In this episode, we get real about a topic that doesn’t get nearly enough attention in automotive: the strain on supplier relationships. With tariffs, lead time cuts, and constant disruptions, the old “just send the RFQ and hope for the best” approach simply doesn’t hold up anymore.
That's where Supplier Relationship Management (SRM) comes in—and not just as a tool. We're talking about SRM as part of the procurement strategy.
Our guest, Achim Gatternig, Senior Manager for Procurement Projects at Magna, knows exactly what that looks like. He walks us through how Magna approaches Supplier Relationship Management (SRM) in a way that's built for today's supply chain challenges — and tomorrow's.
And it all starts early. Before the first quote request goes out, Magna teams are already narrowing down a fit-for-purpose list of suppliers. They're not just matching parts but aligning capabilities, volumes, and timelines to strategy. The goal? Fewer surprises, better results, and stronger long-term relationships.
But it's not just about smart planning—it's about real-time visibility. Achim shares how Magna gives suppliers monthly scorecards tracking quality, logistics, and delivery accuracy. It's not about policing—it's about creating conversations based on facts, not feelings.
And when crisis hits? That data becomes gold. Whether it's a tariff shift or a plant fire, SRM gives procurement leaders the clarity they need to act fast. Achim walks us through possible scenarios of how the right information at the right time could help companies avoid cost hits, move tooling, and re-strategize without chaos.
Of course, not everyone's on board. Achim gets candid about the challenges of pitching SRM to skeptical execs. His take? Show them what it costs to make decisions in the dark and then what's possible when you don't.
From pushing ESG requirements down the chain to spotting supplier risk with external data to using AI to manage information no human team could handle alone—Achim shows us what modern procurement leadership really looks like.
And his advice for anyone thinking about SRM? Don't overthink it. Just start. Pick the right system, make it fit your world, and give your team the clarity they'll need for whatever comes next.
Themes discussed in this episode:
- Why supplier relationship management is the hidden driver of procurement strategy
- How Magna leverages SRM to reduce risk and improve sourcing decisions
- Why SRM is no longer optional in automotive procurement
- How SRM tools help teams respond faster during supply chain disruptions
- Why early supplier alignment is more valuable than late-stage negotiation
- The real cost of not having supplier data when a crisis hit
- The need for a single, shared view of supplier data across teams
Featured on this episode:
Name: Achim Gatternig
Title: Senior Manager of Procurement at Magna International
About: Achim is Senior Manager of Procurement at Magna International, leading global procurement teams for complete vehicle manufacturing projects. With over 18 years at Magna, he’s held several key roles across the supply chain and procurement space, including Global Strategic Commodity Manager and Head of Tools and Data Management. Today, he oversees both project-based procurement teams and system administration for critical SCM applications like SRM. Achim is passionate about enabling supply chain teams to succeed—by guiding them...
