Buying Analyst at Cummins Inc. in Hosur, Tamil Nadu, IN

The Strategic Sourcing / Procurement Specialist supports sourcing, localization, supplier management, commercial negotiations, and cost optimization activities for Cummins products. The role is responsible for analyzing supplier quotations, conducting should-cost and benchmarking analysis, developing sourcing strategies, managing supplier agreements, and identifying cost reduction opportunities while ensuring quality, delivery, compliance, and long-term supplier relationships.

Job Summary

The Strategic Sourcing / Procurement Specialist supports sourcing, localization, supplier management, commercial negotiations, and cost optimization activities for Cummins products. The role is responsible for analyzing supplier quotations, conducting should-cost and benchmarking analysis, developing sourcing strategies, managing supplier agreements, and identifying cost reduction opportunities while ensuring quality, delivery, compliance, and long-term supplier relationships. Key Responsibilities

• Manage supplier agreements, including Non-Disclosure Agreements (NDAs), purchasing agreements, and other commercial contracts.
• Lead sourcing and localization programs, ensuring timely execution and achievement of project milestones.
• Develop and evaluate should-cost models for castings, forgings, machined components, sheet metal, brake components, and proprietary parts.
• Prepare and evaluate tooling cost estimates for new product development and localization projects.
• Conduct raw material cost trend analysis, RM indexing, price benchmarking, and commercial analysis to support supplier negotiations.
• Lead commercial negotiations with suppliers and drive successful cost settlements while maintaining strong supplier relationships.
• Prepare and issue RFQs and evaluate supplier quotations using Total Cost of Ownership (TCO) and technical-commercial analysis.
• Analyze and benchmark BOM costs for complete vehicles, aggregates, and sub-systems to identify cost optimization opportunities.
• Identify and implement Value Analysis/Value Engineering (VA/VE) and cost reduction initiatives across commodities.
• Develop sourcing strategies, assess supplier capabilities, and support supplier selection and development.
• Monitor manufacturing technologies, cost drivers, market trends, and industry developments across commodities such as gears, castings, forgings, sheet metal, brake components, bearings, rubber, and seals.
• Manage procurement transactions and reporting using ERP systems such as SAP MM, JD Edwards, or Oracle.
• Ensure compliance with procurement policies, procedures, ethical sourcing practices, and applicable commercial requirements.
• Collaborate with Engineering, Quality, Manufacturing, Finance, Supply Chain, and Program Management teams to achieve sourcing and project objectives.
• Analyze sourcing data and market intelligence to identify process improvement and cost reduction opportunities.
• Maintain appropriate supplier, legal, and compliance documentation in applicable systems.
• Support supplier onboarding, vendor management, and procurement process improvement initiatives.

Responsibilities

Qualifications

• Bachelor's degree in Engineering, Supply Chain Management, Procurement, Business Administration, or a related field.
• A degree or specialization in Supply Chain, Procurement, Manufacturing, or related discipline is preferred.
• Additional qualifications in strategic sourcing, cost engineering, or supply chain management will be an advantage.

Skills & Experience

• Relevant experience in strategic sourcing, procurement, commodity management, cost engineering, or supplier management.
• Hands-on experience in should-cost analysis and cost estimation for manufacturing processes such as castings, forgings, machining, sheet metal, brake components, or proprietary parts.
• Strong understanding of manufacturing processes, tooling costs, raw material cost drivers, and supplier economics.
• Experience in RFQ management, supplier quotation analysis, cost benchmarking, and commercial negotiations.
• Knowledge of VA/VE, cost reduction, localization, and sourcing strategy development.
• Working knowledge of SAP MM, JD Edwards, Oracle, or similar ERP/procurement systems.
• Strong analytical and data interpretation skills with the ability to use cost and market data for business decisions.
• Understanding of Total Cost of Ownership (TCO) principles and supplier evaluation methodologies.
• Strong financial acumen and understanding of procurement cost structures.
• Excellent negotiation, communication, stakeholder management, and conflict-resolution skills.
• Ability to build effective relationships with suppliers and cross-functional teams.
• Strong project/program management skills with the ability to manage multiple priorities and deliver against timelines.
• High level of integrity and understanding of procurement ethics, policies, and compliance requirements.

Qualifications

Ability to work effectively in a global, cross-functional environment and adapt to changing business requirements.

About the Company

Cummins is an equal opportunity employer. Our policy is to provide equal employment opportunities to all qualified persons without regard to race, sex, color, disability, national origin, age, religion, union affiliation, sexual orientation, veteran status, citizenship, gender identity, or other status protected by law.