Role Overview
This role supports the planning and execution of sourcing and supplier strategies to ensure reliable supply, competitive cost structures, quality standards, and delivery performance across assigned categories. The position has a strong emphasis on mechanical components, particularly plastic parts and plastic-related manufacturing processes. Working closely with supply chain stakeholders, engineering, and site leadership, the role drives supplier performance, cost optimization, and supply continuity while supporting business and customer requirements.
Key Responsibilities
- Develop and maintain long-term partnerships with key suppliers, with a focus on mechanical and plastic-based components
- Lead supplier evaluation, selection, development, and performance management to achieve cost, quality, and delivery targets
- Drive supply base optimization initiatives to improve sourcing resilience, scalability, and flexibility
- Provide technical and commercial support for quotation activities, ensuring timely and competitive supplier inputs
- Identify and execute cost improvement opportunities, including savings, cost avoidance, and value engineering initiatives
- Collaborate with engineering teams on design-for-manufacturing, material selection, tooling strategies, and component standardization, particularly within plastic and mechanical commodities
- Monitor market conditions, raw material trends, manufacturing technologies, and capacity dynamics related to plastics and mechanical components
- Develop and communicate category strategies and sourcing plans aligned with business needs
- Partner with customer supply chain and product introduction teams to support sourcing alignment and smooth production ramp-ups
- Enable access to supplier innovation, technology roadmaps, and industry best practices in plastics and mechanical manufacturing
- Establish and continuously improve supplier governance, sourcing processes, and performance management frameworks
Preferred Experience & Capability
- Strong background in mechanical engineering or related discipline
- Hands-on experience with plastic components, such as injection molding, extrusion, tooling, or related manufacturing processes
- Solid understanding of cost drivers, materials, and manufacturing methods within the plastics supply base
- Proven ability to engage technical and commercial stakeholders across functions
- Experience working with suppliers on design optimization, quality improvement, and cost reduction initiatives
