Prasad Yogananda
Regional Cluster Manager- NPM Purchasing APAC
Bangalore
Summary
Procurement leader with 20+ years of experience in strategic sourcing, NPM (indirect procurement), and category management across automotive and industrial sectors. Currently leading regional procurement across APAC, managing multi-million-dollar spend and driving end-to-end procurement strategy, supplier performance management, and contract negotiation. Proven track record of delivering cost savings through supplier consolidation, localization, and data-driven sourcing decisions. Experienced in stakeholder management, KPI-driven procurement, and leading cross-functional teams to improve supply reliability and cost efficiency. Strong focus on procurement digital transformation, automation, and eSourcing tools, with a commitment to compliance, governance, and sustainable supplier practices.
Overview
21
21
years of professional experience
4
4
Languages
Work History
Regional Cluster Manager - NPM Purchasing APAC (Excluding China)
Continental (ContiTech) India Pvt. Ltd.
06.2025 - Current
- Managing regional NPM spend across APAC and delivering cost savings through strategic sourcing and supplier optimization.
- Managed and developed regional team of buyers and category managers across APAC locations.
- Defined and executed regional procurement strategy aligned with global sourcing objectives.
- Delivered sourcing projects through RFQ/RFP, tendering, and supplier selection across key NPM categories.
- Reduced supplier base by ~20% through consolidation, improving cost competitiveness and efficiency.
- Strengthened SRM for key suppliers, improving quality, sustainability, and long-term performance.
- Increased contract coverage by ~30% through framework agreements and rate contracts.
- Implemented KPI-driven procurement, improving supplier performance and cost tracking.
- Ensured compliance with procurement policies, governance, and business conduct standards.
Chief Manager- Project Purchasing
Continental Automotive India Pvt. Ltd.
01.2024 - 05.2025
- Managed end-to-end sourcing lifecycle for automotive products from concept to production.
- Led sourcing for ECUs, TPMS, and HPC systems across global programs.
- Delivered cost savings of ~5-7% through sourcing strategies and supplier negotiations.
- Protected product P&L through cost reduction and supplier optimization initiatives.
- Mentored global teams, improving sourcing process adoption and efficiency.
- Achieved annual KPIs including price negotiations and purchasing cost improvements.
Senior Manager- Project Purchasing
Continental Automotive India Pvt. Ltd.
01.2019 - 12.2023
- Led sourcing for Electronics and electromechanical categories across global projects.
- Developed category strategies driving cost reduction and supplier performance improvement.
- Implemented supplier evaluation tools, reducing risk and improving sourcing decisions.
- Collaborated with global stakeholders to support product launches and cost targets.
- On Deputation to Toulouse, France (July'2021–Jan'2022) - Worked on global Tire Information Systems projects
Manager- Plant Purchasing
Continental Automotive India Pvt. Ltd.
11.2015 - 12.2018
- Managed purchasing activities (Worth around 30Mio Eur) during series production to ensure smooth operations.
- Supported category strategies for electronics and electromechanical components.
- Handled annual price negotiations in coordination with global teams.
- Sourcing of electronic and electro-mechanical components.
- Managed annual contracts and tooling activities.
Senior Engineer- Purchase
John Crane Sealings Systems India Pvt Ltd
11.2012 - 11.2015
- Managed imports and domestic material flow to ensure on-time delivery for production.
- Analyzed annual spend and worked on cost reduction for high-value items.
- Handled negotiations and supplier audits for assigned categories.
- Established long-term supplier contracts and improved supplier performance.
- Improved supplier performance in quality, lead time, and inventory reduction.
- Led critical negotiations with suppliers, securing high-quality materials at more favorable cost.
Sourcing Engineer
ALSTOM T&D India Ltd
11.2010 - 11.2012
- Developed efficient and cost-effective supply chain processes through strategic sourcing and ERP usage.
- Ensured timely creation of purchase orders and material availability in SAP.
- Conducted supplier performance evaluation (QCD) and issued annual vendor ratings.
- Finalized commercial terms and contracts with suppliers and monitored cost trends.
- Led negotiations, process audits, and capacity assessments for suppliers.
- Worked with global category teams to align on sourcing strategy and cost targets.
- Evaluated suppliers and identified alternate sources to ensure supply continuity.
- Led cost reduction initiatives in collaboration with cross-functional teams.
- (Now GE Grid Solutions)
Materials Planning Engineer
Kirloskar Electric Company Ltd
05.2005 - 11.2010
- Managed materials planning and procurement to support production.
- Assisted in new product development efforts by providing input on material availability and sourcing strategies.
- Supported Annual Operating Plan (AOP) targets.
- Analyzed spend data from SAP to identify cost-saving opportunities.
- Managed RFQs, pricing, purchase orders, and supplier follow-ups.
- Procured long lead-time items like fabrication, machining, castings, and stampings.
- Improved supplier performance in quality, lead time, and inventory.
Education
Leadership in Artificial Intelligence -
Indian School of Business
Bangalore01-2024
Graduate degree - Mechanical Engineering
Dr. Ambedkar Institute of Technology
Bangalore, India01-2004
Skills
Strategic Sourcing & Category Management
NPM / Indirect Procurement
Supplier Development & SRM
Cost Optimization & Negotiation
Procurement Digitalization
Global Stakeholder Management
Project & Program Management in purchasing
Team Leadership & Cross-functional Collaboration
Accomplishments
- Delivered $4M+ cost savings over 5 years through localization and supplier optimization.
- Reduced component costs by 5–8% annually across electronics and mechanical categories.
- Built 20+ new suppliers for PCBs, connectors, and raw materials to improve supply stability.
Interests
Photography, Running, Bird watching, Trekking
Timeline
Regional Cluster Manager - NPM Purchasing APAC (Excluding China)
Continental (ContiTech) India Pvt. Ltd.
06.2025 - Current
Chief Manager- Project Purchasing
Continental Automotive India Pvt. Ltd.
01.2024 - 05.2025
Senior Manager- Project Purchasing
Continental Automotive India Pvt. Ltd.
01.2019 - 12.2023
Manager- Plant Purchasing
Continental Automotive India Pvt. Ltd.
11.2015 - 12.2018
Senior Engineer- Purchase
John Crane Sealings Systems India Pvt Ltd
11.2012 - 11.2015
Sourcing Engineer
ALSTOM T&D India Ltd
11.2010 - 11.2012
Materials Planning Engineer
Kirloskar Electric Company Ltd
05.2005 - 11.2010
Graduate degree - Mechanical Engineering
Dr. Ambedkar Institute of Technology
Leadership in Artificial Intelligence -
Indian School of Business