Global Buyer / Senior Global Buyer – Chassis & Powertrain

Job Description

The Global Buyer will manage strategic sourcing and supplier activities for assigned Chassis and Powertrain commodities across global vehicle programs. The role is responsible for delivering competitive cost, supplier readiness, quality, innovation, localization, sustainability, and supply security.

A key focus will be identifying and developing competitive Indian suppliers for participation in global sourcing activities and export programs.

Commodity Scope

• Chassis components: wheels and tyres, complete wheel assemblies, braking systems, suspension components, steering systems, axles and subframes, control arms and knuckles, springs, dampers, stabilizer bars, chassis sensors, castings, forgings, stampings, and machined parts.
• Powertrain components: engine and transmission components, electric drive units, gear sets, shafts, housings, bearings, thermal-management components, pumps, valves, actuators, exhaust and emission-control components, battery housings, power electronics, and electromechanical assemblies.

Key Responsibilities

• Lead global sourcing activities and develop commodity strategies for assigned chassis and powertrain commodities.
• Prepare and manage RFIs, RFQs, supplier evaluations, bid comparisons, and sourcing recommendations.
• Conduct commercial negotiations covering price, tooling, development cost, capacity, logistics, warranties, and contractual conditions.
• Identify, assess, and develop Indian and international suppliers, including supplier audits and production-readiness reviews.
• Drive cost transparency, should-cost analysis, benchmarking, value engineering, localization, and annual cost-reduction initiatives.
• Monitor supplier performance and develop risk-mitigation, supply-continuity, alternative-source, and localization strategies.
• Represent procurement in new product development and global vehicle programs, coordinating sourcing, tooling, validation, industrialization, and production milestones.
• Negotiate and finalize commercial agreements, nomination documents, development contracts, tooling agreements, and long-term supply arrangements.
• Collaborate with global buyers, engineering, supplier quality, logistics, cost engineering, finance, legal, compliance, and manufacturing teams.

Qualifications

• Bachelor’s degree in Mechanical, Automobile, Production, Industrial, or Electrical Engineering, or a related discipline.
• MBA or postgraduate qualification in Supply Chain Management, Operations, Finance, or International Business is preferred.
• 6 to 10 years of experience in automotive procurement, strategic sourcing, supplier development, cost engineering, or supply-chain management.
• Understanding of chassis and/or powertrain systems, automotive manufacturing processes, RFQ and sourcing processes, commercial negotiation, contract management, and should-cost methodology.
• Knowledge of IATF 16949, APQP, PPAP, FMEA, MSA, SPC, and 8D problem-solving.
• Proficiency in Microsoft Excel, PowerPoint, and Power BI; SAP or equivalent ERP experience is desirable.

Additional Information

The role requires willingness to travel within India and internationally for supplier visits, negotiations, audits, technical reviews, and global procurement meetings. Expected travel is approximately 15% to 25%.

Benefits may include employee discounts, health benefits, mobile phone, meal discounts, retirement benefits, hybrid work, mobility offers, employee events, coaching, flextime, childcare, parking, canteen, public transport, a barrier-free workplace, and an in-house doctor.

Contact

Mercedes-Benz Research and Development India Private Limited
Plot No. 5-P, EPIP 1st Phase
560066 Bangalore
MBRDI Recruitment E-Mail: mbrdi_recruitment@mercedes-benz.com