Supplier Program Manager

Supplier Program Manager – India
Purpose of the Position:
Reporting to the Director Strategic Supply Management, you will manage the relationship and performance of SMART’s suppliers and contract manufacturers for a portfolio of products. You will also serve as the operational head for SMART’s India supply chain, supporting supplier excellence and market growth initiatives.
Duties and Responsibilities
Core Responsibilities

• Strategic Supplier Management

o Own the supplier program management strategy related to the products in your portfolio.
o Lead a cross-functional Supplier Focus Team to manage supplier relationships. o Liaise with SMART’s internal departments to ensure multidisciplinary resources are managed within the supply chain cycle.
o Drive continuous improvement and supplier development.
o Organize and manage Quarterly Business Reviews (QBRs).

• Supplier Cost Management o Negotiate pricing and commercial resolutions to quality issues.

o Provide projections on market pricing and supplier pricing.
o Analyze and approving purchase price variance requests.

• Cost management initiatives o Benchmark India product and component costs

o Manage and execute cost reduction initiatives.
o Work with Product Management to develop cost reduction initiatives.
o Pursue and implement cost-reduction activities with OEM/ODM/CM.

• Supplier Order Management

o Manage forecast communications and compliance with suppliers.
o Escalation contact for material/scheduling issues with manufacturers.
o Support Procurement Specialists during raw material shortages.
o Collect monthly data from contract manufacturers (inventory, lead times, forecasts).
o Ensure compliance with supply agreements, statements of work, and KPIs.
o Advise operations management on delivery, quality, and cost risks.

• Product lifecycle management in the Supply chain

o Optimize cost exposure during product Phase In/Phase Out.
o Report on Excess and Obsolete exposure across product lifecycles.
o Manage material transitions, product transfers, and new product introductions.

• Perform other duties as required.

India Supply Chain Responsibilities

• Act as operational head for SMART’s India supply chain, overseeing supplier performance on quality, cost, delivery, and flexibility.
• Collaborate with India-based teams in sales, marketing, channel partners, customer service, project management, and vendors.
• Support India market growth and resource allocation.
• Lead product Phase In/Phase Out initiatives for the India market.
• Serve as a bridge between SMART HQ and India operations, addressing operational gaps.
• Drive and advance India’s “local for local” supply strategy.
• Share India market and competitor intelligence to inform HQ decision-making.

Education and Work Experience

• Degree or diploma in business, purchasing, supply chain management, or a related field.
• 10 years of solid experience in procurement or equivalent combination of education and experience.
• Strong negotiation skills and experience with supplier and contract manufacturer agreements.
• Extensive knowledge of manufacturing processes and purchasing practices.
• Experience working with international suppliers, especially in India, is an asset.
• Excellent English communication skills (oral and written).
• Ability to travel to India and work flexible hours.

Supervision

• This position has no direct reports.

Working Conditions

• Fast-paced work environment.
• Cross-functional collaboration with global teams.
• Occasional travel required to supplier locations.