Open to opportunities

Venugopalakrishnan K

@venugopalakrishnank

Message

I lead global procurement, supplier risk, and resilient sourcing across complex automotive supply networks.

India

Message

What I'm looking for

I'm looking to lead global procurement, strategic sourcing, supplier-risk, and supply-resilience work where I can strengthen continuity, optimize cost, and develop high-performing teams.

I've led global procurement and supplier-management decisions for Ford vehicle programs including Ranger, Bronco, and Everest, managing approximately $55M in annual spend across four regions.

I deliver resilient Source-to-Pay operations by connecting sourcing, contracts, supplier performance, capacity assurance, and payment governance. I helped achieve roughly 3% year-over-year cost reductions through localization, value engineering, and commercial negotiations.

During supplier distress scenarios, I led rapid resourcing and tooling relocation across 20 suppliers with approximately $265M exposure, preventing production disruption across North American operations. I've also built supplier-risk governance and cross-functional war-room processes for real-time crisis decisions.

Now at Carrier Air-conditioning & Refrigeration, I lead a 10-member procurement and supply-chain team focused on material planning, inventory optimization, supplier performance, and uninterrupted production. My background also includes sourcing, supplier development, APQP/PPAP, quality, and launch readiness at Ashok Leyland, Daimler India Commercial Vehicles, and Hyundai Motor India.

Experience

Work history, roles, and key accomplishments

Current

Procurement Leader

Current

Carrier Air-conditioning & Refrigeration Limited

Aug 2026 - Present (1 month)

Lead a 10-member procurement and supply-chain team, driving material planning, inventory optimization, supplier performance, and on-time material availability to ensure uninterrupted production operations.

Procurement Supply Chain Management Material Planning Inventory Optimization Supplier Performance Risk Management

Global Purchasing Leader

Ford Motor Private Limited

Apr 2014 - Jul 2026 (12 years 3 months)

Owned global sourcing strategy and supply network design for key vehicle programs, managing ~$55M annual spend. Led supplier risk management, distressed supplier resourcing, and capacity assurance across global operations.

Strategic Sourcing Supplier Risk Management Supplier Resilience Capacity Assurance Cost Optimization Value Engineering Source To Pay Supplier Development APQP PPAP Power BI Qlik Sense

Manager (Strategic Sourcing)

Ashok Leyland Trucks

Sep 2012 - Apr 2014 (1 year 7 months)

Led sourcing for new-generation cabin programs, managing supplier selection, contracts, and ramp-up readiness. Oversaw part development cycle from proto to series production.

Strategic Sourcing Supplier Selection Contract Management Part Development PPAP Ramp Up

Manager (Supply Chain Management Quality)

Daimler India Commercial Vehicles

Jan 2009 - Aug 2012 (3 years 7 months)

Led supplier evaluation, APQP/PPAP execution, and production ramp-up across multiple truck platforms. Drove complete part development cycle with targeted quality and capacity.

Supplier evaluation APQP PPAP Production Ramp Up Part Development VDA

Asst. Manager – Supplier Quality Assurance

Hyundai Motor India Limited

Mar 2006 - Dec 2008 (2 years 9 months)

Managed supplier quality systems, process audits, and part development across multiple vehicle programs. Collaborated with Korean automotive specialists to develop a rubber molding process guide book.

Supplier Quality Process Audits Part Development Rubber Molding Quality Assurance