Raghav B

Results-driven and dedicated professional, targeting a challenging role in Strategic Sourcing, Project Management, and Vendor Development within a dynamic organization, leveraging 25 years of extensive experience to drive cost-effective solutions, foster strategic partnerships, and lead cross-functional teams towards achieving organizational excellence.

Sr. Category Manager - Strategic Sourcing at Regal Beloit Corporation-GTCI (2011-04 – Present)

Senior Category Manager responsible for strategic sourcing, vendor identification, global sourcing strategy development, and project execution.

• Identifying potential new vendors across S.E. Asia Pacific to explore cost-saving opportunities
• Establishing NDAs, creating RFQs, and analyzing cost benefits for potential vendors
• Participating in developing and executing the global sourcing strategy with SDP/Gate rigor
• Negotiating contracts based on terms & conditions, price, and quality requirements
• Executing sourcing projects for product development and ensuring timely completion
• Ensuring early involvement of Supplier Engineering, Manufacturing, and Quality Teams in the product development process
• Reviewing PPAP documents as per APQP requirements before submission for PSW approval
• Tracking and assessing vendor performance in terms of PPM, OTD, and commodity buys per period
• Liaising with 3rd party logistics & warehouses for shipments and managing Vendor Managed Inventory
• Following up on Supplier additions, PO releases, timelines, PPAP approvals, and payment releases
• Deploying project management activities and stage gates for developing various commodities
• Collaborating closely with global sourcing teams to simplify the supply chain and leverage buying power
• Supporting prototype development, New Product Development (NPD), and initiatives like Kaizen, Lean, and Six Sigma
• Led a Simplification Project in 2013
• Excelled in Customer Care in 2014
• Recognized as Employee of the Quarter in Q4 2015
• Achieved significant cost savings of ~USD 2.7 Million in 2023

Sr. Engineer at Tyco Electronics India Pvt. Ltd. (2006-01 – 2009-10)

Senior Engineer providing product engineering support, cost estimation, and vendor interface for tool development.

• Assisted Product Engineers in designing new products considering tooling possibilities & assembly constraints
• Generated cost estimates for new tool fabrication, reworks & spares
• Participated in Concept Review Meetings and provided suggestions to reduce manufacturing costs
• Interfaced with vendors to review Die designs and develop new effective tools during breakdowns
• Acted as an interlink between Production & Design Heads for product development related activities
• Executed a Six-Sigma Project resulting in the reduction of PPM & cycle time for Modjack Assembly Line
• Awarded for Best Employee Performance for 2008-09

Product Development Engineer at STD (2005-06 – 2005-12)

Product Development Engineer involved in stamping and metallic parts development.

• Participated in the product development of stamping & metallic parts
• Developed prototype parts to determine formability and functionality requirements
• Reduced lead time in product development from 6 to 4 weeks through automation

Engineer (Product Development) at Interplex Electronics India Pvt. Ltd. (2002-01 – 2005-06)

Engineer responsible for product design, development coordination, and quality assurance.

• Coordinated the entire product design & development process, including dimensional analysis, finalizing specifications, designing, prototype development, and testing
• Conducted detailed estimation of product costing and budgeting
• Analyzed and developed product technical requirements / specifications
• Ensured product quality and consistency
• Oversaw production bottlenecks and implemented corrective / preventive measures to avoid recurrence
• Contributed to the indigenous development of continuous Reel-To-Reel Silver Plating Line for the first time in India

Sourcing Consultant at SC Innovators (2010-11 – 2011-03)

Sourcing Consultant involved in precision engineering parts development and supplier management.

• Developed precision engineering parts through process planning and subcontracting for SSI/MSME companies
• Participated in supplier development, cost estimation, negotiation, outsourcing, and related activities
• Led new product development endeavors, encompassing non-engineering items such as foam and rubber products
• Ensured that tasks were delivered on time and met financial, performance, quality, and functionality requirements

M.Tech. in Tool Engineering – N.T.T.F., Bangalore (2001)

B.E. in Mechanical – University U.V.C.E., Bangalore University (1998)