Venkat Balakuntala

Experienced strategic supply chain leader with a strong background in global procurement, sourcing, contract negotiation, and operations management within the automotive industry. Known for developing and implementing innovative global commodity strategies, establishing supplier management policies, and mentoring subject matter experts and supplier specialists. Proven track record of leading high-performing cross-functional teams, fostering collaboration, and achieving impactful outcomes. Skilled in negotiating with executive leadership, managing multi-million-dollar budgets, and executing large-scale investments to strengthen supply chain resilience. Proficient at aligning organizational goals with market demands through continuous improvement initiatives and strategic supplier partnerships.

• Directed a cross-functional global team to execute the largest VAVE project for Model 3 and Model Y underbody, resulting in $88M annual savings by initiating crossmember re-design
• Designed and established the industry’s first Battery Structure Team, creating an agile team structure with expertise in program management, prototyping, roll forming, e-coating, and NVH.
• Built contract manufacturing for Aftermarket Body components and negotiated industry first manufacturing global facility by a leading International manufacturer and 2nd dedicated contract manufacturer for automotive aftermarket body components manufacturer in North America
• Established the supply base for Gigafactory Shanghai (2019) and Gigafactory Berlin (2022), supporting Model 3 and Model Y production, and negotiated with 2 multi-billion-dollar companies to build factories near Tesla Shanghai, reducing costs by 8%.
• Headed a design competition between steel and aluminum teams, achieving a cost-optimized bumper design that generated $26.5M in annual savings globally across 4 Tesla factories

Automation, Industrial Robotics, Motor, Gearbox, Sheet Metal, Injection Molding, Casting, Forging, Mechanical components,