Lokesh Rao
Bengaluru
Summary
Dynamic Supply Chain Manager with a proven track record at Danfoss Industries, achieving significant cost savings and reducing lead times by 20%. Expert in ERP systems and risk analysis, fostering cross-functional collaboration to support new product development and enhance supply chain resilience.
Overview
1
1
Certification
27
27
years of professional experience
Work History
Supply Chain Manager
New Space Research and Technology Private Limited
Bangalore
11.2024 - Current
- Achieved a 20% reduction in lead times for critical components through strategic supplier negotiations.
- Managed comprehensive supply chain operations, including procurement, logistics, and vendor relations.
- Cultivated partnerships with suppliers, ensuring timely delivery of high-quality components.
- Worked closely with R&D and engineering teams to synchronize supply chain initiatives with project timelines.
- Analyzed supply chain metrics to identify and implement improvement paths.
- Directed risk assessments and developed contingency plans to protect critical supply lines.
- Implemented ERP systems, streamlining order processing and inventory management.
- Ensured adherence to export controls, quality standards, and audit protocols.
Strategic Procurement Manager
Dansfoss Industries PVT LTT- Heat Exchanger Division
Vadodara
03.2020 - 11.2024
- Key Result Area
- Key Responsibilities:
- Led strategic sourcing and procurement operations for the Heat Exchanger division, focusing on cost optimization, supplier performance, and long-term sourcing strategies.
- Developed and executed category strategies for direct and indirect materials, optimizing sourcing for metals, brazing components, and specialized manufacturing parts.
- Conducted supplier evaluations, audits, and negotiations to ensure quality, reliability, and cost-effectiveness across the global supply base.
- Collaborated with global procurement teams, engineering, and manufacturing to synchronize procurement activities with product development and production schedules.
- Implemented cost reduction initiatives through value engineering, alternate sourcing, and supply chain localization to enhance overall procurement efficiency.
- Utilized SAP and procurement analytics tools for spend analysis, forecasting, and reporting to support data-driven decision-making.
- Ensured compliance with global sourcing policies, quality standards, and Danfoss sustainability goals.
- Key Achievements:
- Achieved X% cost savings in key raw materials through strategic supplier negotiations and localization initiatives.
- Successfully onboarded new suppliers aligned with Danfoss's quality and sustainability criteria.
- Contributed to the on-time launch of multiple new product lines by ensuring uninterrupted supply of critical components.
- Key Achievements:
- Reduced lead time for critical components by 20% through supplier re-alignment and negotiation.
Manager Materials
Verdes Clay and Mineral Equipment's PVT LTD
Tamil Nadu
10.2015 - 03.2020
- Managed supplier relationships, negotiating terms to achieve cost, quality, and lead-time targets.
- Implemented MRP and just-in-time strategies, reducing excess inventory and minimizing holding costs.
- Oversaw material management functions for heavy clay and mineral processing equipment, including procurement and logistics.
- Coordinated with engineering and production teams to align material requirements with project timelines.
- Developed inventory records ensuring timely availability of raw materials and components.
- Supervised warehouse operations, optimizing layout and storage systems for improved material flow.
- Ensured compliance with regulatory requirements for logistics and customs clearance processes.
- Achieved x% reduction in inventory holding costs through improved planning and supplier collaboration.
Senior Executive- Global Sourcing
Danfoss Industries PVT LTD- Commercial Compressor Division
Bangalore, Chennai
06.2008 - 09.2015
- Defined overarching goals for sourcing initiatives to align with corporate strategy.
- Developed and onboarded new global suppliers aligned with Danfoss's strategic sourcing roadmap, enhancing cost reduction, risk mitigation, and supply chain resilience.
- Managed global sourcing activities for key components and raw materials used in commercial compressors, ensuring cost-effectiveness, quality, and timely supply.
- Negotiated commercial terms, contracts, and long-term agreements with international suppliers in Asia, Europe, and North America.
- Led cost-saving initiatives through localization, alternate sourcing, and supply chain optimization efforts.
- Coordinated cross-functional teams of engineering, quality, logistics, and regional sourcing to facilitate new product development (NPD) and value engineering projects.
- Conducted market analysis, supplier benchmarking, and Total Cost of Ownership (TCO) evaluations to support data-driven sourcing decisions.
- Key Achievements:
- Achieved X% cost savings through strategic negotiations and supplier development programs.
- Supported successful launch of multiple compressor platforms by ensuring timely sourcing and validation of critical components.
- Reduced lead times and improved supplier delivery performance through proactive engagement and continuous improvement efforts.
Purchase Manager
Batliboi SPM PVT LTD
Bangalore
01.2006 - 05.2008
- Managed end-to-end purchasing of mechanical, electrical, and automation components for custom-built machines.
- Maintained vendor relationships and developed new sources for critical, long-lead items to enhance supply chain resilience.
- Achieved cost savings by identifying alternate suppliers and optimizing purchasing strategies.
- Monitored inventory levels and implemented planning strategies, preventing shortages and overstocking to support production continuity.
- Coordinated with design, production, and stores teams to ensure timely material availability per BOM specifications.
- Ensured timely follow-up on deliveries and resolved procurement issues, preventing production delays and maintaining workflow efficiency.
- Utilized ERP systems for purchase tracking, reporting, and vendor performance evaluation.
Technical in Material Department
Avsarala Automation PVT LT
Bangalore
01.2003 - 12.2005
- Achieved successful approval of materials in critical defense and nuclear sector projects.
- Contributed to high-precision automation material development for nuclear and defense systems.
- Collaborated with design and R&D teams to identify and define application-specific material requirements.
- Sourced and selected raw materials and alloys to meet project specifications while ensuring compliance with environmental guidelines.
- Supported testing and validation processes, contributing to thorough documentation aligned with project selection criteria.
- Maintained comprehensive technical records to enhance material selection strategies.
- Identified cost-effective alternatives, reducing expenses while maintaining performance integrity.
Quality Engineer
Precision Components
Bangalore
01.2000 - 12.2003
- Conducted in-process and final inspections of precision-machined components, ensuring compliance with engineering drawings and quality standards to uphold product integrity.
- Interpreted technical drawings, GD&T, and specifications for dimensional and visual inspection.
- Used measuring instruments like Vernier calipers, micrometers, height gauges, and CMM for accurate inspection and quality assurance.
- Collaborated with production and design teams to address quality issues, implementing corrective and preventive actions (CAPA) that improved overall product quality.
- Reduced customer complaints by X% through improved inspection processes.
- Played a key role in quality planning for new product development and process validation.
- Defined primary focus areas for performance evaluation
Education
Diploma - Mechanical
Bangalore University
Bengaluru01-1999
Skills
- Supply chain management
- Procurement strategies
- Vendor management
- Demand forecasting
- Demand planning
- Supply risk analysis
- New product sourcing
- ERP systems
- Cross-functional collaboration
Certification
- Vendor Development Programme
- Strategic Cost Reduction For Manufacturing Companies
- 7QC Tools
Languages
Hindi, Kannada, English, Tamil, Marathi
Hobbies
- Reading books on leadership innovation and personal growth
- Traveling and exploring different cultures
- Playing team sports like cricket and badminton
Timeline
Supply Chain Manager
New Space Research and Technology Private Limited
11.2024 - Current
Strategic Procurement Manager
Dansfoss Industries PVT LTT- Heat Exchanger Division
03.2020 - 11.2024
Manager Materials
Verdes Clay and Mineral Equipment's PVT LTD
10.2015 - 03.2020
Senior Executive- Global Sourcing
Danfoss Industries PVT LTD- Commercial Compressor Division
06.2008 - 09.2015
Purchase Manager
Batliboi SPM PVT LTD
01.2006 - 05.2008
Technical in Material Department
Avsarala Automation PVT LT
01.2003 - 12.2005
Quality Engineer
Precision Components
01.2000 - 12.2003
Diploma - Mechanical
Bangalore University