Supplier Manager - Suspension

Role: Supplier Manager - Suspension Location: IBC Knowledge Park, Bengaluru Reporting to: Lead- Vehicle Dynamics Systems Sourcing Team name: Supply Chain Operations About the Team and the Role The Supply Chain Operations team at Ather is responsible for managing the end-to-end supply chain, ensuring seamless sourcing, and maintaining robust supplier relationships to support production excellence. This role is for a Supplier Manager who will be responsible for designing and executing sourcing strategies for built-to-spec suspension commodities. You will manage both short and long-term plans, identify potential suppliers based on technical requirements, and oversee the entire supplier lifecycle from qualification to capacity planning and cost optimization. Responsibilities Design and execute sourcing strategies for built-to-spec suspension commodities, covering both short and long-term plans. Identify potential suppliers based on technical requirements, technology trends, and supply chain risk assessments. Drive the supplier selection process, including qualifications, audits, assessments, contracting, and process validation. Collaborate with engineering and finance to analyze should-cost reports and bridge gaps between quotes and targets. Establish Part Cost, NRE, and Lead Time structures while meeting program cost, quality, and timeline targets. Execute contracts and SLAs to secure supplier commitments on cost, quality, delivery, and capacity. Monitor supplier capacity and production fulfillment to ensure a smooth supply chain in line with MRP releases. Manage engineering changes, obsolescence, and material disposition for non-conformance parts at the supplier end. Experience and Qualifications B.E/M.E in Industrial Engineering or Mechanical Engineering 3-5 years of hands-on experience in strategic sourcing and material handling for built-to-spec parts Must Have Competencies Development of built-to-spec products, specifically automotive suspension, brake systems, or equivalent components. Comprehensive knowledge of the 4S framework: Scouting, Selecting, Securing, and Supplier Relation Management. Technical understanding of manufacturing processes including casting, machining, forging, and sheet metal fabrication. Mastery of supplier landscape analysis, value chain mapping, and zero-based costing methodologies. Good to Have Competencies Execution of spend analysis, commercial negotiations, and application of INCO terms. Implementation of AIAG manuals including APQP, PPAP, FMEA, and quality standards like IATF16949. Management of service level agreements, contract analysis, and production fulfillment processes. Oversight of the full product development life cycle and strategic material handling. Want to know more? At Ather, we’ve built India’s first intelligent scooter, from scratch. Based on the philosophy of clean design and smart technology, we are transforming the urban commute experience. We are expanding in India, and in the coming years, we look forward to scaling up and launching more products globally. Today, our product offerings include the Ather 450X, 450S, 450 Apex, and Rizta. Beyond the product, we are also setting up an extensive charging network and re-imagining end-to-end ownership experience. To know more, check out our Careers site and our Substack. Be You, With Us The Ather story doesn't write itself - our people do. We believe everyone is equal, but not the same. Diversity is our strength, and building an inclusive and equitable workplace begins with acknowledging and embracing our differences. We are an equal opportunity employer, and our team reflects a wide range of identities, experiences, and perspectives - all united by a shared passion to shape the Ather journey.