Sandeep Gadekar

• Lead product cost management activities and set target benchmarks for new vehicles.
• Built component should-cost models, enhancing effectiveness of supplier negotiations.
• Strategic sourcing product cost management for Exterior trims,Interior trims & NVH.
• Led analysis of make versus buy decisions for component sourcing and advised senior management on facilities needs, providing ongoing operational support.
• Developed tabletop business cases, securing senior management approval for strategic initiatives.

• Secured up to 4% annual commercial cost savings through strategic sourcing, commercial negotiations, and VA/VE execution.
• Cultivated relationships with 12 strategic suppliers while steering a cross-functional team of 5 members to align sourcing strategies with organisational goals.
• Led localization and import substitution initiatives for high-tech components, including Monostable Gear Shifter and Shift-by-Wire Actuator, enhancing supply chain resilience.
• Directly managed an annual procurement portfolio exceeding ₹1,200 Crores across key commodity clusters: • Exterior Trim: Bumpers, Bumper Liners, ORVM, Sealing Systems, Glass Run Channels • Interior Trim: Steering Wheels, Floor Consoles, Headliners, IRVM •
• Functional Systems (FSS): Fuel Lines, Monostable Gear Shifter, Shift-by-Wire Actuator, Frunk .

Developed exterior trim components for automotive applications, ensuring alignment with design specifications and regulatory standards.

• Designed interior trim elements, including pillar and door trims, to improve user experience and meet customer requirements.
• Gained hands-on experience in designing and developing automotive trim commodities, enhancing product aesthetics and functionality.

Role Description/ Responsibilities:

· Project and Resource management.

· Design Reviews with Internal customers.

· A-Surface analysis Packaging study & Master Section creation

· BOM creation.

· Tooling and Functional feasibility

· Mounting Scheme and Creation of B-side features ,GD & T.

· Applications of regulations.

Led design and development of trucks and buses cabin projects.

Served as design engineer for cabin trims, focusing on design and development.

Project Title: 1. Instrument cluster panel, Steering shroud/Nacelle Design & Development.

Conducted new instrument cluster visibility study in CATIA to optimise user experience.

Executed proto trials for cluster panels and shroud to validate design functionality.

4. Cabin Grab Handles Design & Development.

Performed CAD data conversion from manual and CATIA V4 to CATIA V5 for 1210 platform to enhance design accuracy.

Applied product lifecycle management skills within development processes and methodologies.

Utilised Catia V5 and MS Office software for design tasks.

Role:Design Engineer- Exterior Trims.

Role Description/ Responsibilities:

Conducted design reviews with internal customers to align product aesthetics and functionality.

Assessed tooling and functional feasibility for designs, ensuring manufacturability and compliance with project requirements.

Developed mounting schemes and created B-side features to optimise product integration and performance.

Skills used: Product Engineering, Compiled bill of materials for project components. & processes, Change Management, Product Development processes and methodologies, Presentation Skills, Design Reviews, Supplier reviews, CFT reviews.

Software Used: Catia V5, MS Office

Project Title: Design & Development of Front Bumper.

· A-Surface analysis, Packaging study & Master Section creation

· BOM

· Applications of regulations.

Assembled HVAC systems for Indica & Scorpio vehicles, contributing to production readiness and quality control.

· Assembly of HVAC system for Indica & Scorpio vehicles.

Executed quality assurance for HVAC dispatch to TATA Motors & Mahindra & Mahindra ltd., ensuring compliance with standards.

Collaborated with TATA Motors & Mahindra & Mahindra ltd. TCF line to resolve quality issues, enhancing operational effectiveness.

· Closely working with TATA Motors & Mahindra & Mahindra ltd. TCF line for resolving quality issues.

Conducted quality reviews at the assembly line to ensure awareness.

Close interaction with interface departments.