Lead - Accessories and Merchandise (AnM)

Role: Lead - Accessories and Merchandise

Location: IBC Knowledge Park, Bengaluru

Reporting To:-Supplier - Lead Accessories & Merchandise (A&M)

Team Name: Supply Chain Management

About the Team and the Role

The Supply Chain team at Ather is responsible for designing and executing sourcing strategies for built-to-spec commodities, ensuring robust supplier selection, and managing end-to-end supply chain risks. The team focuses on cost optimization through should-cost modeling, capacity planning, and maintaining high-quality standards through rigorous audits and process validation.

This role is for a Lead-Accessories and Merchandise who will lead the sourcing and development for vehicle dynamics components. You will be responsible for identifying potential suppliers, negotiating contracts, and managing supplier performance to meet program cost, quality, and timeline targets.

Responsibilities : 

• Manage the Accessories & Merchandise (A&M) procurement team. 

• Handle procurement and development of Accessories & Merchandise- custom accessories, Off the shelf accessories.

• Key Commodities : Mechanical (Fabrication, Die cast), Plastics and Electronics  

• Develop and implement long-term commodity strategies by analyzing market dynamics, geopolitical factors, and technological advancements.

• Oversee historical spend analysis, FY outlooks (per AOP), and demand-based forecasting to identify consolidation and cost-saving opportunities.

• Categorize the supplier base by performance and risk; secure annual CPO approval for these strategic segments.

• Stay abreast of manufacturing trends and competitor strategies to ensure the team maintains a competitive edge.

• Partner with internal "Swimlanes" to define product requirements (SOR) and prepare comprehensive RFQ packages.

• Lead the team in negotiating Cost, Timelines, and T&Cs (Total Cost of Ownership approach) for parts, tooling, and R&D.

• Directly manage the execution of NDAs, GPAs, PDAs, and CTAs, ensuring all legal and commercial frameworks are robust.

• Manage the full tooling lifecycle, including kick-off meetings (TDKO, TPKO, TCKO), timeline alignment, and milestone-based payments.

• Accountable for the Quality, Cost, and Delivery of all prototype and OE sample phases (MK1, MK2, MK3, X1) through to LVPT/HVPT.

• Drive 4M readiness (Man, Machine, Method, Material) and verify supplier capacity and material fulfillment for a smooth SOP.

• Oversee PPAP/PSW sign-offs, Packaging Sheet (PSS) trials, and the establishment of Run@Rate.

• Conduct regular reviews at both the team and functional levels, tracking BOM cost, PPC, MCP, RM indexing, and strategic projects.

• Monitor supply stabilization (SOP+3 months) and long-term supply continuation, managing the handover from Development to Mass Production.

• Lead Periodic Business Reviews (PBR) and Supplier Management Meetings to handle escalations and drive performance improvement plans.

• Ensure timely supplier payments, track PPV and inflation, manage RM indexing mechanisms, and ensure 100% compliance with EHSS and statutory requirements.

• Champion VAVE and MCP initiatives to optimize manufacturing processes and reduce production part costs (PPC).

• Participate in initial technical review meetings with Engineering and potential suppliers to assess feasibility and requirements.

• Partner with the Manufacturing Engineering team to ensure supplier production lines are established according to organizational standards.

• Lead and drive VA-VE (Value Analysis/Value Engineering) workshops in coordination with internal teams to enhance category competitiveness.

•  Collaborate with Engineering and Finance to analyze should-cost reports, identifying specific levers to close gaps between internal targets and supplier quotes.

• Work closely with the Finance team to ensure supplier payments are released on time and in accordance with agreed credit terms.

• Provide data-driven insights on supplier capabilities and systems to support the evaluation of new business proposals.

• Assist internal stakeholders in conducting Initial Supplier Assessments (ISA), Financial audits, and other site inspections.

• Support the QA (Quality Assurance) team during PPAP audits to ensure the timely closure of observations and final Part Submission Warrant (PSW) sign-offs.

• Maintain a regular cadence with Engineering and Quality teams to evaluate supplier performance and implement formal improvement plans.

Experience and Qualifications:-

• A Bachelor’s/Master’s degree in engineering from a Tier 1 or Tier 2 institute, OR an MBA in Supply Chain Management

• 12 - 16 years of relevant functional experience in handling relevant commodities

Must have competencies:-

• At least 5 years of experience in handling mid-size procurement teams.

• Good experience on understanding of supplier landscape, value chain mapping, understanding of Zero based costing.

• Experienced in developing and executing strategies.

• Experience in managing the three pillars of program management - time, cost, quality

Good to have competencies:-

• Ability to work on Spend analysis, negotiations, and good understanding of commercials and INCO terms.

• Ability to work well within a team – enjoys collaborating, persuading, and influencing

• Ability to thrive under pressure – to manage challenging deadlines

• Good collaboration skills, the ability to work effectively with cross-functional teams and various stakeholders 

• About Company

  Ather Energy is a Bengaluru-based electric vehicle startup known for its smart scooters like the Ather 450X. The company builds high-performance EVs and invests in its own public charging network. It is pushing innovation in India’s growing sustainable mobility space.