Supply Chain Manager ( Auto Parts
he Head of Supply Chain is a corporate leadership role responsible for defining and governing the end-to-end supply chain strategy across all business divisions, including automotive OEM programs, aftermarket and trading businesses, and high-end metal and car care products.
The role has primary accountability for strategic sourcing and supplier development in China, supported by 2-3 local China-based resources responsible for supplier identification, development, and on-ground execution. The position owns supplier strategy, commercial frameworks, cost control, launch readiness, logistics coordination, and supply risk management across regions.
This role operates at a strategic and governance level while remaining closely involved in critical supplier decisions, OEM launches, and complex sourcing programs.
Key Responsibilities- Define and implement a corporate supply chain strategy aligned with the companys multi-division business model (OEM, trading, aftermarket, and car care products).
- Establish standardized supply chain policies, sourcing frameworks, and governance models across divisions.
- Define KPIs for cost, quality, delivery, supplier performance, and risk, and ensure regular reporting to leadership.
- Drive continuous improvement initiatives across sourcing, logistics, and inventory practices.
- Own the global sourcing strategy with a strong focus on China-based suppliers for automotive components, accessories, care care products, automobile body parts, and related manufacturing.
- Lead and govern supplier(s) identification, qualification, and development, working through China-based supply chain resources.
- Approve supplier(s) selection, sourcing strategies, and supplier(s) portfolios by product family and business segment (OEM vs traded products).
- Conduct and oversee supplier(s) capability assessments and factory audits covering quality systems, manufacturing capability, capacity, compliance, and commercial viability.
- Define supplier(s) development roadmaps to support new product development, cost reduction, and scalability.
- Lead commercial negotiations and define supply framework agreements, including pricing structures, payment terms, quality requirements, confidentiality, production capacity and exclusivity where applicable.
- Ensure contracts are aligned with OEM program requirements, trading margins, and long-term business sustainability.
- Drive cost transparency, cost breakdown analysis, and continuous cost improvement initiatives with suppliers.
- Monitor supplier(s) commercial performance and address deviations through corrective actions.
- Support OEM and customer program launches by ensuring supplier readiness, tooling timelines, material availability, and launch execution.
- Track supplier project milestones and proactively resolve risks related to quality, capacity, or delivery.
- Collaborate closely with Engineering, Design, Quality, and Program teams during product development and industrialization phases.
- Oversee inbound and outbound logistics strategy, including shipping modes, routes, and lead-time optimization.
- Ensure appropriate inventory control practices are implemented across businesses, balancing service levels and working capital.
- Define and enforce material traceability, documentation, and audit processes.
- Review inventory accuracy, cycle counts, and physical audits in coordination with operations and finance teams.
- Act as the central supply chain interface across Engineering, Sales, Finance, Quality, Production, and R&D teams.
- Provide clear supply chain inputs on feasibility, cost, timelines, and risk during commercial and technical decision-making.
- Coordinate closely with China-based supply chain resources to ensure alignment with corporate objectives and priorities.
- Identify and mitigate supply chain risks, including supplier dependency, capacity constraints, geopolitical exposure, and logistics disruptions.
- Develop contingency plans and alternative sourcing strategies for critical materials and suppliers.
- Ensure compliance with applicable quality systems and regulatory requirements, including ISO 9001:2015 where applicable.
- Prepare and manage supply chain budgets, forecasts, and cost analyses.
- Monitor financial performance against plans and initiate corrective actions where required.
- Provide regular, structured reporting to senior management on supply chain performance and risks.
Frequent international travel, primarily to China and key supplier locations, based on project and business needs.
Qualifications & ExperienceEducation:
Bachelors degree in Supply Chain Management, Mechanical Engineering, Electronics Engineering, or a related discipline.
Masters degree is an advantage.
Experience:
- Proven experience…
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