SCM Lead

1. Position

Designation: SCM Lead

Department: Supply Chain Management

Division: Cables & Wiring Harness

Location: Kochi and Bangalore

2. Scope

Overview / Purpose of the Job The SCM Lead – Cables & Wiring Harness Division is responsible for leading and managing end-to-end supply chain activities for the cable and wiring harness manufacturing operations.

The role involves strategic procurement, supplier development, material planning, inventory management, logistics coordination, cost optimization, and ensuring timely availability of quality raw materials, electrical components, and bought-out items to support uninterrupted production.

The position will work closely with Production, Planning, Quality, Engineering, Stores, Tool Room, and other cross-functional teams to ensure effective material flow and achievement of production and customer requirements.

3. Tasks Summary & Responsibilities

JOB DUTIES

1. Lead and manage end-to-end supply chain activities for the Cables & Wiring Harness Division.
2. Develop and implement procurement strategies for key raw materials including copper, aluminium, PVC/XLPE compounds, wires, terminals, connectors, sleeves, tapes, conduits, clips, seals, and other electrical and mechanical components.
3. Identify, evaluate, develop, and manage reliable suppliers to ensure quality, cost-effectiveness, capacity, and timely delivery.
4. Negotiate pricing, contracts, payment terms, lead times, MOQ, logistics costs, and other commercial terms with suppliers.
5. Coordinate closely with Production, Planning, Quality, Engineering, Stores, Tool Room, and Logistics teams to ensure smooth material flow.
6. Ensure uninterrupted availability of raw materials, components, and bought-out items as per production schedules and customer requirements.
7. Review material requirements, forecasts, MRP, purchase requisitions, and inventory levels to ensure effective procurement planning.
8. Monitor and optimize inventory levels of raw materials, WIP-related items, finished goods, and bought-out components to avoid shortages, excess inventory, and obsolete stock.
9. Review and release purchase orders in line with organizational procedures, approval systems, and commercial requirements.
10. Monitor supplier delivery performance and ensure adherence to committed delivery schedules.
11. Ensure suppliers meet defined quality, cost, delivery, capacity, and service requirements.
12. Conduct supplier performance evaluation and drive supplier development and improvement initiatives.
13. Identify and resolve issues related to material shortages, quality concerns, delivery delays, capacity constraints, price fluctuations, and supplier non-conformities.
14. Coordinate with suppliers for new product development, new cable/wiring harness projects, engineering changes, sample development, and prototype requirements.
15.



Support Production and planning teams in material forecasting and capacity planning based on customer schedules and business requirements.
16. Analyse market trends for copper, aluminium, polymers, electrical components, terminals, connectors, and other key commodities and identify opportunities for cost reduction.
17. Drive cost optimization through supplier negotiations, alternate source development, localization, VA/VE initiatives, logistics optimization, and improved purchasing practices.
18. Develop alternate and backup suppliers for critical materials to minimize supply-chain risks and production interruptions.
19. Coordinate with Logistics and Stores teams for timely inward movement, receipt, inspection, storage, and availability of materials.
20. Ensure proper follow-up of material dispatches, transportation, and delivery schedules from suppliers.
21. Monitor supplier capacity and ensure adequate capacity availability during peak production requirements and current project launches.
22. Maintain appropriate safety stock and contingency plans for critical and long-lead-time materials.
23. Support reduction of inventory carrying costs, excess stock, slow-moving materials, and obsolete inventory.
24. Ensure proper coordination for customer-specific materials, customer-nominated suppliers, and special component requirements, wherever applicable.
25. Prepare and review MIS reports, procurement reports, supplier performance reports, inventory analysis, shortage reports, cost-saving reports, and material status reports for management review.
26. Ensure compliance with company policies, procurement procedures, quality systems, safety requirements, and 5S practices within the department.
27. Drive continuous improvement initiatives in supply chain efficiency, procurement processes, inventory management, supplier performance, and cost reduction.
28. Lead and mentor the SCM/procurement team and ensure effective delegation, monitoring, and achievement of departmental objectives.
29. Identify supply-chain risks and implement appropriate mitigation and business-continuity plans.
30. Support management in strategic sourcing, supplier rationalization, annual budgeting, cost planning, and long-term supply-chain development.

4. KPI

- Supplier On-Time Delivery (OTD) / Delivery Performance
- On-Time Material Availability for Production
- Inventory Turnover / Inventory Reduction
- Material Shortage and Line-Stoppage Reduction
- Procurement Cost Reduction / Cost Optimization
- Supplier Performance Rating
- Supplier Quality Performance




- Alternate Supplier / Localization Development
- Purchase Price Variance (PPV)
- Forecast Accuracy / Material Planning Effectiveness
- Slow-Moving & Obsolete Inventory Reduction
- Logistics Cost Optimization
- Production Line Support Efficiency
- New Product / Project Material Readiness
- Supplier Capacity & Risk Management

5. Requirements for the Position

Educational Qualification

- B.Tech / B.E. in Mechanical / Electrical / Electronic Engineering
- Postgraduate qualification in Supply Chain Management, Operations, or related field will be an added advantage.

Work Experience

- Minimum 10 years of experience in Supply Chain Management / Procurement / Materials Management within the Cable Manufacturing, Wiring Harness, Automotive, Electrical, Electronics, or related manufacturing industry.
- Minimum 2–3 years of experience in a leadership / managerial role preferred.
- Experience in managing strategic suppliers and large-scale procurement operations is preferred.

Special Qualifications, Knowledge & Skills

- Solid knowledge of cable and wiring harness manufacturing processes.
- Valuable understanding of raw materials such as copper, aluminium, PVC/XLPE compounds, wires, terminals, connectors, seals, conduits, tapes, sleeves, clips, and other electrical components.
- Strong experience in procurement, strategic sourcing, vendor development, inventory management, and material planning.
- Knowledge of MRP, ERP systems, and supply-chain management tools.
- Experience in supplier negotiation, cost analysis, contract management, and commercial negotiations.
- Knowledge of supplier quality requirements and incoming material quality processes.
- Strong analytical and problem-solving skills.
- Excellent communication, negotiation, leadership, and stakeholder-management skills.
- Ability to manage multiple suppliers and coordinate effectively with cross-functional teams.
- Understanding of commodity price trends, particularly copper, aluminium, polymers, and electrical components, will be an advantage.

6. Other Important Things to Note

- Excellent problem-solving and decision-making capabilities.
- Strong leadership and team-management skills.
- Ability to work under pressure and meet production and customer deadlines.
- Strong commercial and negotiation skills.
- Ability to manage supply-chain risks and critical material shortages.
- Willingness to work closely with suppliers and internal manufacturing teams.
- Strong focus on cost, quality, delivery, inventory, and customer requirements.
- Ability to drive continuous improvement and process excellence.
- Good knowledge of 5S, Lean Manufacturing, Kaizen, and continuous improvement practices will be an added advantage.
- Should demonstrate a proactive approach to supplier development, cost reduction, and ensuring uninterrupted production.

📌 Scm Manager (Kochi)
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