RAJU J R
Sr. Regional Commodity Sourcing Lead
Karayanchavadi, Poonamallee, Chennai,Tamil Nadu, India
Summary
Highly-motivated Sourcing Specialist with experience generating and implementing efficient sourcing strategies, managing projects and overseeing supplier base portfolio with minimal guidance. Technical knowledge and AI tools proficiency to gather data, conduct analyses and generate high-quality outputs.
Well-qualified Sourcing Specialist with [23+]-year record of Automotive Industry performance. Expert in vendor relations, contract negotiation, and price structuring. Works with management to improve item quality and sourcing procedures.
Overview
2025
2025
years of professional experience
6
6
years of post-secondary education
4
4
Certifications
Work History
Senior Purchasing Commodity Lead
Ford Motor Private Limited Company
3 2019 - Current
- Championed continuous improvement initiatives in procurement processes by identifying inefficiencies, proposing solutions, and driving change implementation.
- Identified opportunities for cost reduction through strategic sourcing initiatives, leading to significant budget savings.
- Mentored junior team members to enhance their purchasing expertise and prepare them for career growth within the organization.
- Conducted regular market analysis to identify new suppliers, products, or technologies that could improve company operations or profitability.
- Collaborated with cross-functional teams for seamless integration of purchasing activities into overall business strategy.
- Optimized supplier base by conducting periodic reviews of supplier performance metrics such as delivery timeframes, price competitiveness, and quality consistency.
- Streamlined procurement processes by implementing efficient purchasing strategies, reducing lead times, and minimizing stockouts.
- Managed a team of 3 buyers, providing guidance and support to optimize performance and achieve purchasing objectives.
- Identified and resolved supply chain issues to mitigate delays and production disruptions.
Sr. Regional Purch. Commodity Lead – VP PMT
Ford Motor Private Limited
11.2014 - 03.2019
- Lead commodity sourcing, including Powertrain, Chassis, Electrical, Interiors, Body & Exterior within FCSD function (Ford Customer Service Division) with buy value of USD100mils. (PMT-7 skill team – OE,VMC & Dealer Channel)
- Managed the day to day operations of the buyer support and core buying team size of 15 members
- Lead Asia Pacific (AP) Sourcing Commodity Strategy Development, Product development and Implementation of all the Ford Genuine Accessories parts fitted at plant, modification center & dealers for all the India program launches such as EcoSport, Aspire, New Figo and New Endeavour
- Accomplished benchmarking exercise for the localization projects based on markets tests/previous projects
- Lead negotiations with regional suppliers and represent AP market in global sourcing council meetings
- Collaborated with senior management to develop strategic initiatives and long term goals.
Sr. Lead Buyer – APA Global Purch. Ops.
Ford India Private Limited
01.2011 - 10.2014
- Developed detailed reports on procurement activities for senior management review, enabling informed decision-making and strategic planning.
- Enhanced supplier delivery performance and stock metrics by establishing clear expectations and conducting regular reviews.
- Collaborated with cross-functional teams to align purchasing activities with overall business objectives.
- Conducted comprehensive risk assessments (tooling refurbishments, capacity improvement, RM allocations) to minimize supply chain disruptions while ensuring uninterrupted operations.
- Maintained complete documentation and records of all purchasing activities.
- Developed and managed tooling budgets for purchasing and projected purchasing needs.
- Created hands-on training program for newly hired employees to acclimate each person to company policies and procedures and individual job duties.
Sr. Supervisor - Service Eng./Purchasing Ops.
Ford Business Service Centre Pvt. Ltd
6 2006 - 12.2010
- Company Overview: (A Wholly Owned Company of Ford, USA)
- Resolved conflicts proactively by facilitating open communication among team members and actively addressing underlying issues.
- Ensured timely completion of projects through effective scheduling and prioritization of tasks based on urgency and importance.
- Implemented cost-saving initiatives, reducing operational expenses without compromising quality or productivity.
- Streamlined operations for improved efficiency, delegating tasks and setting clear performance expectations.
- Mentored junior team members for accelerated professional growth and skill development.
- Maximized personal competency through continuous professional development.
- Provided feedback, training and skill development to staff to improve accuracy, productivity and quality.
- Championed process improvements in response to identified inefficiencies, resulting in enhanced organizational effectiveness.
- Boosted employee morale through regular recognition programs that acknowledged outstanding individual contributions.
- Reduced waste and pursued revenue development strategies to keep department aligned with sales and profit targets.
- Established performance goals for employees and provided feedback on methods for reaching those milestones.
Service Advisor / Warranty Manager
Trans Car India Private Limited
01.2006 - 06.2006
- Company Overview: (Dealer for Mercedes - Benz)
- Ensured high-quality service delivery by closely monitoring work progress and promptly addressing any issues or concerns.
- Educated customers on proper vehicle maintenance, fostering long-term relationships built on trust and loyalty.
- Achieved high customer ratings by consistently exceeding expectations in all aspects of service advising.
- Maintained high customer satisfaction standards to meet or exceed targets.
- Provided exceptional customer service, resolving complaints diplomatically and efficiently.
- Reduced wait times with efficient coordination of service tasks among technicians.
- Promoted superior experience by addressing customer concerns, demonstrating empathy, and resolving problems swiftly.
Shop floor Manager & Warranty
Chennai Ford Limited
01.2000 - 12.2005
- Company Overview: (Dealer for Ford India Limited)
- Managed team of 10 employees to maintain smooth-running operations of shop floor.
- Developed staff scheduling plans that ensured adequate coverage during peak hours without compromising on service quality.
- Improved customer satisfaction by addressing and resolving concerns promptly and efficiently.
- Coordinated with other departments to ensure seamless workflow across all areas of the floor operation.
- Boosted employee morale by recognizing outstanding performances, resulting in higher productivity levels.
- Made personal recommendations for customers by sharing product knowledge and demonstrating product.
Graduate Engineer Trainee
Dev Fasteners Limited
05.1999 - 12.1999
Education
MBA - Marketing Management
University of Madras
Chennai, Tamil Nadu, India 04.2001 - 05.2009
B.E - Mechanical Engineering
University of Madras
Chennai, Tamil Nadu, India 04.2001 - 05.1999
Skills
Supply Chain Optimization
Strategic Sourcing
Global Procurement
Cost-reduction strategies
Product Knowledge
Careeraim
To accomplish a Senior Leadership role in Global Supply Chain or After-Sales & Service function in an automotive OEM company.
Certificatesandtraining
- Essential and Advanced Negotiation skills training from ArcBlu Global
- IDS and Global Warranty and Policy process Training at Dunton engineering technical center, Ford Motor Company, Essex, UK.
- Level - 0 and Level - I Training from Ford India Limited.
- Certified in 19 E-Learning courses on Ford official website.
Professionalrecognition
- Recognition received from VP FCSD, Asia Pacific for relentless work on waste elimination and cost saving ideas., 10/2024
- For the creative idea to develop a global tool order tracking database., 01/2022
- For improving the purchasing service providers’ performance., 01/2020
- Sourced Spare Wheel Cover for Successful Launch of India B515 MCA., 12/2017
- Floor mat localization for India programs., 09/2016
- Minimize reinvestment on vendor tooling for Vehicle Personalization business., 08/2015
Personal Information
- Passport Number: Z65739xx
- Date of Birth: 07/25/78
- Marital Status: Married
Accomplishments
+ Recognition received from VP FCSD, Asia Pacific for relentless work on waste elimination and cost saving ideas generated within powertrain purchasing commodity group – Oct’2024
+ For the creative idea to develop a global tool order tracking data base to minimize tooling investments / refurbishments- Jan’22
+ For improving the purchasing service providers’ (USA supplier) performance – Jan’20
+ Sourced Spare Wheel Cover ($10 mils.) for Successful Launch of India B515 MCA (EcoSport) for Production & Dealer Channel business – Dec’17
+ Floor mat localization for India programs ($185K) – Sep’16
+ Minimize reinvestment on vendor tooling ($100K) for Vehicle Personalization business– Aug’15
+ Outstanding Sourcing contribution to B515 India, USA & other export market launches
Certification
+ 6-Sigma Yellow belt certified for cost save($150K) generated in Purchasing area
Timeline
Sr. Regional Purch. Commodity Lead – VP PMT
Ford Motor Private Limited
11.2014 - 03.2019
+ 6-Sigma Yellow belt certified for cost save($150K) generated in Purchasing area
06-2013
+ 6-Sigma Green Belt from Warranty for reducing the training induction period for assessors
06-2011
Sr. Lead Buyer – APA Global Purch. Ops.
Ford India Private Limited
01.2011 - 10.2014
+ Team Leader Workshop Quality for reducing the unnecessary Claim returned to Dealer
11-2010
+ 6-Sigma Black Belt participant certified from Warranty function for improving the manual claim assessing accuracy rate
04-2008
Service Advisor / Warranty Manager
Trans Car India Private Limited
01.2006 - 06.2006
MBA - Marketing Management
University of Madras
04.2001 - 05.2009
B.E - Mechanical Engineering
University of Madras
04.2001 - 05.1999
Shop floor Manager & Warranty
Chennai Ford Limited
01.2000 - 12.2005
Graduate Engineer Trainee
Dev Fasteners Limited
05.1999 - 12.1999
Senior Purchasing Commodity Lead
Ford Motor Private Limited Company
3 2019 - Current
Sr. Supervisor - Service Eng./Purchasing Ops.
Ford Business Service Centre Pvt. Ltd
6 2006 - 12.2010
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