Lead Procurement Engineer

Lead Procurement (Pharmaceuticals)
Experience
8+ years of experience in Pharmaceutical Procurement / Supply Chain with strong exposure to regulated markets (US / EU / ROW). Middle level managerial experience required in global sourcing, vendor ecosystems, and strategic procurement in API, formulation, or CDMO-driven environments.

Education
B.Pharm / B.E. Chemical / M.Pharm / M.Sc. with MBA in Supply Chain / Operations preferred.

Role Summary
Deputy Manager - Procurement is a middle level strategic role responsible for end-to-end procurement across direct and indirect categories including APIs, excipients, packaging materials, MRO, CAPEX, and critical services.
The role ensures uninterrupted supply for R&D and manufacturing while driving cost optimization, supplier excellence, regulatory compliance, and supply chain risk mitigation across global markets.
This position acts as a key business partner to R&D, Manufacturing, QA/Regulatory Affairs, Supply Chain, Finance, and Legal, enabling successful product development, technology transfer, and commercialization in a highly regulated environment.

Reporting to Head Project Management Officer ,would be required to work closely with PMO.

Key Responsibilities

1. Strategic Sourcing & Category Management

• Develop and execute global procurement strategies across direct (APIs, excipients, packaging) and indirect categories (MRO, IT, services, CAPEX).
• Build long-term category roadmaps aligned with business and pipeline requirements.
• Drive global sourcing optimization across US/EU/ROW markets to balance cost, quality, and supply risk.
  2. Supplier Management & Qualification
• Identify, evaluate, and onboard global suppliers including CMOs, CDMOs, CROs, and raw material vendors.
• Conduct supplier audits and ensure compliance with GMP, GLP, ISO, and regulatory requirements (FDA/EMA/WHO).
• Develop robust supplier base with dual sourcing and risk mitigation for critical materials.

3. Contracting & Commercial Negotiation

• Lead high-value commercial negotiations and long-term contract finalization in coordination with Legal.
• Establish SLAs, framework agreements, and strategic supplier partnerships.
• Drive supplier consolidation and preferred vendor programs to maximize value.

4. Cost Optimization & Financial Governance

• Deliver cost savings through benchmarking, reverse engineering, alternate sourcing, and volume consolidation through close coordination with reporting manager.
• Manage procurement budgets and support working capital optimization through payment terms and inventory strategies under reporting manager guidance.
• Track and report savings, spend analytics, and procurement ROI to leadership.

5. Supply Chain & Inventory Alignment

• Collaborate with Manufacturing and Supply Planning to ensure uninterrupted material flow.
• Optimize inventory levels, safety stocks, and lead times based on demand forecasts.
• Prevent supply disruptions through proactive risk monitoring and mitigation planning.

6. Quality, Compliance & Regulatory Alignment

• Ensure procurement activities comply with global regulatory requirements (FDA / EMA / WHO / CDSCO).
• Support QA/RA teams during audits, filings, technology transfers, and regulatory submissions.
• Maintain full traceability and documentation for inspection readiness.

7. Supplier Performance & Risk Management

• Define and monitor supplier KPIs including OTIF, quality compliance, cost variance, and responsiveness.
• Conduct periodic supplier performance reviews and risk assessments.
• Implement business continuity plans for critical supply categories.

8. Cross-Functional Leadership

• Act as a strategic partner to R&D, Manufacturing, QA/RA, Finance, and Legal.
• Support product development, scale-up, validation, and commercialization initiatives.
• Ensure procurement alignment with project timelines and portfolio priorities.

Core Competencies

• Strategic Sourcing & Category Management
• Global Vendor Development & Relationship Management
• Contract Negotiation & Commercial Acumen
• GMP / Regulatory-Compliant Procurement
• Cost Optimization & Spend Analytics
• Supply Risk Management & Business Continuity
• Cross-Functional Leadership in Matrix Organizations
• Procurement Digital Transformation

Technical Skills

• ERP Systems: SAP / Oracle / Coupa / Ariba
• Spend Analytics: Advanced Excel, Power BI, Tableau
• Procurement Tools: Contract Lifecycle & e-Sourcing platforms
• Inventory Planning / MRP systems
• MS PowerPoint for executive reporting & dashboards

Desired Attributes

• Strong strategic and commercial thinking
• Good negotiation Skills
• Ability to manage complexity in global supply environments
• Strong execution focus with ownership mindset
• Data-driven decision making approach
• Strong ethical standards and compliance orientation

Reporting Structure
Reports to: Head - Project Management Officer