Akash Raskar
Procurement I Purchase
Pune
Summary
Strategic sourcing and procurement leader with over 12 years of experience in the automotive and engineering industries, specializing in commodities including casting, forging, machining, sheet metal, plastic, rubber, proprietary parts, and fasteners. Demonstrated expertise in commodity management, program leadership, and cost optimization across global supply chains. Proficient in leading cross-functional teams to drive supplier development and achieve significant financial results. Recognized for innovative sourcing processes and recipient of multiple awards for excellence in the field.
Overview
13
13
years of professional experience
3
3
Certifications
Work History
Purchase Lead
Punch Powertrain
Pune
07.2023 - Current
- Purchase Lead – All Commodities | Dual Clutch Transmission (DCT)
- Scope: ₹193 Cr annual procurement budget; leading a 12-member team; global sourcing across India, Europe, and China.
- Directed sourcing strategy for Dual Clutch Transmission (DCT) programs, aligning procurement with engineering and production timelines.
- RFQ handling, negotiation, supplier onboarding for commodities - casting, forging, machining, sheet metal, rubber, plastic, proprietary parts, fasteners, etc.
- Developed a 5-year commodity roadmap for casting, forging, sheet metal, and machining, contributing to a 15% cost reduction over 3 years.
- Led supplier risk assessments and implemented dual sourcing for critical components, reducing supply chain disruptions by 40%.
- Managed a team of 12 procurement professionals, including commodity buyers, project buyers, and series buyers.
- Conducted weekly sourcing reviews with cross-functional teams (R&D, Quality, Finance, and Manufacturing) to ensure alignment and issue resolution.
- Mentored team members through a Procurement Academy, improving negotiation and analytics capabilities.
- Launched three prototype builds and ensured 100% supplier readiness for series production.
- Reduced sourcing lead time by 25% through early supplier involvement and digital RFQ tools.
- Implemented e-sourcing platforms for real-time bidding and RFQ automation, improving cycle time by 30%.
- Negotiated long-term agreements (LTAs) with over 20 strategic suppliers, locking in favorable pricing and service levels.
- Improved working capital by ₹22 Cr through payment term renegotiation, and inventory optimization.
- Contributed to a 3.5% EBITDA improvement through strategic sourcing and cost control initiatives.
Buyer
Skoda Volkswagen India
Pune
01.2019 - 07.2023
- Procurement Specialist – Buyer (BIW)
- Handled procurement for four major vehicle platforms: KUSHAQ, TAIGUN, SLAVIA, and VIRTUS.
- Delivered ₹28 Cr in cost savings over four years through strategic sourcing and localization.
- Implemented dual sourcing for critical components, reducing supply risk by 40%.
- Onboarded 15+ new suppliers, achieving 20% localization, and cutting lead times by 30%.
- Negotiated LTAs with 10 key suppliers, locking in favorable pricing and service levels.
- Built long-term supplier relationships with vendors to establish quality and competitive pricing.
- Collaborated with internal stakeholders to understand their needs, ensuring accurate product specifications were met in all purchases.
Procurement Specialist
Hema Endustri (Hattat Turkish Group)
Pune
05.2017 - 01.2019
- Buyer: Casting, Forging, Machining, Sheet Metal.
- RFQ handling, supplier negotiation, and onboarding from sampling to series.
- Managed sourcing for hydraulic lift and 4WD transmission components worth ₹45 Cr annually.
- Reduced procurement costs by 12% through value engineering and supplier consolidation.
- Developed a supplier base across India and Turkey, improving delivery performance by 35%.
- Led the RFQ and contract finalization for 50+ components, ensuring the project timeline.
- Managed risk effectively by establishing contingency plans for potential disruptions in supply chains or market fluctuations affecting pricing structures.
- Conducted market research to identify new suppliers, keeping abreast of industry trends and best practices in procurement management.
Business Development Foundry
Sriniwas Engineering & Auto Components
Pune
11.2014 - 05.2017
- Business Development at Casting Foundry business
- Spearheaded sourcing for Kubota Engine programs across Thailand, the USA, and Japan.
- Achieved ₹18 Cr in new business wins through strategic supplier engagement.
- Reduced component costs by 10% via clean-sheet costing and alternate sourcing.
- Handled commercial settlements for over 100 RFQ's, ensuring timely delivery and cost control.
- Provided actionable insights based on data-driven analysis, enabling informed decision-making across all levels of the organization.
Business Development Casting and Machining
Kirloskar Ferrous Industries Ltd.
Pune
09.2012 - 10.2014
- Procurement Executive – New Business
- Led negotiations for new business worth ₹12 Cr, securing competitive pricing and terms.
- Supported strategic sourcing initiatives that improved EBITDA by 2.5%.
- Conducted supplier audits and evaluations for 30+ vendors, enhancing compliance and quality.
Education
Bachelor's Degree - Mechanical Engineering
PES Modern College of Engineering
Pune08.2011
Certification
Volkswagen Certified Leadership Skills
Accomplishments
- Chairman’s Award – Speed in Sourcing
- Employee of the Quarter – Sourcing Process Innovation
- Delivered 15% cost reduction over 3 years via strategic sourcing roadmap
- Reduced supply risk by 40% through global dual-sourcing strategy
- Built Power BI dashboards for procurement KPIs and analytics
- Improved EBITDA by 3.5% through sourcing and working capital optimization
- Freed up ₹22 Cr in cash flow via payment term renegotiation and inventory optimization
Leadership & Collaboration
- Mentored a team of 12 procurement professionals
- Launched a Procurement Academy for upskilling in negotiation and analytics
- Led cross-functional workshops with R&D, Finance, Quality, and Operations
Disclaimer
I hereby declare that the information provided above is true and correct to the best of my knowledge and belief. Signature Akash Raskar
Timeline
Purchase Lead
Punch Powertrain
07.2023 - Current
Buyer
Skoda Volkswagen India
01.2019 - 07.2023
Procurement Specialist
Hema Endustri (Hattat Turkish Group)
05.2017 - 01.2019
Business Development Foundry
Sriniwas Engineering & Auto Components
11.2014 - 05.2017
Business Development Casting and Machining
Kirloskar Ferrous Industries Ltd.
09.2012 - 10.2014
Bachelor's Degree - Mechanical Engineering
PES Modern College of Engineering
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