Rajath A S

Summary:

Supporting the Process Automation – Energy Division of ABB India (Blending & Formulation division) for the Asian and global market, handling end-to-end sourcing and procurement for mechanical and electrical components used in Oil Lubrication, Grease, Paint, and Pulp & Paper Plant Projects. Driving both project-based sourcing and strategic localization initiatives for cost, quality, and delivery improvements.

Key Responsibilities:

Project Sourcing:

• Collaborated with Sales, Bid & Proposal, and Project Management teams to define project scope and procurement needs.
• Released RFPs/RFQs and led cost evaluation using Total Cost of Ownership (TCO) and Should Costing models to establish realistic price benchmarks during negotiations.
• Applied Should Costing techniques to evaluate supplier quotations, understand cost drivers (material, machining, labor, overheads), and support design-to-cost discussions with engineering teams.
• Accountable for QDCFTSR (Quality, Delivery, Cost, Feature, Technology, Sustainability, Risk) across the supplier base.
• Developed and managed the supplier base, ensuring quality management, risk assessment, and performance evaluation in alignment with ABB standards
• Monitor project budgets & negotiate with Supplier to ensure cost efficiency Negotiated frame contracts, implemented ABB’s competitive bidding processes (e-auctions) including reverse, forward, and Japanese auction formats.
• Conducted supplier audits, including sustainability audits (SSBM), and managed risk and quality performance.
• Represented SCM in kickoff meetings and managed sourcing risks during project execution.
• Managed PR-to-PO cycles in SAP with full ownership of procurement timelines and compliance.

Strategic Sourcing:

• Partnered with ABB France’s global product & technology team to localize ABB products in India.
• Implemented APQP processes, participated in DFMEA, PFMEA, Control Plan, and Process Flow reviews.
• Executed and reviewed PPAP submissions, with suppliers, reviewing complete documentation including dimensional reports, Material certificates, QAP plans , process details, packaging process for critical components.
• Drove cost reduction and supply chain agility through vendor localization and dual sourcing strategies.

Key Sourcing Categories:

• Mechanical: All types of valves (ball, butterfly, knife edge), pumps (rotary, centrifugal, diaphragm), process Equipments like – Inline Homogenizers, Heat exchangers, pressure vessels,
• Skid System, Sheet metal components, fabricated items, pipe spools, machined components, castings, forgings. Flexible Hoses & bellows, Fasteners, Flanges & fittings, oil seals, O-rings mechanical seals.
• Electrical: PLC, SCADA, control panels, VFDs, Electrical motors, instrumentation (flow, temperature, pressure sensors),

Localization Achievements:

• Localized Pigging Valves & Pigging Elbows, achieving 34–40% cost savings.
• Developed skid system vendors in India with full in-house manufacturing capabilities.
• Supported localization of engineered components, achieving $10M+ cost savings and reducing lead times by 8 weeks.

Vendor Development & Audit:

• Developed 70+ vendor base across India; onboarded 5 key vendors for skid manufacturing and 5 for valve production.
• Conducted audits for QMS, EHS, Financial Risk, and led SSBM sustainability audits.

Cost Optimization & Spend Management:

• 2024 Spend: $45M | 2025 Target Spend: $70M
• Achieved 35% cost reduction through supplier consolidation, e-auctions, negotiation.
• Implemented VMI (Vendor Managed Inventory), saving $10M in inventory holding.
• Negotiated long-term rate contracts ensuring 6% cost avoidance.
• Developed alternative suppliers for high-value parts, achieving 12% cost reduction.

Team Management:

• Leading a 12-member sourcing team, overseeing vendor onboarding, qualification, buying, and logistics.
• Ensuring adherence to ABB's global SCM standards, KPIs, and sustainability goals.

Summary:

Supported the Process Technology Division at IKA India for the India, Bangladesh, and Sri Lanka markets by handling end-to-end sourcing, procurement, and supply chain activities. Collaborated with global headquarters (Germany) for product localization, cost optimization, and supply continuity while maintaining adherence to regulatory standards.

Key Responsibilities:

• Handled full-spectrum SCM operations: Strategic sourcing, supplier management (local & global), capacity/supply planning, warehousing, logistics, and contract manufacturing.
• Managed procurement of critical commodities: Precision machined parts, fabrications, castings, hazardous area electrical motors/controllers, and capex/opex items.
• Issued and evaluated RFQs/RFPs, negotiated pricing and terms, and ensured timely delivery aligned with project milestones.
• Conducted vendor assessments, developed alternative suppliers, and localized high-impact components.
• Led import operations ensuring full compliance with EXIM policies, tariffs, customs notifications, and documentation standards.
• Liaised with cross-functional teams (Design, Quality, Production, and Logistics) for resolving supplier queries and clarifying specifications.
• Extracted and analyzed open order reports via SAP, tracking delivery schedules, and escalating potential supply risks.
• Developed and monitored annual sourcing and logistics budgets, ensuring alignment with company cost targets and supply KPIs.

Summary:

Led sourcing and procurement of mechanical commodities for process equipment with an emphasis on pharmaceutical and hazardous area applications. Actively supported cross-functional sourcing projects, localization initiatives, and supplier development strategies in close coordination with HQ Germany.

Key Responsibilities:

• Sourced and procured SS machined parts, elastomers, mechanical seals, motors, valves, pumps, and fittings used in pharma-grade process systems.
• Worked on specialized components including aluminum extrusions, zinc die castings, plastic injection molded parts, investment castings, and rubber parts.
• Supported end-to-end NPI (New Product Introduction) and EPI (Existing Product Improvement) projects.
• Executed global sourcing and localization in partnership with German HQ for cost and lead-time optimization.
• Identified A/B/C-class items for better inventory control and ISO audit compliance.
• Conducted supplier quality audits, on-site capability assessments, and risk evaluations.
• Managed intercompany purchasing, blanket orders, and commercial documentation including NDAs, MSAs, and GPAs.
• Coordinated with cross-functional teams to ensure on-time dispatch, resolution of supplier queries, and specification alignment.

Tools, Processes & Compliance:

• SAP ERP: PO Management, MRP, Supplier Master, Inventory & Spend Reports
• Compliance: FDA, GMP, 21 CFR, ATEX, FLP
• Supplier management: SQA, audit coordination, performance tracking
• Market analysis for local/international commodity price trends
• Reporting: Monthly/Quarterly/Annual procurement and localization dashboards
• Strong documentation: RFQ/RFP generation, vendor agreements, and process traceability

Summary:

Contributed to multiple roles in product development, procurement, testing, and vendor management for industrial and agricultural pumps and motors. Played a key role in setting up testing infrastructure, sourcing components, and implementing cost-saving and inventory management initiatives.

Key Responsibilities:

Project Engineering & Testing:

• Designed and implemented a complete motor and pump testing setup using LabVIEW, a first-time initiative at IHP.
• Performed testing and validation for new product developments including various pump types and motors.

Sourcing & Procurement:

• Procured components for sludge pumps, sewage pumps, borewell pumps, and engine/electrically driven systems.
• Handled sourcing of castings, machined parts, fasteners, electrical items (copper cables, controllers), and fabricated structures.
• Developed and onboarded new suppliers (local and international), ensuring cost, quality, and delivery targets.
• Issued POs and work orders through ERP, negotiated pricing, and maintained MRP thresholds.
• Conducted physical inspections, stock audits, and monitored inventory min-max levels for critical items.

Product Development Support:

• Supported the selection of bearings, shaft materials, heat exchangers, and designed base frames for pump-motor assemblies.
• Collaborated closely with shop floor teams across fabrication, machining, assembly, and testing areas.
• Participated in costing exercises and product evaluations for new developments and custom applications.

Key Achievements:

• Implemented KANBAN inventory system for pump assembly, improving efficiency and material availability.
• Developed ATEX/FLP-compliant electrical controllers, approved for pharma and hazardous applications.
• Achieved 20% cost savings by localizing critical spares without compromising on quality, approved by German HQ.
• Successfully streamlined inventory management through quarterly audits and physical stock checks.
• Recognized with:
• Best Performer – Sourcing Department (2 consecutive years)
• Best Support Role – Inventory Management & ISO Audits.