Manager - Supplier Capacity Planning and Expansion

Area of Responsibility & Description

Supplier Capacity

• Identify and mitigate capacity constraints aligned with the program master plan; manage RFQs and techno-commercial evaluations
• Drive capacity creation through tooling (dies, patterns), machine additions (CNC, HMC, VMC), heat treatment, and line balancing; execute FTG process plans (stamping & fixtures)
• Ensure readiness for ECN changes, model transitions, and carryover parts post-CDMM handover
• Conduct vendor evaluation with SQA, tool buy-offs with PED, and ensure PPAP completion

Execution & Governance

• Ensure timely execution of FTG, die development, and multi-sourcing with defined milestones and ownership
• Drive execution excellence through strong on-ground engagement at supplier sites (foundry, forging, machining)
• Enable fast, data-driven decision-making through structured reviews and escalations

Stakeholder Management

• Align with CPPC & SCM on supplier capacities as per long-term planning and forecasts
• Collaborate with SCM, Manufacturing, Quality, CDMM, and SSU to meet development and business needs
• Optimize shared supplier capacities across LMM, AD, and FD to protect production volumes

Team Management

• Establish clear ways of working, accountability, and performance management within the team

Key Skills & Experiences

Technical Know-how

• Strong understanding of casting, forging, machining, and assembly processes (CNC, grinding, gear cutting, etc.)
• Knowledge of tooling (dies, patterns), heat treatment, surface finishing, and coating (CED/powder coating)
• Experience in process capability validation, line balancing, and industrial engineering
• Familiarity with APQP, PPAP, GD&T, drawing interpretation, material properties, and failure modes (porosity, cracks, distortion)
• Vendor evaluation, risk mitigation, and strong understanding of part fit, function, and material characteristics

Behavioral Competencies

• Strong collaboration with internal stakeholders and supplier partners
• Effective communication, team-oriented mindset, and adherence to timelines

Role Pre-requisites

• Willingness to travel and engage deeply with supplier operations as per business needs

Critical Experience

• Extensive experience in automotive supply chain, supplier development, or capacity planning
• Proven track record in supplier capacity development, sourcing, and manufacturing engineering (castings/forgings/machined parts)
• Demonstrated success in managing supplier capacity expansion and cross-functional initiatives