Vijay Kharade

Strategic Purchase & Supply Chain professional with 15+ years of experience in global MNC environments across manufacturing and engineering sectors. Proven expertise in strategic sourcing, cost reduction, vendor development, SAP MM, and project procurement. Strong track record of delivering double‑digit cost savings, managing high‑value annual spend, and supporting NPI / project requirements in structured MNC setups.

Assistant Manager – Purchase and Sourcing - AQ India (Part of AQ Group, Sweden) - Pune-Chakan

(2023-03)

• Managing annual procurement spend of ₹48+ Cr across raw materials, sheet metal, machined & bought‑out components.
• Achieved 10–14% cost reduction through strategic negotiation, vendor rationalization, and alternate sourcing.
• Developed and onboarded new suppliers for cost, lead‑time, and quality improvement.
• Handling project procurement as per BOM, RFQ, LOM, and approval workflows.
• Coordinating with logistics teams for inbound planning and lead‑time optimization.
• Followed P2P (Procure-to-Pay) processes, including PR follow-ups and purchase order releases.
• Conducted supplier performance evaluations on delivery, quality, and cost, driving continuous improvement.
• Conducted supplier performance rating, maintained supplier records, and supported supplier quality improvement activities.
• Led vendor development and new project initiatives, supporting group's global sourcing strategy.
• Ensured on-time delivery, optimized inventory levels, and maintained MRP parameters as per budgeted norms.

Assistant Manager – Materials (Purchase) - Electronica Plastic Machines Ltd - Pune

(2019-01 - 2023-03)

Managed end-to-end materials procurement for automotive forging and industrial engineering solutions, supporting high-mix manufacturing operations.

• Identified and developed suitable suppliers for direct, indirect, and project-based commodities.
• Coordinated ECN (Engineering Change Note) implementation with engineering, stores, and suppliers to ensure smooth design transitions.
• Controlled inventory by monitoring slow-moving items, vendor stock, and store levels to prevent shortages or line stoppages.
• Executed procurement as per MRP, covering line items, bought-out parts, raw materials, and indirect materials.
• Ensured timely inventory updates at vendor end and communicated plan changes driven by customer demand or production schedules.
• Closed pending PRs and indirect procurement activities through SAP MM (P2P cycle).
• Handled raw material procurement for MS & SS (sheet metal, hollow and solid sections).
• Managed sourcing of project and WO-based materials including fabricated parts, elbows, tees, reducers, gearboxes, pneumatic parts, chains, sprockets, pulleys, etc.
• Proactively tracked and expedited long-lead items to support project timelines.
• Performed costing and analysis for sheet metal, heavy and light fabrication parts.
• Measured and improved supplier performance across delivery, quality, and cost parameters.
• Generated procurement plans aligned with production and marketing forecasts.
• Released purchase orders and delivery schedules, ensuring material availability as per production plans.
• Conducted commercial negotiations with suppliers based on price comparisons and cost optimization.
• Led new project procurement and represented purchase in vendor development initiatives.

Senior Engineer – Procurement - BOBST Group (Swiss-based MNC, Turnover ₹250 Cr) - India

(2012-07 - 2019-01)

Led procurement activities for SS/MS raw materials, sheet metal, BOP mechanical parts, and indirect materials in a global packaging machinery manufacturing environment.

• Drove localization initiatives, transitioning components from import to India-based suppliers to optimize cost, lead time, and supply continuity.
• Managed inventory controls including Min–Max planning, FIFO/LIFO practices, and dynamic MRP parameter management.
• Ensured on-time material availability while maintaining inventory within budgeted norms.
• Executed commercial negotiations, price comparisons, and supplier finalization aligned to corporate pricing guidelines.
• Played a key role in new project procurement and vendor development, representing Procurement during NPI/SPM execution.
• Identified and developed suitable suppliers for diverse commodities, improving supplier base robustness.
• Coordinated closely with production, stores, planning, and multi-location plants to meet daily material requirements.
• Planned and prioritized daily purchase activities to support uninterrupted manufacturing.
• Handled indirect procurement including services, AMCs, capital/Capex items, and plant machinery sourcing.
• Demonstrated strong understanding of commercial terms, contracts, and supplier negotiations.

Purchase Executive - Racold Thermo India Ltd (Italy-based MNC, Turnover ₹250 Cr) - India

(2008-06 - 2012-07)

Managed end-to-end procurement for direct, indirect, capital & project materials in a multinational manufacturing setup.

• Handled sourcing of cutting tools, mechanical parts, raw materials, packaging, gases, consumables, hardware, gearboxes, bearings, chains, sprockets, and pneumatic components.
• Floated RFQs, performed commercial negotiations, price benchmarking, and supplier finalization.
• Played a key role in new project sourcing and vendor development, representing purchase during project execution.
• Initiated and executed cost reduction initiatives through value engineering, alternate vendor development, and cost analysis.
• Conducted supplier performance rating, maintained supplier records, and supported supplier quality improvement activities.
• Coordinated closely with production, stores, planning, and multiple plant locations to ensure uninterrupted material supply.
• Ensured on-time delivery, optimized inventory levels, and maintained MRP parameters as per budgeted norms.
• Managed supplier account reconciliation in coordination with the finance team and ensured timely payments.
• Supported procurement of capital items, AMCs, and service contracts with vendors.

BE - Mechanical - Raysoni collage of engineering