Sumeet Tandon

A carbon conscious Automotive OEM sourcing leader with 20+ years of experience across Global Operations, Program Management, Cost Transformation, Vendor Development, Localisation, Operational and Supply Chain Excellence in complex manufacturing environments. Track record of improving cost competitiveness, optimizing resource utilization, strengthening processes and driving cross-functional initiatives to deliver Quality, Cost and Delivery (QCD) objectives. Bring a structured, analytical and process-oriented approach to transformation, performance improvement, risk mitigation.

Focused on resource efficiency with an emphasis on achieving greater economic and environmental value from available assets and resources.

Experience includes building resilient manufacturing ecosystems, performance improvement, and robust Supply Chains. Automotive experience across ICE and EV programs, including Thermal Management, Exhaust, Precision Machined Components, Castings, Forgings, Plastics and Electrical & Electronics. Led an EV project covering Battery Packs, Motor, Transmission and Power Electronics and contributed to major localization and cost competitiveness initiatives.

Three-year assignment with Honda Global Office, Japan, shaping global sourcing strategy and regional supplier integration, developing deep appreciation for process discipline & resource efficiency.

Senior Consultant at a Client in Aerospace Industry - EFESO Management Consultants

(2025-03 - 2025-06)

• Led supply chain turnaround engagement for their aerospace client (AEQUS), focusing on S&OP process, supplier performance, bottleneck removal, and procurement process digitization to realise company's immense potential.
• Trained sourcing teams on integrated planning, supplier evaluation, and throughput improvement.

Advisor – (Israeli cleantech partnership with Battery Solution International) - Effulgent BR Resources

(2023-10)

• Led market awareness, promotion, and business development for lead-acid battery refurbishment technology.
• Built a client portfolio across automotive, pharma, banking, hospitals and railways, positioning refurbishment as a cost-effective, performance-neutral alternative to new-battery purchase.
• Championed refurbishment over premature scrapping as reconditioning doubles battery life, cuts lead waste and manufacturing-linked carbon footprint — while delivering 60–70% client cost savings versus replacement.

Supply Chain Sustainability & Environmental Aspects Study - Independent Study

(2022-10 - 2023-09)

Developed deeper understanding & sensitivities towards Supply Chain sustainability, environmental aspects of business through study & participating in conferences. About the Scope-emissions, Sustainable Development Goals (SDG's) for achieving Net-Zero.

Sr. Manager (raised to AGM) -- Purchasing New Generation Business Projects; EV - Honda Cars India Ltd. (HCIL)

(2019-04 - 2021-09)

• Project Lead for an EV Project; coordinated the development of Prototype Cars, with both Air Cooled & Liquid Cooled Battery Pack. Motor, Transmission & Power Electronics to a good extent developed locally and at 20% competitive cost than the budgeted target.
• Created a Strategy for Parts Export Enhancement based on Exchange Rate, Landed Factor, Cost of Production Ratio (India Cost Vs Importing Country Cost) for Improving Profitability that resulted in 10% parts export enhancement.
• Formulated Sourcing Strategy for winning City Export (LHD) Business in previously Inaccessible Countries/markets. It added an additional 20% to Sales Volume during the Crucial Pandemic (Low Volume) hit period.
• Played a key role in steering cost down activity from purchasing through Maru-Soto Project as part of Lean Improvement Roadmap; planned for quick realisation of Cost Reduction merit.
• Coordinated and conducted the continued Sourcing feasibility & Implementation of running 4th generation of Honda City Parallel to 5th Gen. adding 15% to the Honda City volume at no additional cost.

HOD – Purchasing, Power Train & Interior - Honda Cars India Ltd. (HCIL)

(2016-04 - 2019-03)

• Spearheaded the establishment of Sustainable & Efficient Supply Chain for smooth execution of projects within time & cost parameters; Optimised supplier base, mitigated supply risk, negotiated agreements while managing procurement spend of approximately $250M.
• Undertook hitherto considered difficult to Localize parts/areas like Air Cleaner Child Parts/Cylinder Head Cover Mould/Timing Chain etc. that were not attempted due to difficulty levels. Improved Localization by a Challenging 10% in PE Engine.
• Led Material readiness planning across multiple new-model programs aligned between supplier rampup, MRP Sch & APQP. Drove Early Supplier Involvement (ESI) ensuring design feasibility, manufacturability and cost competitiveness.
• Identified Sourcing challenges. Worked for Sourcing Sustainability in terms of Environment, Financial & Fire, mitigating risk through Countermeasures including Alternate Sourcing/Location in Supply Disrupting & Force Majeure situation.
• Led an immediate team of 12 Associates; Guided and mentored team on continuous improvement I-Act Projects. Created a motivated team.

Manager – Global Purchasing - Honda Motors, Japan - Tochigi, Japan

(2013-04 - 2016-03)

Enriching experience of working at Honda Motors, Japan. Worked with Honda Global Purchasing to evaluate supplier capabilities, develop sourcing strategies, enhance competitiveness, optimize supplier costs and strengthen long-term global supplier partnerships resulting in Localisation enhancement of India Power Train by 10%, Seat cost reduction by 10%. Settled Japan models Sheet metal costs. Achieved Japanese JLPT N3 level.

Group Head – Purchasing, Casting & Forging (C&F) - Honda Cars India Ltd. (HCIL)

(2005-04 - 2013-03)

• A Project Leader for Engine, Transmission & Chassis Parts Localization. Was Pivotal in registering ACR of ₹60Mn/yr through effective Resource utilisation, Project Management, VA/VE and Negotiation Skills. De-Bottlenecked Capacity for 13/14M to support 100% Vol. up.
• Ensured adherence to supplier compliance frameworks for quality, delivery and regulatory requirements. Evaluated risks (financial, operational, geopolitical) and implemented mitigation plans including dual sourcing, localization and supplier consolidation.

Strategic Sourcing at MG3, Lateral Hire from Campus - Ingersoll Rand India Ltd. (IR)

(2004-06 - 2005-07)

• Led the cross-functional team for the development of Industrial Products like New Rotary Industrial Compressors within cost & time targets. Developed reliable & also alternate sources for Supply Sustainability, negotiated contracts, costs. Efforts brought about significant Material Productivity-2.5%

Engineer – Production - Motherson Sumi Systems Ltd.

(2002-03 - 2002-07)

Engineer – QA - Ucal Fuel Systems

(2000-03 - 2001-12)

MBA - Operations & Marketing - IIT-Roorkee

BE - Mechanical Engineering - ZHCOET, AMU