Supply Chain Manager

Sika; Chakan; On-site; INR 1,200,000 - 1,800,000; Full time

Job summary

Sika is seeking a Supply Chain Manager in Chakan, Pune, to lead supply chain operations for our Automotive & Industry business. This role is crucial for ensuring uninterrupted material availability, optimizing costs, and enhancing delivery performance.

The ideal candidate will possess significant experience in automotive supply chains and a strong analytical skillset. Responsibilities will include managing logistics, inventory, supplier relations, and driving initiatives for continuous improvement.

Qualifications

• Strong expertise in MRP/ERP systems.
• Excellent negotiation, vendor management, and analytical skills.
• Strong understanding of automotive production processes.

Responsibilities

• Lead end-to-end supply chain operations for Automotive & Industry.
• Develop and implement supply chain strategies aligned with business goals.
• Manage sourcing strategies and ensure timely delivery from suppliers.

Skills

MRP/ERP systems

Negotiation skills

Vendor management

Analytical skills

Automotive production processes

Lean methodologies

Continuous improvement tools

Education

Bachelor's degree in Supply Chain Management or related field

Tools

SAP

Oracle

Job description

Position Title: Supply Chain Manager Reporting to: Operations Manager Business: Automotive & Industry Location: Chakan, Pune

Overview

The Supply Chain Manager will lead end‑to‑end supply chain operations for our Automotive & Industry business, ensuring uninterrupted material availability, optimizing cost, and enhancing delivery performance across global and domestic supplier bases. This role manages buying, logistics, inventory, supplier relationships, Customer Services, and demand planning while supporting new product launches and sustainability goals. The ideal candidate has deep experience in automotive supply chains, strong analytical skills, and a track record of operational excellence.

Roles and Responsibilities

• Supply Chain Strategy & PlanningDevelop and implement supply chain strategies aligned with production schedules, SOP timelines, and annual business goals. Lead demand forecasting and capacity planning to ensure supply readiness for both current and future vehicle programs. Lead complete S&OP Process. Drive risk assessment and mitigation plan for critical product and build strong Business Continuity and Contingency Plan. Drive Capacity Planning process and derive Capacity Constraints and enhancement plan to meet pipeline Business requirement.
• Buying & Supplier ManagementManage sourcing strategies for global inter‑company and local and global third‑party suppliers, ensuring timely delivery, cost‑competitiveness and quality compliance. Understand global trade practices and derive benefits from same. Evaluate supplier performance using KPIs such as OTD (On‑Time Delivery), PPM (Parts Per Million), warranty impact, and logistics scorecards. Negotiate contracts, long‑term agreements, and cost reduction initiatives while maintaining strong supplier partnerships. Close coordination for Product Transitions and continuity.
• Inventory & Materials ManagementOptimize inventory levels for raw materials, consumables, and finished goods using lean and JIT principles based on Leadtime. Ensure Customer supplies without any disturbance and proactive planning. Oversee MRP processes, safety stock calculations, and demand‑supply balancing. Minimize obsolescence and excess inventory through lifecycle tracking and engineering change coordination.
• Logistics & DistributionUnderstand requirements from Business and Customer to create stronger distribution channel. Lead inbound and outbound logistics operations, ensuring efficient movement of all Product lines. Work closely with 3PL/4PL partners, transporters, and warehouse teams for cost, speed, and reliability improvements. Implement logistics optimization projects, including route planning, consolidation, and export compliance for global shipments.
• Customer ServiceDrive Complete Order Management process for maximizing customer satisfaction. OTIF compliance. Close coordination with Customer on understanding specific requirements. Lead Claim Management process for faster Customer issue resolution on Supply Chain related topics. Monitor forecast vs offtake variance of key customer accounts and lead discussion with customer to keep variances, if any, within agreed SLA.
• Cross‑Functional CollaborationCollaborate with Production, Engineering, Quality, Finance, and Program Management to ensure smooth daily operations and launch readiness. Support new product development (NPD) by coordinating procurement and ramp‑up planning. Facilitate resolution of supply disruptions, quality issues, and engineering changes.
• Data, Systems & ComplianceEnsure data accuracy across ERP/MRP systems and drive digitalization initiatives (RFID, dashboards, automation). Monitor compliance with automotive standards such as IATF 16949, ISO 9001, ISO14001, and regulatory import/export guidelines. Prepare and present timely supply chain reports to leadership.

Competencies

• Functional
  • Strong expertise in MRP/ERP systems (SAP, Oracle, or equivalent).
  • Excellent negotiation, vendor management, and analytical skills.
  • Strong understanding of automotive production processes, PPAP, BOM management, and quality systems VDA, IATF, ISO etc.
  • Good knowledge of working with Automotive and Industrial Customers like Maruti, Tata, SML etc.
  • Knowledge of lean methodologies, Kanban, and continuous improvement tools.
  • Familiarity with global sourcing and import/export regulations.
• Behavioural
  • Good communication skills.
  • Team worker with the ability to influence cross‑functional teams.