Supply Chain Manager (Corporate) – Automotive

About This Role

Company Description Do you want to shape the world of tomorrow and work on innovative projects? Then you're a good fit for us! We are a global engineering group with 15,000 employees and 140 locations worldwide. With our services, we are driving the topics of energy efficiency, climate protection and decarbonization and developing tech industries into new dimensions.

The world of SEGULA Technologies Experts revolves around industries such as automotive, software, energy and life sciences. As an independent player, we support OEMs and suppliers with personal engineering services. Take advantage of new opportunities and take on exciting tasks and attractive positions with direct customer assignment.

Job Description Location: Dubai, UAE (with frequent travel to China)

Industry: Automotive / OEM / Aftermarket / Automotive Products

Level: Senior Leadership

Job Description Role Summary

We are seeking an experienced Corporate Supply Chain Manager to lead the end-to-end supply chain strategy across multiple business divisions, including automotive OEM programs, aftermarket and trading businesses, and high-end metal and car care products .

This strategic leadership role is responsible for defining global sourcing strategies, supplier governance, cost optimization, logistics coordination, and supply risk management across regions. A major focus of the position will be supplier sourcing and development in China , supported by a local China-based team responsible for supplier identification and on-ground execution.

The role operates at a corporate strategic level , while remaining closely involved in critical supplier decisions, OEM launches, and complex sourcing programs .

Key Responsibilities

Supply Chain Strategy & Governance

• Define and implement the corporate supply chain strategy aligned with the company’s multi-division business model (OEM, trading, aftermarket, and car care products).
• Establish standardized supply chain policies, sourcing frameworks, and governance models across business divisions.
• Define and monitor KPIs covering cost, quality, delivery, supplier performance, and supply risk.
• Drive continuous improvement initiatives across sourcing, logistics, and inventory management.

Strategic Sourcing & Supplier Development (China-Focused)

• Lead global sourcing strategy with a strong focus on China-based suppliers for automotive components, accessories, car care products, body parts, and related manufacturing.
• Manage supplier identification, qualification, and development in collaboration with China-based supply chain resources.
• Approve supplier selection strategies and supplier portfolios by product family and business segment (OEM vs trading).
• Conduct supplier capability assessments and factory audits covering quality systems, manufacturing capability, capacity, compliance, and commercial viability.
• Develop supplier improvement roadmaps supporting product development, cost reduction, and scalability.

Commercial Contracting & Cost Management

• Lead commercial negotiations and establish framework supply agreements including pricing models, payment terms, quality requirements, production capacity, and confidentiality terms.
• Ensure supplier contracts align with OEM program requirements, trading margins, and long-term business sustainability.
• Drive cost transparency, cost breakdown analysis, and continuous cost reduction initiatives.
• Monitor supplier commercial performance and implement corrective actions where necessary.

OEM Launch & Product Development Support

• Support OEM and customer program launches by ensuring supplier readiness, tooling timelines, and material availability.
• Track supplier project milestones and mitigate risks related to quality, capacity, or delivery.
• Collaborate closely with Engineering, Design, Quality, and Program teams during product development and industrialization phases.

Logistics, Inventory & Material Control

• Define and oversee inbound and outbound logistics strategies including shipping modes, routes, and lead-time optimization.
• Implement inventory control processes balancing service levels and working capital efficiency.
• Ensure proper material traceability, documentation, and audit processes are maintained.
• Monitor inventory accuracy, cycle counts, and physical audits in coordination with operations and finance teams.

Cross-Functional & Regional Coordination

• Act as the central supply chain interface between Engineering, Sales, Finance, Quality, Production, and R&D teams.
• Provide supply chain insights regarding cost feasibility, timelines, sourcing risks, and supplier capability.
• Coordinate closely with China-based supply chain resources to ensure alignment with corporate priorities.

Risk Management & Compliance

• Identify and mitigate supply chain risks including supplier dependency, capacity limitations, geopolitical exposure, and logistics disruptions.
• Develop contingency sourcing strategies for critical materials and components.
• Ensure compliance with applicable quality standards and regulatory requirements including ISO 9001:2015 where applicable.

Budgeting & Reporting

• Prepare and manage supply chain budgets, forecasts, and cost analyses.
• Monitor financial performance and initiate corrective actions where necessary.
• Provide structured reporting to senior management on supply chain performance, cost savings, and operational risks.

Qualifications Education

• Bachelor’s degree in Supply Chain Management, Mechanical Engineering, Electronics Engineering, or a related discipline.
• Master’s degree is considered an advantage.

Experience

• Proven experience in a senior supply chain leadership role within automotive OEMs, Tier-1 suppliers, automotive accessories, or equivalent manufacturing/trading environments.
• Strong expertise in strategic sourcing and supplier development in China, including supplier audits and commercial negotiations.
• Experience supporting OEM programs, aftermarket products, or traded automotive goods.
• Demonstrated ability to operate within multi-business, multi-region environments.

Additional Information Key Skills & Competencies

• Strong strategic sourcing and supplier negotiation capabilities.
• Deep understanding of automotive components, manufacturing processes, tooling, and supplier economics.
• Solid knowledge of logistics, inventory management, and supply chain risk management.
• Strong analytical mindset with the ability to drive data-driven decision making.
• Excellent leadership, communication, and cross-cultural collaboration skills.
• Ability to operate effectively in fast-paced and evolving business environments.

Travel Requirements

Frequent international travel is required, primarily to China and key supplier locations , depending on project and business needs.

Please note that only shortlisted candidates will be contacted