, and precision hardware.
• Conduct supplier capability assessments, technical audits, and manufacturing readiness evaluations.
• Develop alternate sources to minimize single-source dependency and supply chain risks.
• Support localization initiatives for critical components and establish a robust domestic supplier base.

2. Strategic Procurement Support

• Support the Lead Strategic Procurement in developing sourcing strategies for stack components.
• Prepare RFQs, techno-commercial comparisons, supplier evaluation reports, and sourcing recommendations.
• Participate in supplier negotiations related to cost, delivery, quality, and commercial terms.
• Track key procurement KPIs, including:
• Cost reduction
• Localization percentage
• Supplier performance
• Delivery adherence
• Supply risk

3. Technical Coordination

• Coordinate with Design and Manufacturing teams to identify and implement manufacturability improvements.
• Support supplier process qualification, prototype development, and production readiness.
• Ensure suppliers have a clear understanding of engineering drawings, specifications, plating standards, quality requirements, and applicable technical standards.
• Support resolution of technical and manufacturing issues arising during supplier development.

4. Project Execution

• Track supplier development timelines and ensure alignment with project schedules.
• Expedite prototype and production orders to meet project requirements.
• Identify and resolve supply chain bottlenecks through effective cross-functional coordination.
• Monitor supplier readiness for project-specific requirements and critical milestones.

5. Cost Optimization

• Identify cost reduction opportunities through localization, process optimization, value engineering, and supplier development.
• Conduct benchmarking of manufacturing processes and pricing with domestic and international suppliers.
• Support should-cost analysis and cost competitiveness initiatives.

6. Supplier Relationship Management

• Develop and maintain long-term strategic partnerships with key suppliers.
• Monitor supplier performance across Quality, Cost, Delivery, and Responsiveness (QCDR) parameters.
• Drive supplier continuous improvement initiatives.
• Support development of strategic suppliers for critical and high-value components.

3. Critical Competencies & Essential Attributes

A. Technical Competencies

• Good understanding of precision machining processes, including:
  • CNC machining
  • Milling
  • Turning
  • Grinding
  • Drilling
• Knowledge of nickel plating and surface treatment processes.
• Understanding of gasket manufacturing technologies, including:
  • Rubber
  • Elastomer
  • PTFE
  • Graphite
  • Composite materials
• Familiarity with industrial hardware manufacturing processes and applicable standards.
• Ability to interpret engineering drawings, tolerances, and technical specifications.
• Basic understanding of welding, fabrication, and assembly processes will be desirable.

B. Procurement Competencies

• Strategic sourcing and supplier development.
• Techno-commercial evaluation.
• Cost analysis and should-cost estimation.
• Vendor qualification and supplier audits.
• Supplier negotiation and contract support.
• Supply risk assessment and mitigation.
• Supplier performance management.
• Localization and alternate-source development.

C. Behavioral Competencies

• Strong analytical and problem-solving ability.
• Excellent communication and stakeholder management skills.
• Self-driven with high ownership and accountability.
• Strong coordination and project management skills.
• Ability to work effectively in a cross-functional and multicultural environment.
• Willingness to travel extensively across India for supplier development, audits, and capability assessments.

4. Experience

Total Desirable Experience

69 years

Minimum Relevant Experience

Minimum 6 years of relevant experience.

5. Qualifications

B.E. / B.Tech. in Mechanical Engineering

6. Required Type of Experience

Essential Experience

• 68 years of experience in Strategic Procurement, Supplier Development, Manufacturing Engineering, Sourcing, or related functions.
• Experience in developing and qualifying precision machining suppliers.
• Experience in vendor development for high-precision mechanical components.
• Hands-on exposure to:
  • Machining vendors
  • Plating vendors
  • Gasket manufacturers
  • Industrial hardware suppliers
• Experience in supplier audits and technical capability assessments.
• Experience in techno-commercial evaluation, supplier negotiations, cost analysis, and sourcing.
• Working knowledge of ERP systems such as SAP or Oracle.

Preferred Industry Experience

Candidates from one or more of the following industries will be preferred:

• Green Hydrogen / Electrolyser Manufacturing
• Precision Machining
• Power Equipment
• Industrial Equipment Manufacturing

7. Other Information

Additional Information

• Postgraduate qualification in Supply Chain Management, Procurement, or Operations will be an added advantage.
• Experience in localization of critical components and development of domestic supply chains will be highly preferred.
• Exposure to electrolyser stack components and Green Hydrogen technologies will be an added advantage.