Strategic Sourcing Specialist

<p></p> <h1 class="PDq2pG_selectionAnchorContainer" data-section-id="1nsko3d" data-start="0" data-end="35"><span><strong data-start="2" data-end="35">Strategic Sourcing Specialist</strong></span></h1> <hr data-start="115" data-end="118"> <h2 data-section-id="1nsacjb" data-start="120" data-end="143"><span><strong data-start="123" data-end="143">Role Description</strong></span></h2> <p data-start="144" data-end="549">As a Strategic Sourcing Specialist at Kimbal, you will play a critical role in building a robust, cost-effective, and reliable supply base for mechanical commodities that power our next-generation smart metering products. You will lead end-to-end sourcing activities covering supplier identification, development, tooling, new product introductions, cost optimization, and supplier performance management.</p> <p data-start="551" data-end="732">The role demands a strong blend of technical understanding of manufacturing processes and commercial acumen to drive quality, cost, delivery, and innovation across the supply chain.</p> <hr data-start="734" data-end="737"> <h2 data-section-id="1pzghrs" data-start="739" data-end="766"><span><strong data-start="742" data-end="766">Key Responsibilities</strong></span></h2> <ul data-start="768" data-end="1832"> <li data-section-id="1dxnzqn" data-start="768" data-end="925">Drive strategic sourcing and supplier development for mechanical commodities including plastics, sheet metal, fasteners, packaging, and related components.</li> <li data-section-id="1j4m6f5" data-start="926" data-end="1037">Lead supplier selection, qualification, and new supplier development to strengthen Kimbal's supply ecosystem.</li> <li data-section-id="191t71n" data-start="1038" data-end="1167">Ensure timely development of new projects by coordinating supplier readiness, tooling, PPAP approvals, and quality validations.</li> <li data-section-id="j2g4ks" data-start="1168" data-end="1284">Drive component re-development and localization initiatives while ensuring uninterrupted mass production supplies.</li> <li data-section-id="ydhgv" data-start="1285" data-end="1416">Identify and execute cost optimization opportunities through value engineering, supplier negotiations, and commercial excellence.</li> <li data-section-id="o02n4a" data-start="1417" data-end="1518">Manage tooling development, tooling investments, lifecycle tracking, and tooling cost optimization.</li> <li data-section-id="dv6uj7" data-start="1519" data-end="1670">Build strong supplier relationships while continuously improving supplier performance on quality, delivery, responsiveness, and cost competitiveness.</li> <li data-section-id="10jr54f" data-start="1671" data-end="1832">Collaborate closely with Engineering, Quality, Manufacturing, and New Product Development teams to ensure successful product launches and sustained production.</li> </ul> <hr data-start="1834" data-end="1837"> <h2 data-section-id="1667g0s" data-start="1839" data-end="1864"><span><strong data-start="1842" data-end="1864">Current Challenges</strong></span></h2> <p data-start="1866" data-end="2039">At Kimbal, we're scaling rapidly to become one of India's leading energy technology companies. This role offers the opportunity to solve complex sourcing challenges such as:</p> <ul data-start="2041" data-end="2601"> <li data-section-id="mdr4l5" data-start="2041" data-end="2126">Building a scalable supplier ecosystem capable of supporting rapid business growth.</li> <li data-section-id="lcq66t" data-start="2127" data-end="2215">Reducing product costs while maintaining world-class quality and delivery performance.</li> <li data-section-id="531oh4" data-start="2216" data-end="2323">Accelerating new product development timelines through faster supplier readiness and tooling development.</li> <li data-section-id="jq52xv" data-start="2324" data-end="2415">Driving localization and alternate source development to improve supply chain resilience.</li> <li data-section-id="jb8hy4" data-start="2416" data-end="2502">Managing high-value sourcing spends across multiple mechanical commodity categories.</li> <li data-section-id="199cwpj" data-start="2503" data-end="2601">Developing strategic supplier partnerships that foster innovation and long-term competitiveness.</li> </ul> <hr data-start="2603" data-end="2606"> <h2 data-section-id="1mljnji" data-start="2608" data-end="2631"><span><strong data-start="2611" data-end="2631">Job Requirements</strong></span></h2> <h3 data-section-id="7t8el4" data-start="2633" data-end="2651"><span><strong data-start="2637" data-end="2651">Experience</strong></span></h3> <ul data-start="2652" data-end="2848"> <li data-section-id="9f4ywd" data-start="2652" data-end="2745">5–8 years of experience in Strategic Sourcing, Direct Procurement, or Supplier Development.</li> <li data-section-id="1tve32j" data-start="2746" data-end="2848">Experience in the Metering, Automotive, Consumer Durables/FMCD, or related manufacturing industries.</li> </ul> <h3 data-section-id="1boxys7" data-start="2850" data-end="2874"><span><strong data-start="2854" data-end="2874">Technical Skills</strong></span></h3> <ul data-start="2875" data-end="3398"> <li data-section-id="1hrelpp" data-start="2875" data-end="2944">Strong understanding of Injection Moulding manufacturing processes.</li> <li data-section-id="1e9i9z2" data-start="2945" data-end="3023">Hands-on experience in tooling development and tooling lifecycle management.</li> <li data-section-id="p6s47e" data-start="3024" data-end="3091">Expertise in ZBC (Zero-Based Costing) for mechanical commodities.</li> <li data-section-id="1x4o0od" data-start="3092" data-end="3165">Strong supplier development and supplier quality management experience.</li> <li data-section-id="jf5li0" data-start="3166" data-end="3234">Excellent commercial negotiation and cost management capabilities.</li> <li data-section-id="1s06jhk" data-start="3235" data-end="3297">Understanding of PPAP processes and new product development.</li> <li data-section-id="19beh2n" data-start="3298" data-end="3398">Knowledge of pla