The Purchase Manager will own end-to-end procurement strategy and execution for Robocraze, with a strong focus on managing China-based imports. This role leads a team of 5 Purchase Associates and 1 Logistics Associate, and is responsible for vendor management, pricing negotiation, order planning, quality control coordination, customs/import compliance, and on-time inventory availability — while continuously optimizing cost, lead time, and supplier reliability.
Key Responsibilities
Procurement Strategy & Vendor Management
- Identify, evaluate, and onboard new suppliers/manufacturers in China (and other regions as needed) to diversify and strengthen the supply base.
- Negotiate pricing, MOQs, payment terms, and contracts with international vendors to improve margins.
- Build and maintain strong long-term relationships with key Chinese suppliers/trading companies/sourcing agents.
- Conduct periodic vendor performance reviews (quality, pricing, lead time, responsiveness) and maintain a preferred-vendor scorecard.
Purchase Planning & Execution
- Forecast demand in coordination with Sales and Inventory teams; plan purchase orders (POs) to maintain optimum stock levels and avoid stockouts/overstocking.
- Review and approve POs raised by the Purchase Associates team.
- Track order status from PO placement through production, shipment, and delivery.
- Manage new product sourcing requests — identify suppliers, get samples, negotiate pricing, and finalize vendors.
Import, Logistics & Compliance
- Work closely with the Logistics Associate to plan shipments (sea/air), consolidate orders, and optimize freight costs.
- Ensure smooth customs clearance by coordinating documentation — commercial invoices, packing lists, bill of lading, HSN codes, import licenses, etc.
- Stay updated on import duties, GST, customs regulations, and any China-specific trade compliance requirements; ensure the team follows correct documentation practices.
- Coordinate with freight forwarders/CHA (Customs House Agents) to resolve shipment delays or clearance issues.
Quality & Risk Management
- Set up and enforce quality-check processes (pre-shipment inspection, sample approval) with suppliers to reduce defect/return rates.
- Identify supply chain risks (single-vendor dependency, price volatility, shipping delays, currency fluctuation) and build mitigation plans.
- Handle escalations related to defective shipments, short supply, or vendor disputes.
Team Leadership
- Manage, mentor, and develop a team of 5 Purchase Associates and 1 Logistics Associate — assign responsibilities (e.g., by product category or vendor cluster), set targets, and review performance.
- Build SOPs for purchase order processing, vendor communication, and shipment tracking to standardize the team's workflow.
- Conduct regular team reviews to track open POs, pending shipments, and pricing negotiations.
Reporting & Cost Control
- Track and report on key procurement KPIs: cost savings, lead time, on-time delivery %, order accuracy, and inventory turnover.
- Manage the purchase budget and work with Finance on import payments (T/T, LC), forex considerations, and vendor payment schedules.
- Provide management with regular MIS reports on purchase spend, category-wise cost trends, and supplier performance.
Required Skills & Qualifications
- Bachelor's degree in Business, Supply Chain, International Trade, or a related field (MBA preferred but not mandatory).
- 5+ years of experience in procurement/purchase management, with proven experience importing from China (electronics/hardware industry strongly preferred).
- Hands-on experience with international trade documentation, customs clearance, and Incoterms (FOB, CIF, EXW, etc.).
- Strong vendor negotiation skills and experience working with Chinese suppliers/trading companies (via Alibaba, 1688, trade fairs like Canton Fair, or sourcing agents).
- Working knowledge of import duties, GST on imports, and Indian customs procedures.
- Experience managing a team; ability to coach and structure the workload of purchase/logistics associates.
- Proficiency in MS Excel; experience with ERP or inventory management systems is a plus.
- Basic understanding of electronic components/robotics products is a strong advantage.
- Working knowledge of Mandarin is a plus, not mandatory.
- Strong communication, cross-time-zone coordination, and problem-solving skills.
Pay: From ₹50,000.00 per month
Benefits:
Work Location: In person
