Manager / Sr. Manager - Sourcing (R&D - FDF)
Job Description
Role Objective:
We are seeking a strategic and experienced R&D Senior Sourcing Manager to oversee the complete procurement and supply chain lifecycle for our Finished Dosage Form (FDF) Research & Development. This critical role serves as the link between R&D and the supply chain, managing the end-to-end sourcing of critical raw materials (APIs & Excipients) and packaging materials (Primary, Secondary, Sterile). The manager will ensure the compliant and cost-efficient acquisition of materials for R&D trials, stability studies, and pilot batches, adhering to strict regulatory and quality standards.
KEY RESPONSIBILITIES
1. Strategic Sourcing and Vendor Management
Strategic Sourcing & Vendor Development: Proactively identify, evaluate, and onboard new vendors for APIs and excipients to establish secure supply chains for regulated (US/EU) and non-regulated markets.
Alternative Vendor Development (AVD): Lead initiatives to develop and qualify alternative suppliers for critical raw materials to ensure supply security and drive cost-effectiveness.
Techno-Commercial Negotiation: Conduct advanced negotiations on pricing, payment terms, and delivery schedules to achieve optimal cost reduction while maintaining quality standards.
Contract Management: Draft, review, and maintain all vendor supply agreements and Confidentiality Agreements (CDA).
Inventory & Risk Management: Monitor R&D material stock levels and manage vendor performance using established key metrics.
2. R&D and Regulatory Support
R&D Project Coordination: Collaborate closely with R&D, Quality Assurance, and Regulatory teams to ensure the timely procurement of samples necessary for development projects, from initial lab formulation through to scale-up.
Regulatory Documentation: Facilitate the collection of essential documents such as Drug Master Files (DMF), Certificates of Analysis (CoAs), and compliance certificates to support ANDA (Abbreviated New Drug Application) filings.
EXIM & Licensing: Manage documentation for Imports/Exports, Duty Drawback, and Advance Licenses, including periodic reconciliations to maximize cost benefits. Monitor filing and licensing norms to ensure seamless product launches and timely new supplier introductions.
3. Market Intelligence and Financial Control
Market Analysis & Intelligence: Continuously monitor global market trends, including currency fluctuations, crude oil price variations, demand/supply dynamics, and material shortages.
Supplier Intelligence: Conduct market research, visit suppliers, engage in trade forums, and connect with industry peers to anticipate and address new API requirements.
Financial Analysis & Cost Reduction: Drive significant cost-saving initiatives by leveraging commercial and technical intelligence, utilizing clean cost sheets, and conducting competitive pricing analysis to lower the finished formulation cost. Perform monthly Purchase Price Variance (PPV) analysis to track and manage procurement expenditures.
JOB REQUIREMENTS
Professional Experience and Relevant Skills
Experience: Typically 8–15 years of progressive experience in pharmaceutical R&D procurement or strategic sourcing.
Regulatory Knowledge: In-depth understanding of GMP (Good Manufacturing Practices), FDA, and EMA regulatory requirements as they pertain to pharmaceutical raw materials.
Technical Knowledge: Strong foundational understanding of pharmaceutical raw materials and the formulation development process.
Systems Proficiency: Must possess strong, hands-on experience with SAP, particularly the Material Requirements Planning (MRP) and Materials Management (MM) modules.
Academic Qualifications & Certifications:
Education: Bachelor’s or Master’s degree in Pharmacy (B.Pharm/M.Pharm) or M.Sc in Chemistry.
Core Competencies:
Domain Expertise: Deep knowledge and practical application of Material Management principles, with the ability to independently manage international procurement and global suppliers.
Strategic Thinking: Strong business acumen; ability to translate complex technical and commercial data into clear, long-term strategic plans.
Negotiation & Vendor Management: Exceptional ability to negotiate favorable terms and effectively manage long-term vendor relationships.
Interpersonal & Leadership Skills: Proven team management abilities, talent for fostering organizational synergy, and strong communication for effective collaboration with cross-functional teams (Regulatory, QA, R&D).