MRO Category Lead

Job Title:

MRO Category Lead (Global Sourcing)

Location:

Chennai

Experience:

8-10 years
Department:  Procurement
Role Type:  Individual Contributor

Reports To:

Manager – MRO Practice

Job Summary
We are seeking a highly strategic MRO Category Lead to own and execute the end-to-end category management framework for global Maintenance, Repair, and Operations (MRO) spend. The ideal candidate will transition MRO procurement from a localized cross-dock function into a centralized, value-driven global operation by leading total cost of ownership (TCO) reductions, detailed spend analytics, and demand aggregation. This role requires extensive experience navigating Western manufacturing markets, with a proven track record of managing strategic sourcing, cross-border compliance, and contract negotiations directly with market-leading suppliers across Europe, the UK, and the US.

Key Responsibilities
Global Category Strategy:  Develop and implement multi-year, sustainable global category strategies for corporate and plant-level MRO aligned with international financial and sustainability benchmarks.
Western Market Sourcing:  Lead complex cross-border sourcing initiatives, establishing direct commercial channels and master supply agreements with primary MRO OEMs, technical distributors, and spare parts aggregators in Europe, the UK, and the US.
Spend Analytics & TCO Optimization:  Conduct detailed lifecycle analysis of MRO product families, usage patterns, and quality standards to drive vendor consolidation and lower Total Cost of Ownership (TCO).
Contract & AMC Management:  Architect, negotiate, and execute highly structured multi-regional Annual Maintenance Contracts (AMCs) and Service Level Agreements (SLAs) with global OEMs.
Global Governance & Compliance:  Enforce rigorous control mechanisms, import/export compliance, and trade regulations associated with moving technical components from the US/EU/UK to global manufacturing sites.
Master Data & Taxonomy Improvement:  Lead master data enhancement programs within corporate ERP platforms, driving advanced material taxonomy and categorization to support digital procurement tool setups.
Supplier Relationship Management (SRM):  Implement standardized supplier evaluation criteria and continuous improvement frameworks to ensure cross-border supply stability and performance tracking.
Digital Transformation & Tooling:  Champion the adoption and utilization of advanced e-sourcing tools, spend analytics dashboards, and automated digital procurement platforms.

Required Skills & Expertise
International Sourcing Fluency:  Deep commercial knowledge of European, UK, and US industrial supplier networks, including specialized parts distribution models, global freight lead times, and Western pricing structures.
Strategic Category Mastery:  Comprehensive expertise in strategic sourcing frameworks, price indexation, volume leverage models, and technical spare parts categorization.
Technical Literacy:  Ability to interpret complex maintenance schedules, engineering blueprints, and technical documentation to align business needs with the correct supplier capability.
Cross-Border Logistics & Compliance:  Strong working knowledge of global customs procedures, Incoterms, currency risk management, and international trade compliance protocols.
Stakeholder Management & Influence:  Exceptional communication and presentation skills, with proven success collaborating cross-functionally with maintenance, engineering, plant heads, and global supply chain leadership.

Qualifications

Education:

Bachelor’s degree in Mechanical/Electrical Engineering, Supply Chain, Procurement, or a related field (Master’s degree / MBA preferred).

Experience:

8–10 years of corporate strategic procurement experience, with a heavy emphasis on international MRO category management and vendor management within a Global MNC setup.
Corporate Persona:  Currently functioning within a global, matrixed corporate setup, displaying advanced proficiency in executive PowerPoint presentations and fact-based supplier negotiations.