Supplier Account Manager – Plastics

About the role

The Supplier Account Manager is responsible for managing strategic relationships with assigned suppliers to ensure cost, quality, and delivery performance aligning with organizational goals. This role involves end‑to‑end supply chain engagement, supplier qualification, and risk mitigation for OEM equipment sourcing.

Key responsibilities

• Develop and execute commodity strategies for plastics, polymers and hoses.
• Build and maintain strong relationships with assigned suppliers.
• Measure and track supplier KPIs covering cost, quality, delivery and lead time.
• Identify alternate sources to mitigate supply risk and ensure continuity.
• Partner with stakeholders to oversee supplier qualification, technical capability assessments and global standards compliance.
• Negotiate commercial terms and contracts with suppliers.
• Collaborate with engineering teams to qualify new suppliers and materials meeting cost targets and specifications.
• Act as the final escalation point for supplier issues and drive resolution.
• Evaluate cost structures and identify opportunities for cost reduction.
• Analyze market trends and supplier benchmarks to maintain competitive pricing.
• Align and implement commodity strategies.
• Engage new supplier introduction or disengagement as required.
• Support resolution of systemic supply‑chain issues affecting quality, cost, delivery or lead‑time.

Required profile

• Bachelor’s degree in engineering (polymer engineering a plus).
• 10+ years of experience in manufacturing, strategic sourcing, category management or related fields.
• Practical experience managing plastics, polymers or hoses as a commodity.
• 5+ years leading large‑scale commercial negotiations with suppliers.
• Experience in start‑up environments establishing new supply‑chain ecosystems for the Indian market (preferred).
• Indian citizen with a valid passport and ability to travel internationally.
• Willingness to travel up to 35% of the time and work across multiple time zones.
• Flexibility to work from home or office as needed.

Required skills

• Knowledge of ASTM standards.
• Ability to read technical drawings.
• Expertise in logistics and customs regulations (import/export).
• Proficiency with Microsoft Excel.
• Experience using SAP.
• Experience with Power BI.
• Familiarity with Ariba RFQ tool (advantage).