Direct Sourcing Lead / Assistant Manager / Manager

Lead Strategic Procurement & Build High-Performing Supplier Networks

Are you an experienced Procurement, Strategic Sourcing, or Supply Chain leader looking to make a significant business impact? we are seeking a Direct Sourcing Lead / Assistant Manager / Manager to drive end-to-end sourcing strategies for production materials and components while leading supplier partnerships, commercial negotiations, and procurement transformation initiatives.

This is an exciting opportunity to influence sourcing strategy, optimize supplier performance, deliver measurable cost savings, and collaborate with cross-functional teams in a global organization.

What You'll Do

As a Direct Sourcing Leader, you'll be responsible for developing sourcing strategies that ensure supply continuity, operational excellence, and long-term business value.

Strategic Sourcing & Category Management

• Develop and execute sourcing strategies for direct materials and production components.

• Build category plans aligned with business demand, cost optimization, quality, and operational objectives.

• Lead RFx activities, supplier evaluations, commercial assessments, and supplier selection.

• Drive sourcing initiatives that improve efficiency, reduce costs, and strengthen supplier capabilities.

Supplier Relationship Management

• Identify, evaluate, qualify, onboard, and develop strategic supplier partnerships.

• Establish supplier governance frameworks, scorecards, and regular business reviews.

• Monitor supplier performance, quality, delivery, and service levels.

• Drive supplier development initiatives and corrective action plans to improve performance.

Commercial Negotiation

• Lead high-value negotiations covering:

  • Pricing

  • Contracts

  • Payment Terms

  • Lead Times

  • Service Levels

  • Commercial Agreements

• Deliver measurable cost savings while maintaining supply continuity and product quality.

• Optimize supplier contracts to maximize long-term business value.

Cross-Functional Collaboration

• Partner with:

  • Supply Chain

  • Operations

  • Manufacturing

  • Engineering

  • Planning

  • Finance

  • Quality Assurance

• Align sourcing strategies with production requirements and business priorities.

• Provide procurement expertise to support operational and strategic decision-making.

Market Intelligence & Risk Management

• Monitor commodity trends, supplier markets, and industry developments.

• Identify supply chain risks, capacity constraints, and sourcing challenges.

• Develop proactive mitigation plans to ensure uninterrupted supply.

• Support business continuity planning through supplier diversification and risk assessments.

Procurement Excellence

• Drive value engineering, supplier consolidation, and working capital improvements.

• Standardize procurement processes, templates, reporting, and governance.

• Ensure compliance with procurement policies, audit standards, approval workflows, and contract controls.

• Mentor and coach sourcing professionals while promoting best procurement practices.

What We're Looking For

Required Qualifications

• Bachelor's Degree in:

  • Supply Chain Management

  • Engineering

  • Business Administration

  • Operations

  • Or a related field

• MBA or Procurement Certification (preferred)

• 8–15 years of experience in:

  • Strategic Sourcing

  • Direct Procurement

  • Category Management

  • Supply Chain

  • Procurement Leadership

• Strong experience in supplier negotiations and manufacturing or operations-driven sourcing environments.

• Proven leadership experience managing procurement projects, suppliers, or sourcing teams.

• Strong commercial acumen, analytical thinking, and negotiation skills.

Key Skills

• Strategic Sourcing

• Direct Procurement

• Category Management

• Supplier Relationship Management

• Supplier Development

• Commercial Negotiation

• Contract Management

• Supply Chain Management

• Manufacturing Procurement

• RFQ/RFP Management

• Cost Optimization

• Spend Analysis

• Value Engineering

• Risk Management

• Market Intelligence

• ERP Procurement Systems (SAP, Oracle, etc.)

• Procurement Analytics

• Stakeholder Management

• Leadership & Team Development

• Continuous Process Improvement

Why Join TCS?

• Competitive salary package of up to ₹20 LPA

• Lead enterprise-level procurement and sourcing initiatives

• Collaborate with global stakeholders and strategic suppliers

• Drive procurement transformation and continuous improvement

• Excellent opportunities for leadership growth and career progression

• Work in a collaborative, innovation-driven, and high-performance environment

• Be part of one of the world's leading IT and business services organizations

Who Should Apply?

This role is ideal for professionals currently working as:

• Strategic Sourcing Manager

• Procurement Manager

• Category Manager

• Direct Procurement Lead

• Supply Chain Manager

• Commodity Manager

• Purchasing Manager

• Vendor Management Manager

• Senior Sourcing Specialist

• Procurement Lead

Candidates from industries such as Manufacturing, Automotive, Electronics, Industrial Engineering, FMCG, Pharmaceuticals, Aerospace, Consumer Goods, Oil & Gas, Shared Services, Global Capability Centers (GCC), Consulting, and IT Services are highly encouraged to apply.

Ready to Lead Procurement Excellence?

If you're passionate about strategic sourcing, supplier partnerships, commercial negotiations, and procurement transformation, this is your opportunity to build a rewarding leadership career .

Apply today and help shape world-class procurement strategies that drive business success!