Supplier Development & Sourcing – Assistant Manager (China)

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.

Employment Type: Full-time

Location: China (based in China; frequent domestic travel)

Industry: Automotive / OEM / Aftermarket / Trading / Metal & Luxury Manufacturing

Level: Individual Contributor (execution ownership)

Language: Mandarin (native/fluency) + English (professional)

Job Description

Role Summary

The Supplier Development & Sourcing – Assistant Manager (China) is responsible for identifying, developing, and managing suppliers in China to support multiple business divisions, including automotive OEM programs, aftermarket and trading businesses, and high-end metal and luxury label manufacturing.

This role is the on-ground execution arm of the corporate Supply Chain function and reports functionally to the Supply Chain Manager / Head of Supply Chain (Corporate). The position focuses on supplier scouting, factory evaluations, supplier development, cost benchmarking, and supplier performance support.

Fluency in Mandarin is essential to engage effectively with suppliers and factory teams.

Key Responsibilities

Supplier Identification & Development

• Identify and shortlist potential suppliers in China aligned with defined product families and quality requirements (OEM and traded products).

• Conduct initial supplier screening, capability assessments, and site evaluations.

• Support supplier onboarding and development to meet quality, cost, and delivery expectations.

• Act as the primary local interface between suppliers and the corporate supply chain team.

Factory Evaluation & Audit Support

• Perform factory visits and audits covering manufacturing capability, capacity, quality systems, and compliance.

• Produce structured audit reports including findings, risks, and recommendations.

• Support corrective action planning and follow up with suppliers to closure.

• Monitor supplier readiness for new product introductions (NPI) and program launches.

Commercial & Cost Support

• Support commercial discussions by collecting cost structures, quotations, and feasibility inputs from suppliers.

• Assist in cost benchmarking and cost breakdown analysis.

• Ensure supplier quotations align with sourcing strategies and program requirements.

• Support contract implementation and supplier compliance once agreements are finalized by corporate.

Program & Launch Execution Support

• Track supplier milestones for tooling, sampling, validation, and production readiness.

• Coordinate with suppliers to ensure timely execution of development and launch activities.

• Escalate risks related to quality, capacity, or timelines to corporate leadership in a timely manner.

• Support troubleshooting during early production and launch phases.

Ongoing Supplier Performance Monitoring

• Monitor supplier performance across quality, delivery, responsiveness, and compliance.

• Support corrective actions and drive closure of supplier performance issues.

• Maintain updated supplier data, visit reports, and performance records.

Cross-Functional & Regional Coordination

• Coordinate with Engineering, Quality, and Supply Chain teams to support technical and operational requirements.

• Act as the local liaison between China-based suppliers and Dubai-based corporate teams.

• Ensure clear communication and accurate information flow across regions.

Documentation & Reporting

• Maintain accurate supplier documentation, audit records, and visit reports.

• Provide regular structured updates to the corporate Supply Chain lead on supplier status, risks, and opportunities.

• Support internal reporting and data requirements as defined by corporate.

Education

• Bachelor’s degree in Mechanical Engineering, Industrial Engineering, Supply Chain Management, or related field.

• Additional technical / quality training is a plus.

Experience

• 15+ years in supplier development, sourcing, or manufacturing support roles within automotive, automotive accessories, metal components, or related industries.

• Hands-on experience working directly with Chinese manufacturers and factory teams.

• Experience supporting OEM or customer-driven programs is strongly preferred.

Key Skills & Competencies

• Fluent in Mandarin Chinese (spoken and written); working proficiency in English required.

• Strong understanding of manufacturing processes and supplier capability assessment.

• Proven experience conducting factory visits and supporting audits.

• Ability to analyze supplier cost inputs and quotations.

• Strong organization, follow-up discipline, and attention to detail.

• Strong communicator able to bridge cultural and functional gaps.

• Comfortable operating independently in a fast-paced, execution-driven role.

Travel Requirements

• Frequent domestic travel within China to supplier locations.

• Occasional international travel as required for coordination or project support.

Reporting Line

• Functional reporting to Supply Chain Manager / Head of Supply Chain (Corporate).

• Close collaboration with Engineering, Quality, and Operations teams.

Please note that only shortlisted candidates will be contacted