Escorts Kubota Limited is Hiring Strategic Sourcing Assistant Manager at Faridabad – Career, Salary & Interview Guide

Escorts Kubota Limited, one of India’s most respected engineering and automotive manufacturing organizations, is inviting applications for the position of Strategic Sourcing Assistant Manager at its Faridabad location. This opportunity is ideal for procurement and sourcing professionals with strong exposure to forging commodities, cost management, and claim settlement, especially those who have worked in the tractor or automobile OEM sector.

This article provides complete details about the job role, company background, required skills, career growth, salary expectations, and 10 important interview questions with answers to help candidates prepare confidently.

About Escorts Kubota Limited

Escorts Kubota Limited is a leading multinational engineering company formed through the strategic partnership between Escorts Group (India) and Kubota Corporation (Japan). The company operates across agriculture machinery, construction equipment, railway equipment, and automotive components.

With a strong legacy of innovation, quality, and operational excellence, Escorts Kubota has established itself as a key player in the tractor and automotive OEM ecosystem, both in India and globally. The company follows world-class sourcing, cost optimization, and supplier development practices, making it an ideal workplace for procurement professionals looking for long-term growth.

Job Overview: Strategic Sourcing Assistant Manager

Key Job Details

• Position: Strategic Sourcing – Assistant Manager
• Location: Faridabad, Haryana
• Experience Required: 4+ Years
• Industry Preference: Tractor / Automobile OEM
• Employment Type: Full-Time, Permanent

Escorts Kubota Limited is hiring a Strategic Sourcing Assistant Manager to strengthen its sourcing operations, particularly in forging commodities. The role plays a critical part in cost control, supplier performance, claim settlement, and overall procurement strategy.

Core Responsibilities of Strategic Sourcing Assistant Manager

The selected candidate will be responsible for managing strategic sourcing activities aligned with cost, quality, delivery, and risk objectives.

1. Handle sourcing and development of forged components

• Handle sourcing and development of forged components
• Evaluate suppliers based on capability, quality, cost, and delivery
• Develop long-term sourcing strategies for forging categories

2. Costing & Cost Reduction

• Perform should-cost analysis and cost breakdowns
• Drive cost optimization initiatives through VA/VE
• Support annual cost reduction and budgeting targets

3. Claim Settlement

• Manage commercial claims related to quality, shortages, and price variances
• Coordinate with suppliers, quality, and finance teams
• Ensure timely closure and documentation of claims

4. Supplier Relationship Management

• Conduct supplier reviews and performance evaluations
• Support supplier audits and development programs
• Maintain strong professional relationships with key vendors

5. Cross-Functional Coordination

• Work closely with Engineering, Quality, Production, and Finance teams
• Support new product development (NPD) sourcing activities
• Ensure alignment with internal SOPs and procurement policies

Required Skills & Competencies

To succeed in this role, candidates should possess a blend of technical procurement knowledge and strong stakeholder management skills.

Mandatory Skills

• Strong knowledge of forging commodities
• Sound understanding of costing & price negotiations
• Experience in claim settlement processes
• Familiarity with OEM sourcing practices

Additional Skills

• Supplier negotiation & contract management
• Cost breakdown & benchmarking
• Problem-solving and analytical thinking
• Good communication and coordination skills
• Exposure to ERP/SAP procurement modules (preferred)

Preferred Candidate Profile

• Minimum 4+ years of experience in strategic sourcing or procurement
• Experience in tractor or automobile OEM industry
• Hands-on exposure to forging parts sourcing
• Ability to work in a fast-paced manufacturing environment
• Strong ownership mindset and result orientation

Career Growth at Escorts Kubota Limited

Joining Escorts Kubota as a Strategic Sourcing Assistant Manager opens doors to long-term career growth in procurement leadership roles such as:

• Strategic Sourcing Manager
• Commodity Head – Forging
• Supply Chain Manager
• Global Sourcing Specialist

The company emphasizes continuous improvement, cost leadership, and supplier innovation, offering professionals exposure to global best practices and Japanese manufacturing philosophies.

Salary & Benefits

• Salary: Competitive, as per industry standards and experience

• Benefits Include:

• Performance-linked incentives
• Learning & development programs
• Stable work environment in a reputed OEM
• Long-term career progression

Location Advantage: Faridabad

Faridabad is a major industrial hub in NCR with excellent connectivity to Delhi, Gurugram, and Noida. Working at Escorts Kubota’s Faridabad facility provides exposure to large-scale OEM operations and advanced manufacturing ecosystems.

How to Apply

Interested and eligible candidates can share their updated resume at:

📧 Email: simran.varshney@escortskubota.com

Tip: Mention “Strategic Sourcing – Assistant Manager” in the subject line for faster shortlisting.

Interview Questions & Answers

Strategic Sourcing Assistant Manager – Escorts Kubota Limited

1. What experience do you have in forging commodity sourcing?

Answer:
I have hands-on experience in sourcing forged components including supplier selection, cost negotiation, and development. I’ve worked closely with forging vendors to improve quality, reduce cost, and ensure timely deliveries while meeting OEM standards.

2. How do you perform costing and price analysis?

Answer:
I use should-cost models, raw material index tracking, process cost analysis, and benchmarking. This helps in validating supplier quotes and identifying cost-reduction opportunities.

3. What is your approach to claim settlement with suppliers?

Answer:
I follow a structured approach—validating the claim with data, coordinating with quality and production teams, negotiating commercially with suppliers, and ensuring proper documentation and timely closure.

4. How do you manage supplier relationships?

Answer:
By maintaining transparency, conducting regular performance reviews, and engaging suppliers in improvement initiatives. A collaborative approach ensures long-term partnerships and mutual growth.

5. Explain VA/VE in sourcing.

Answer:
VA/VE focuses on improving product value by reducing cost without affecting quality or function. This may involve design changes, alternate materials, or process optimization with suppliers.

6. How do you handle price negotiations?

Answer:
I prepare using cost data, market trends, and volume projections. I aim for win-win negotiations that ensure competitiveness while maintaining supplier sustainability.

7. What ERP systems have you used?

Answer:
I have worked on SAP MM for purchase orders, vendor management, price updates, and sourcing analytics.

8. How do you handle supply risks in forging commodities?

Answer:
By dual sourcing, maintaining safety stock strategies, monitoring supplier capacity, and proactively identifying risks related to raw material or capacity constraints.

9. Why do you want to join Escorts Kubota Limited?

Answer:
Escorts Kubota is a respected OEM with strong sourcing practices and global exposure. It offers an excellent platform to grow in strategic procurement and contribute to cost leadership initiatives.

10. How do you align sourcing strategy with business goals?

Answer:
By aligning cost, quality, delivery, and risk management objectives with overall business strategy, ensuring sourcing decisions support long-term organizational goals.

The Strategic Sourcing Assistant Manager role at Escorts Kubota Limited is a high-value opportunity for procurement professionals looking to grow within a reputed tractor and automobile OEM. With exposure to forging commodities, cost leadership initiatives, and supplier development, this role offers both stability and career acceleration.

📩 Apply now and take the next step in your strategic sourcing career!