Procurement Lead, Direct Materials

Job Responsibilities

• Supervise the direct procurement team to ensure smooth daily operations and compliance with SLA and KPI targets, and effectively manage team performance.
• Oversee material planning for Green Channel item replenishment to meet inventory KPIs while ensuring continuity of supply.
• Lead strategic sourcing and manage the procurement process for direct materials and consumables used in production, ensuring alignment with cost objectives, quality standards, and regulatory requirements.
• Develop alternative vendors for critical materials and components to ensure supply continuity and mitigate supply chain risks.
• Conduct category management to identify cost-saving opportunities through vendor consolidation and the use of alternative materials or components.
• Leverage negotiation, analytical, and market research skills to drive value through cost reduction initiatives. Track and report KPIs related to cost savings, cost avoidance, on-time delivery (OTD), and efficiency improvements.
• Execute vendor management by building supplier profiles, conducting regular business reviews, and securing both short- and long-term pricing contracts and Master Supply Agreements (MSAs).
• Serve as the primary point of contact for negotiating and executing contracts and agreements in coordination with the legal team.
• Collaborate closely with production team to provide effective procurement support by understanding production processes, tracking changes in material consumption, and proactively addressing critical issues with urgency.
• Maintain active communication with suppliers of critical materials to stay updated on market conditions, ensure timely deliveries, and identify potential risks and opportunities.
• Work cross-functionally with quality, finance, and other departments to ensure procurement processes remain compliant with company policies and regulatory standards.
• Respond to internal and external audit challenges by providing complete and accurate procurement documentation and justifications.

Qualifications

• Bachelor’s degree or higher in Business, Supply Chain Management, Biology and Chemistry, or other related fields.
• 3-5 years of experience in procurement, strategic sourcing or planning of direct materials, preferably in the biotech or pharmaceutical industries.
• Demonstrated leadership through previous experience in people management or project management.
• Strong negotiation, analytical, and communication skills.
• Good knowledge of materials used in biotech/pharma production, including raw materials, consumables and packing materials.
• Ability to effectively communicate complex situations and demonstrate agility in identifying opportunities for cost reduction and problem-solving.
• Proficiency in ERP systems of SAP and S2P is a plus.