Procurement & Supply Chain Engineer

About the role:

Own end-to-end sourcing and supplier management for BOM components across eVTOL programmes, from supplier identification, RFQ through negotiation, contracting and delivery. You will work closely with engineering, quality and programme teams to build a resilient, cost-competitive supply base for low-volume, high-mix aerospace production. In addition, you will be expected to bring an AI-native and digital-first mindset to procurement, using emerging tools and working with internal AI/software teams to continuously improve and automate procurement workflows and help evolve Sarla-specific in-house ERP capabilities over time.

Key Responsibilities:

• Develop and execute category sourcing strategies for direct (BOM) and indirect materials, including Airframe composites, metallics, electrical, avionics, batteries and precision-machined parts.
• Identify, evaluate and onboard domestic and global suppliers; conduct capability assessments and supplier audits with the cross functional team.
• Lead RFQ/RFP processes, should-cost analysis and techno-commercial bid comparisons.
• Negotiate pricing, payment and delivery terms, NRE/tooling costs, warranties and liability clauses; draft and manage NDAs, MSAs, SOWs and supply agreements followed with tracking payments to suppliers.
• Translate engineering requirements (drawings, specifications, EBOM/MBOM in Teamcenter) into clear procurement packages.
• Own Procure-to-Pay execution in ERP: PRs, POs, order tracking, GRN and invoice reconciliation.
• Actively identify and implement opportunities to use AI, automation and modern digital tools across sourcing, RFQ analysis, supplier evaluation, cost benchmarking, order tracking, supplier performance and procurement reporting.
• Work closely with Sarla’s internal AI/software teams to define procurement workflows and requirements for customised in-house ERP tools, dashboards and automation, and continuously evolve these systems as Sarla scales from prototype development toward certification and production.
• Translate procurement processes and pain points into clear digital workflows, data requirements and tool features; proactively challenge manual or legacy processes and experiment with AI agents, APIs, low-code/no-code tools or other innovative solutions where they can improve speed, visibility and decision-making.
• Drive material planning, lead-time management and inventory control to support prototype builds and certification test schedules.
• Track supplier performance (on-time delivery, quality, cost) and lead corrective actions, escalations and resolution of commercial disputes.
• Manage import/export and customs documentation, including compliance for export-controlled items.
• Deliver cost-reduction, dual-sourcing and localisation initiatives; maintain audit-ready procurement records.
• Maintain all commercial records and database for real time project updates.

Qualifications:

• B.E./B.Tech in Mechanical, Aeronautical/Aerospace, Automobile or Production Engineering; MBA/PGDM in Supply Chain or Operations is a plus.
• Up to 10 years of experience in procurement and supplier negotiations within aerospace, defence or automotive industries.
• Proven track record negotiating high-value contracts with OEMs and Tier-1/Tier-2 suppliers, both domestic and international.
• Working knowledge of AS9100, IATF 16949 and DGCA/EASA or defence procurement (DAP) requirements.
• Hands-on experience with global ERP systems and Teamcenter PLM, with a solid understanding of EBOM and MBOM.
• Strong digital aptitude and an AI-native mindset; comfortable using AI tools in day-to-day procurement and collaborating with technical teams to customise or build procurement/ERP workflows rather than only operating standard enterprise systems.
• Strong commercial acumen in cost modelling, contract management and Incoterms.
• Excellent negotiation, communication and stakeholder-management skills.