Santosh Khot

About Santosh Khot

Strategic Quality Assurance and Supplier Development Leader with 21+ years of experience in the global automotive industry, delivering excellence across OEMs, Tier-1 suppliers, and complex manufacturing ecosystems. I specialize in driving zero-defect culture, enhancing supplier performance, and leading high-stakes new product launches with precision and speed.My career journey spans marquee programs like the C3 Electric Vehicle and Chevrolet Cruze, where I’ve led APQP/PPAP programs, implemented robust IATF 16949 frameworks, and transformed underperforming suppliers into high-value partners. As a certified Six Sigma Black Belt and BIQS/PCPA assessor, I combine deep technical expertise with strategic leadership to drive continuous improvement, risk mitigation, and measurable cost savings.Whether leading cross-functional teams, de-risking supplier networks, or driving VA/VE initiatives, I am passionate about delivering high-quality outcomes that fuel operational success and customer satisfaction. I thrive in collaborative environments where quality, innovation, and performance intersect—and I’m always open to connecting with professionals who share that vision.

Experience

1. Senior Manager -supplier Quality and Development

   Tata Consultancy Services

   Oct 2019 — Present · Pune, IN

   Delivering end-to-end quality assurance and supplier development leadership across multiple high-impact vehicle programs. Spearheading strategic supplier evaluations, early-stage risk mitigation, and seamless part introduction processes in collaboration with cross-functional teams across Engineering, Purchasing, and Manufacturing. Responsible for managing a broad commodity portfolio including Interior, Exterior, and Chassis systems, ensuring best-in-class quality benchmarks across the supply chain. Led comprehensive APQP and PPAP programs to meet aggressive vehicle launch timelines, achieving flawless SOPs and best-in-class quality metrics. Championed early supplier engagement and de-risking by incorporating lessons learned, DFMEA workshops, and manufacturability reviews during concept phases. Drove supplier performance improvements through systemic BIQS and PCPA audits, significantly uplifting low-performing vendors to global quality standards. Developed and executed supplier KPI frameworks including quality, delivery, cost, and service metrics—establishing transparent performance scorecards. Implemented robust 8D problem-solving methodologies and SCAP processes to eliminate recurring issues and elevate customer satisfaction. Orchestrated process qualifications, Poka-Yoke implementations, and process audits for complex and safety-critical components like airbags, seat systems, mirrors, and braking systems. Conducted supplier capacity analysis (Run@Rate), statistical process capability studies, and led continuous improvement projects using Six Sigma techniques. Recognized for launching India’s first electric SUV (C3 EV) on time and within quality targets, setting benchmarks for future Stellantis programs. Built a culture of accountability and growth by coaching internal and supplier teams, driving technical capability enhancement, and facilitating job rotation and development programs.

Education

• College of Enginnering , Amravati

  Bachelor of Engineering (B.E.)

  1997 — 2001

Skills

• Ts16949
• Supplier Quality
• Automotive
• Apqp
• Supplier Development
• Root Cause Analysis
• Spc
• Ppap
• Fmea
• Quality Auditing
• Gd&T